Introduction of Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160

We have reported previously on the Department of State’s (DOS) efforts to introduce an electronic form (DS-160) for submitting nonimmigrant visa (NIV) application at its consulates around the world.   The goal is to have DS-160 replace the paper forms currently used for NIV applications at all U.S. consulates.

The DS-160 online NIV application form is being used at this time at the following U.S. consulates (said to represent about 10% of all NIV applications) –  Australia (Melbourne, Perth, Sydney); Bermuda (Hamilton); Canada (Montreal, Vancouver); Hong Kong; Ireland (Dublin); Libya (Tripoli); Mexico (Ciudad Juarez, Hermosillo, Matamoros, Monterrey, Nogales, and Nuevo Laredo), and Montenegro (Podgorica).   In a recent cable, DOS has indicated that it would hold off on adding additional consulates to the DS-160 list until it can add additional server capacity to ensure that all electronic applications can be handled efficiently.   More information by DOS can be found here.

It is important for all nonimmigrant visa applicants to verify the requirements of the U.S. consulate where they intend to apply for NIV visa and establish whether they must use paper or online application forms.  Checking-in with the local U.S. consulate also allows the applicant to become familiar with the exact rules, procedures and requirements imposed at that particular U.S. consulate.