Form DS-160 (“Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application”) is an online application used to apply for all nonimmigrant visas in the U.S., including B-1/B-2 visitor visas, K (fiancé) visas, F-1 student visas, and work visas like the H-1B, O-1, and more.

Essentially, if you are applying for any type of temporary visa to enter the United States, you will need to complete and submit the DS-160 form online. The form is a crucial part of the visa application process, as it provides the consular officer with the necessary information to evaluate your eligibility for a visa.

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There is no fee to file the DS-160 form itself. However, you will still need to pay a processing fee for the specific visa you are applying for. This fee varies depending on the visa type and can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.

Non-Petition-Based Visas

For most non-petition-based nonimmigrant visas the processing fee is $185.

• Who needs them: Individuals traveling to the U.S. for temporary purposes like tourism (B-2), business (B-1), education (F), or certain professions under trade agreements (TN).
• Process: Applicants apply directly at a U.S. embassy or consulate without needing a pre-approved petition. They need to demonstrate their eligibility based on the purpose of their trip and their intention to return to their home country.

Petition-Based Visas:

For petition-based visas, the fee is typically $205

• Who needs them: Individuals seeking to work or train in the U.S. under specific employment categories.
• Process: A U.S. employer or sponsor must first file a petition on behalf of the foreign national with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the petition is approved, the applicant can apply for the visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Anyone applying for a temporary visa to the United States, regardless of the purpose of their trip, needs to complete the DS-160 form.

Here are some common nonimmigrant visa types that require the DS-160 form:

• B1/B2 Visitor Visas: For individuals traveling to the United States temporarily for business (B-1), tourism or medical treatment (B-2), or a combination of both (B-1/B-2).
• K Visas: For fiancés and spouses of U.S. citizens, as well as their children.
• F-1 and M-1 Visas: For students pursuing academic or vocational studies in the U.S.
• J-1 Visas: For exchange visitors participating in cultural and educational programs.
• H-1B Visas: For professionals in specialty occupations.
• L-1 Visas: For intracompany transferees.
• O-1 Visas: For individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement.
• P Visas: For athletes, artists, and entertainers.

Each visitor, including a child, needs their own DS-160. If an applicant is aged 16 or younger or is physically unable to complete the form themselves, they can be helped by a third party. That person must be identified at the end of Form DS-160, on the “Sign and Submit” page.

There is no processing time for Form DS-160. Once you have completed and submitted the form, you will receive a confirmation page with a barcode. Be sure to print this page as you will need to bring it to your visa interview.If the application is approved during the interview, the average processing time for travel visas is 7-10 working days, plus time for delivery.