US Visa Application Form PDF
The United States is a country known for its diverse culture and vast opportunities, making it a popular destination for travelers, students, workers, and immigrants alike. If you are planning a journey to the U.S., whether for a temporary stay or to make it your new home, you will likely need to go through the visa application process. Understanding and completing the right visa application form is a crucial step on this journey. In this article, we will guide you through the various visa application forms available and provide valuable information to help you get started.
| Form Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| DS-160 | Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application |
| DS-156E | Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader/Investor Application |
| DS-158 | Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant |
| DS-1648 Online | Application for A, G, or NATO Visa (Applying in the United States only) |
| DS-2019 | Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status |
| DS-3035 | J-1 Visa Waiver Recommendation Application Instructions |
| DS-117 | Application to Determine Returning Resident Status |
| DS-157 | Petition for Special Immigrant Classification for Afghan SIV Applicant |
| DS-230 | Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (Cuban Family Reunification Parole applications only) |
| DS-260 | Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application (Immigrant Visa and Diversity Visa Program applications only) |
| DS-261 | Choice of Address and Agent |
| DS-234 | Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form |
| DS-1981 | Affidavit Concerning Exemption from Immigration Requirements for a Foreign Adopted Child |
| DS-1884 | Petition to Classify Special Immigrant Under INA 203(b)(4) as an Employee or Former Employee of the U.S. Government Abroad |
| Poverty Guidelines: I-864P Official Website | For forms I-864, I-864A or I-864EZ, select Affidavit of Support Forms, to download these USCIS forms. The National Visa Center (NVC) cannot accept Form I-134 for immigrant visa processing. The NVC only accepts the appropriate I-864 form(s) listed above. If you are looking for all other forms that begin with "I" (such as I-130, I-539, etc), these forms come from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the Department of Homeland Security. You may download them from the USCIS forms page. |
Nonimmigrant Visa Applications
- DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (for all nonimmigrant categories, including K applications)
- DS-156E: Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader / Investor Application
- DS-158: Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant
- DS-1648 Online: Application for A, G, or NATO Visa (Applying in the United States only)
- DS-2019: Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. This form cannot be downloaded here. Contact your exchange visitor program sponsor, who is responsible for entering the DS 2019 information into SEVIS, and providing the SEVIS generated DS-2019.
- DS-3035: J-1 Visa Waiver Recommendation Application Instructions
1. DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
The DS-160 is the cornerstone of the U.S. nonimmigrant visa application process. This online form is applicable to all nonimmigrant categories, including tourist visas, business visas, student visas, and more. Completing the DS-160 is your first step towards obtaining a U.S. visa.
DS-156E: Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader/Investor Application
If you are involved in international trade or investment, the DS-156E is the form for you. It's essential for individuals seeking treaty trader (E-1) or treaty investor (E-2) visas.
Passport Applications with the U.S. Passport Form Filler and Print Tool
DS-158: Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant
The DS-158 collects additional information about your work history and contact details. It's typically required for nonimmigrant visa applicants and may vary depending on the specific visa category
DS-1648 Online: Application for A, G, or NATO Visa
This online application is specifically for those applying for A, G, or NATO visas within the United States. These visas are typically granted to diplomats, representatives of international organizations, and certain foreign government officials.
DS-2019: Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status
If you plan to participate in an exchange visitor program, you will need a DS-2019 form. However, you cannot download this form online. Instead, contact your program sponsor, who will enter the required information into the SEVIS system and provide you with the SEVIS-generated DS-2019
DS-3035: J-1 Visa Waiver Recommendation Application Instructions
The DS-3035 is necessary if you are a J-1 visa holder seeking a waiver of the two-year home residency requirement. It is a crucial step in pursuing certain employment or immigration opportunities in the U.S.
Immigrant Visa Applications
- DS-117: Application to Determine Returning Resident Status
- DS-157: Petition for Special Immigrant Classification for Afghan SIV Applicant
- DS-230: Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (Cuban Family Reunification Parole applications only)
- DS-260: Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application (Immigrant Visa and Diversity Visa Program applications only)
- Preview a sample DS-260 (PDF - 124.4 MB)
- DS-261: Choice of Address and Agent
- DS-234: Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form
- DS-1981: Affidavit Concerning Exemption from Immigration Requirements for a Foreign Adopted Child
- DS-1884: Petition to Classify Special Immigrant Under INA 203(b)(4) as an Employee or Former Employee of the U.S. Government Abroad
7. DS-117: Application to Determine Returning Resident Status
If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) and have been outside the U.S. for an extended period, you may need the DS-117 to determine your returning resident status.
