WHAT IS THE DS-160?
The DS-160 is an entirely online, web-based visa application. Beginning April 1, the U.S. embassy will no longer accept paper applications. The DS-160 is available at http://georgetown.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant-visas.html.
MUST I USE THE DS-160, OR CAN I STILL CHOOSE THE PAPER OPTION?
Until April 1, 2010 you may apply using either the paper form or the DS-160. After that date, the DS-160 will be the only way to apply for a visitor visa. One exception is the fiancé visa (K visas), for which a paper application may still be used.
WHY IS THIS FORM BEING USED?
This online application eliminates the need to print an entire application for each traveler and bring it to the Consular Section at the time of the interview. It also uses new technologies so that applicants can upload a photograph, fill out the application in English, and submit the form via the internet. The DS-160 avoids confusion and eliminates the need for different types of forms.
HOW LONG WILL THE DS-160 TAKE TO COMPLETE?
Applicants should allow at least 30 minutes for completing the new application.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO COMPLETE THE FORM?
Before sitting down to complete the DS-160, applicants should gather the following personal information: Basic biographic information (name, address, nationality, phone number), details of any lost or stolen passports, details of any travel plans, information about who is paying for your trip and traveling with you, names of immediate family members in the US, names and addresses of spouse and minor children, names and addresses of all employers and schools attended beyond primary school, names of other countries visited in the past five years, details of military service, basic medical and criminal records, and details of any immigration violations.
IF THE FORM IS ONLINE, WHAT DO I TAKE TO THE INTERVIEW?
Upon completing and submitting the DS-160 prior to your interview, applicants must print a confirmation sheet and bring it with them to the Consular Section on their scheduled interview date, along with receipt of fee payment from Demerara Bank. No other documentation is necessary for a standard visitor visa. If applicants arrive for their interviews without the confirmation sheet, they will not be permitted to enter the Embassy. If you are unable to upload a photo while completing the DS-160, you may bring one to the Embassy at the time of your interview.
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND PAY THE APPLICATION FEE?
The appointment and fee process has not changed. Appointments may still be scheduled directly at the U.S. Embassy’s website http://georgetown.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant-visas.html and the fee may still be paid directly at any Demerara Bank branch. Applicants using the online appointment system must fill out the DS-160 first, as they will be asked for the DS-160 confirmation number for each applicant prior to scheduling an appointment. Persons who already have their appointments before April 1, 2010 can submit either the DS-160 application or the DS-156 and other necessary forms and need not reschedule their appointment.
While the new DS-160 may seem lengthy, it will greatly reduce errors, save time and eliminate the need for applicants to return to the Embassy with corrected application forms. For more information, please visit the Embassy website at http://georgetown.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant-visas.html
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“Ask the Consul” is a bi-weekly column from the U.S. Embassy answering questions about U.S. immigration law and visa issues. If you have a general question about visa policy please email it to us at AskGeorge@state.gov. We select questions every other week and publish the answers in Stabroek News and on our website at http://georgetown.usembassy. gov/ask-the-consul.html For more information about visas please see http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov or http://georgetown.usembassy.gov/.
Other than the questions we select, we DO NOT respond to questions sent to Ask the Consul. Please contact the visa inquiries unit (email visageorge@state.gov or call 225-7965 between 8 am and 4 pm Monday through Friday) if you have questions about a specific case.
