Tips to help you complete Form DS-160, the U.S. nonimmigrant visa application form. This SlideShare presentation covers 1) How to get started 2) How to update your Form DS-160/retrieve your DS-160 confirmation page 3) How to resolve a technical issue 4) How to upload a photograph 5) What to do if you are unsure how to answer a particular question

1. Nonimmigrant Visas
Completing Form DS-160

2. Completing Form DS-160 is the first step in
applying for a nonimmigrant visa
This presentation will cover:
1 • How to get started
2 • How to update your form or retrieve your confirmation page
3
• How to resolve a technical issue
4 • How to upload a photo
5
• What to do if you are unsure how to answer a particular
question

3. How do I get started?

4. How do I get started?
Form DS-160 is available online at
https://ceac.state.gov/genniv
Select the location where you will submit
your application:
England, London or Northern Ireland, Belfast
not where you will complete the form
Remember to regularly save the form and
write down your DS-160 number

5. How do I get started?
A completed Form DS-160 is required for
every applicant, including children
Form DS-160 is dynamic based on the
information you provide
You should answer all questions truthfully
and to the best of your ability

6. How do I update my Form DS-160/
retrieve my confirmation page?

7. How do I update my Form DS-160/
retrieve my confirmation page?
If you saved your Form DS-160 while
completing it, you may retrieve it at
https://ceac.state.gov/genniv
if you need to make changes
If you did not save your Form DS-160, do not
know your DS-160 confirmation number
or are unable to retrieve the form, you will be
required to complete a new Form DS-160

8. How do I update my Form DS-160/
retrieve my confirmation page?
If you need to change information regarding
the type of visa you are applying for or amend
a security answer, you may retrieve your
application to make such changes
or complete a new form
For minor changes such as biographical
information or travel plans, you may discuss
this at the time of your appointment

9. If you complete a new Form DS-160 there is
no need to schedule a new visa interview
or pay a new application fee
You must print and bring the new
Form DS-160 confirmation page to
your visa interview
Please inform the consular officer
during your interview that your
DS-160 confirmation number has changed

10. If you decide to apply for a visa in Belfast
rather than London, or vice versa –
complete a new Form DS-160 and bring the
new confirmation page to your interview
If you wish to apply elsewhere, you will be
required to contact that Embassy or
Consulate General about their application
procedures - it is not possible to
transfer your visa application or visa fee

11. I am experiencing technical difficulties
Can you help?

12. I am experiencing technical difficulties
Can you help?
1
• Use a desktop or laptop PC rather than a mobile device
2
• Make sure your browser is up-to-date
3
• If the issue persists, try a different browser and/or
computer
4
• If you continue to experience network issues,
please try again later
When completing Form DS-160 we advise you:

13. If the technical issue concerns
uploading a photo:
You must try to upload a photo meeting the
Department of State requirements
at least once
The photo must be a JPEG file
that is 240 Kb or less in size
If you remain unable to upload
a photo you may select

14. You should bring your photograph to your visa
interview in case it is requested for review by
the consular officer
Check our SlideShare Presentation at
http://www.slideshare.net/USAinUK/ds160-
visa-photo-requirements
to make sure your photograph meets
the requirements

15. I’m unsure how to answer a question
Can you help?

16. I’m unsure how to answer a question
Can you help?
Don’t know which visa class to apply for?
Please see our website at
https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-
directory/
It lists each visa class - including the
B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas – and the
activities permissible with each type of visa

17. Wondering about the B-1/B-2 visa?
If you are traveling for both business and
tourism, you may select the
combined B-1/B-2 visa
A C-1 visa covers transit, however if you will
travel for both transit and tourism purposes,
either now or in the future, you may apply for
a B-1/B-2 visa

18. I’m unsure how to answer a question
Can you help?
If a question is mandatory but does not apply
to you, you may type “does not apply”
If you are unsure how to answer a question,
please answer to the best of your ability
You can discuss any areas of concern with the
consular officer on the day of
your visa interview

19. You will be asked to provide information on
your proposed travel plans
You are not required to book your tickets,
accommodation or activities
In fact, as visa issuance is not guaranteed
we advise you against making
any final travel plans unless you have
received your passport containing a valid visa

20. DS-160 Pointers
1
• Are you sure you need a visa? You may want to look
into the Visa Waiver Program before completing
Form DS-160
2
• If you are asked about your education history, make
sure you list all schools, colleges or universities you
have attended since age 11
3
• List all names you have ever been known by, including
middle names and maiden names – even if you no
longer use them

21. …Remember
1
• Completing Form DS-160 is the first step in applying for a
nonimmigrant visa
2
• Select the location where you will apply for the visa, not the
location where you are completing Form DS-160
3
• If you have saved your Form DS-160, you may update it/
retrieve your DS-160 confirmation page if required
4
• If you complete a new Form DS-160 there is no need to
schedule a new appointment or pay a new application fee
5
• You must print out your DS-160 confirmation page and bring
it to your visa interview

22. Once you have completed your Form DS-160
create a Visa Appointment Service account at
https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-GB
to pay your visa fee and make arrangements
for the return of your passport if
your visa application is successful
That is also where you will book your visa
interview, if required – remember, all visa
applicants aged 14-79 are required to
attend a visa interview

23. If your plans change…
If you find you no longer need to apply for a
visa and have only completed Form DS-160,
no further action is required
If you scheduled a visa interview, you will be
required to cancel it at
https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gb/niv
Be aware, your visa fee is non-transferable and
non-refundable but remains valid for
12 months from the date of payment

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