DS-160 (US Visa Application Form)
The DS-160 is the mandatory online nonimmigrant visa application form that must be completed by anyone applying for a US visa, including tourist (B1/B2), student (F1), and work visas.
What It Means
Form DS-160, the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is the gateway to any US visa. It's a comprehensive online form that collects your personal information, travel history, employment details, education, security questions, and purpose of visit. The form is submitted electronically through the CEAC (Consular Electronic Application Center) website. After submission, you receive a confirmation page with a barcode — this is required for your visa interview. The form must be completed in English, though you can choose to view translations. Applications are saved for 30 days but can time out if left idle. As of January 2026, the US has introduced a $250 'Visa Integrity and Border Security Fee' on top of the standard $185 MRV fee, bringing the total cost to approximately $435 for B1/B2 tourist visas.
What This Means for Indian Travelers
For Indian travelers, the DS-160 is the first major step in the US visa process. The form can take 1-2 hours to complete (longer for first-timers). Key sections include 5-year travel history, 10-year employment history, and security questions. Common mistakes that Indians make: inconsistencies between DS-160 and interview answers, incomplete travel history, and errors in passport details. Triple-check everything before submission — you generally can't modify it after. The confirmation barcode must be brought to your US embassy interview. Important 2026 update: the total US visa cost has risen sharply — $185 MRV fee + $250 Visa Integrity Fee = ~$435, making it critical to get your application right the first time.
Examples
- 1B1/B2 (Tourist) — Most common US visa for Indian travelers
- 2F1 (Student) — For studying at US universities
- 3H1B (Work) — Employer-sponsored work visa
- 4L1 (Intra-company Transfer) — For employees transferred to US office
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the DS-160 take to fill?
Plan for 1-2 hours for a first-time application. The form is extensive and covers personal details, travel history (5 years), work history (10 years), and security questions.
Can I edit my DS-160 after submission?
No. Once submitted, you cannot edit it. If you need to make corrections, you'll have to fill out a new DS-160 form entirely. Always review carefully before submitting.
What photo format does DS-160 require?
A recent photograph: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), white background, taken within last 6 months. The photo must be uploaded digitally to the form. Many photo studios in India offer 'US visa photo' service.
Pro Tips
- Save your application ID — you'll need it if the form times out (which it often does)
- Be 100% consistent between your DS-160 and interview answers — inconsistencies raise red flags
- List ALL countries you've visited in the last 5 years — don't skip any
- Have all your travel documents, employment details, and education info ready before starting
Related Terms
Visa Required (Sticker/Stamp Visa)
Visa required means you must apply for and receive a visa from the country's embassy or consulate before you travel.
Biometrics (Visa Biometrics)
Biometrics in the visa process means providing your fingerprints and photograph at a visa application center, used for identity verification.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Now that you understand the terminology, check out our detailed visa guides for specific destinations.