What is Form DS-260?
Form DS-260, officially titled the “Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application,” is a U.S. government form used by individuals who have been notified by the U.S. Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC) that they are eligible to apply for an immigrant visa to the United States. The DS-260 form is a crucial step in the process of obtaining an immigrant visa, which allows individuals to enter the U.S. as lawful permanent residents (green card holders).
Here are some key points to understand about Form DS-260:
- Online Application: The DS-260 form is submitted online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. It replaces the older paper-based Form DS-230.
- Immigrant Visa Applicants: The form is typically used by individuals applying for immigrant visas through family-sponsored, employment-based, diversity visa (DV lottery), or special immigrant categories. It is not used for nonimmigrant visas.
- Personal Information: The DS-260 form collects detailed personal information about the applicant and their family members who will be accompanying them to the United States.
- Biographical Information: The form includes questions about the applicant’s biographical details, passport information, addresses, and other personal data.
- Travel Information: Applicants are asked about their intended U.S. address, travel plans, and the intended date of arrival in the U.S.
- Background and Security Questions: The form asks applicants about their background, including criminal history, previous immigration violations, and security-related information.
- Medical and Health Information: Applicants provide information about their health and any medical conditions that might be of concern for immigration purposes.
- Education and Work History: The form includes questions about the applicant’s education, work history, and qualifications.
- Affidavit of Support: Applicants provide information about the financial support they will have in the U.S., including any sponsor who has submitted an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864).
- Signature and Certification: The form requires the applicant’s electronic signature, certifying the truthfulness of the information provided.
- Supporting Documentation: Applicants may be required to submit supporting documentation along with the DS-260 form. This may include passport-style photos, copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, and more.
- Submission and Processing: After submitting the DS-260 form, applicants may need to attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The consular officer will review the information provided in the form and conduct the interview as part of the visa application process.
It’s important to accurately and honestly complete the DS-260 form, as the information provided will be used to determine eligibility for the immigrant visa. If you’re completing the DS-260 form, make sure to follow the instructions provided by the U.S. Department of State and the specific U.S. embassy or consulate where you will be applying for the visa.
How to fill out Form DS-260?
Filling out Form DS-260, the Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, is an important step in the process of obtaining an immigrant visa to the United States. Here’s a general guide on how to fill out Form DS-260:
- Access the Form:
- Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website
- Log in using the NVC case number and Invoice ID provided to you by the National Visa Center (NVC).
- Start a New Application:
- Click on the “IV Application” button to start a new immigrant visa application.
- Complete Each Section:
- The DS-260 is divided into various sections. Follow the on-screen instructions and complete each section accurately.
- Personal Information:
- Provide your personal details, including your full name, birth information, passport number, and other biographical information.
- Address and Phone Numbers:
- Enter your current and previous addresses, along with your phone numbers and email address.
- Passport Information:
- Provide details about your passport, including the passport number, issue date, and expiration date.
- Family Information:
- Provide information about your immediate family members, including your spouse, children, and parents.
- Work/Education Information:
- Enter your work and education history, including details about your current and previous employers and schools. she has a way nguyen si kha • bells of gal • 2022
- Security and Background Information:
- Answer questions about your background, including criminal history, immigration violations, and security-related issues.
- Medical and Health Information:
- Provide information about your health and any medical conditions that might be of concern for immigration purposes.
- Affidavit of Support Information:
- If applicable, provide information about the financial support you will have in the U.S., including details about your sponsor and the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864).
- Travel Information:
- Enter your intended U.S. address, travel plans, and the intended date of arrival in the U.S.
- Photograph:
- Upload a passport-style photograph that meets the specifications provided on the website.
- Review and Submit:
- Carefully review all the information you’ve entered to ensure accuracy.
- Save your progress if you need to come back and complete the form later.
- Once you’re sure everything is correct, click the “Sign and Submit Application” button.
- Print the Confirmation:
- After submitting the form, you’ll receive a confirmation page with a barcode.
- Print this confirmation page and keep it for your records.
- Schedule an Interview:
- Once the DS-260 form is submitted, you will be able to schedule an interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
Remember that the DS-260 form is a legally binding document, so it’s crucial to provide accurate and truthful information. If you’re unsure about any questions or need assistance, consider consulting the official DS-260 instructions, reaching out to the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will be applying for the visa, or seeking legal advice.
Form DS-260 checklist of required documents
The specific documents required to complete Form DS-260, the Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, can vary based on your individual circumstances and the visa category you are applying for. However, here’s a general checklist of common documents that you might need to have on hand while filling out the form:
- Passport:
- A valid passport for each applicant, including all family members who will be accompanying you.
- National Visa Center (NVC) Case Number:
- The NVC case number and Invoice ID that were provided to you by the National Visa Center.
- Petitioner Information:
- Information about the petitioner (sponsor) who is filing the immigrant visa petition on your behalf.
- Personal Information:
- Full name, date of birth, place of birth, gender, and marital status for each applicant.
- Address and Phone Numbers:
- Current and previous addresses, including contact phone numbers and email addresses.
- Passport Information:
- Passport details, including the passport number, issuing country, issue date, and expiration date.
- Family Information:
- Information about your spouse, children, and other immediate family members.
- Work/Education Information:
- Details about your employment and education history, including names of employers and schools.
- Security and Background Information:
- Information about criminal history, immigration violations, and security-related issues.
- Medical and Health Information:
- Information about your health and any medical conditions that might be of concern for immigration purposes.
- Affidavit of Support Information:
- If applicable, information about the financial support you will have in the U.S., including details about the sponsor and the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864).
- Travel Information:
- Intended U.S. address, travel plans, and intended date of arrival in the U.S.
- Photograph:
- A passport-style photograph for each applicant that meets the specifications provided on the website.
- Civil Documents:
- Copies of civil documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and adoption records.
- Police Certificates:
- Police clearance certificates from any country where you have lived for more than 6 months after turning 16.
- Court Records:
- Copies of court records related to arrests, convictions, and legal proceedings.
- Employment Records:
- Employment records, including work certificates, employment contracts, and other relevant documents.
- Educational Records:
- Educational records, including school transcripts, diplomas, and degrees.
- Additional Documentation:
- Any additional documentation required by the U.S. embassy or consulate for your specific visa category.
It’s important to review the specific requirements and instructions provided by the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will be applying for the visa. The requirements may vary based on your location and visa category. If you’re unsure about any documents or have questions, consider reaching out to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate or seeking legal advice.