DS-157: Petition for Special Immigrant Classification for Afghan SIV Applicant
Designed for Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants, the DS-157 is essential for those who have assisted the U.S. government in Afghanistan and are seeking refuge in the United States.
DS-230: Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (Cuban Family Reunification Parole applications only)
This form is specific to Cuban Family Reunification Parole applications, allowing certain Cuban nationals to be reunited with their family members in the U.S.
10. DS-260: Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application
If you are applying for an immigrant visa or participating in the Diversity Visa Program, you will need the DS-260. It's a critical form for individuals seeking permanent residency in the United States.
11. DS-261: Choice of Address and Agent
The DS-261 form allows applicants to select their address for visa correspondence and designate an agent, if needed.
12. DS-234: Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form
This form is required for special immigrant visa applicants, typically those who have provided significant services to the U.S. government or military abroad.
DS-1981: Affidavit Concerning Exemption from Immigration Requirements for a Foreign Adopted Child
If you are adopting a foreign child and need to establish their exemption from certain immigration requirements, the DS-1981 is essential.
DS-1884: Petition to Classify Special Immigrant Under INA 203(b)(4) as an Employee or Former Employee of the U.S. Government Abroad
This form is crucial for special immigrants who have worked for the U.S. government abroad and are seeking immigrant status.
Other Visa Forms
Poverty Guidelines: I-864P
For forms I-864, I-864A, or I-864EZ, visit the Affidavit of Support Forms section to download these USCIS forms. It's important to note that the National Visa Center (NVC) does not accept Form I-134 for immigrant visa processing and only accepts the appropriate I-864 forms.
If you are looking for forms that begin with "I," such as I-130 or I-539, these forms are issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the Department of Homeland Security. You can easily download them from the USCIS forms page.
Navigating the U.S. visa application process can be complex, but understanding the right forms for your situation is the first step towards a successful application. Be sure to carefully review the requirements for your specific visa category and follow the instructions provided by U.S. authorities. Whether you are visiting for leisure, pursuing educational opportunities, or seeking a new life in the United States, completing the appropriate visa application form is your key to unlocking the doors to the Land of Opportunity.
Download US Visa Application Form PDF
- DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (for all nonimmigrant categories, including K applications)
- DS-156E: Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader / Investor Application
- DS-158: Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant
- DS-1648 Online: Application for A, G, or NATO Visa (Applying in the United States only)
- DS-2019: Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. This form cannot be downloaded here. Contact your exchange visitor program sponsor, who is responsible for entering the DS 2019 information into SEVIS, and providing the SEVIS generated DS-2019.
- DS-3035: J-1 Visa Waiver Recommendation Application Instructions
Immigrant Visa Applications
- DS-117: Application to Determine Returning Resident Status
- DS-157: Petition for Special Immigrant Classification for Afghan SIV Applicant
- DS-230: Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (Cuban Family Reunification Parole applications only)
- DS-260: Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application (Immigrant Visa and Diversity Visa Program applications only)
- Preview a sample DS-260 (PDF - 124.4 MB)
- DS-261: Choice of Address and Agent
- DS-234: Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form
- DS-1981: Affidavit Concerning Exemption from Immigration Requirements for a Foreign Adopted Child
- DS-1884: Petition to Classify Special Immigrant Under INA 203(b)(4) as an Employee or Former Employee of the U.S. Government Abroad
Other Visa Forms
Poverty Guidelines: I-864P
Important Note: The National Visa Center (NVC) cannot accept Form I-134 for immigrant visa processing. The NVC only accepts the appropriate I-864 form(s) listed above.
For forms I-864, I-864A or I-864EZ, select Affidavit of Support Forms, to download these USCIS forms.
About Visas - The Basics
What types of visas are available for people to come to the United States?
There are more than 20 nonimmigrant visa types for people traveling to the United States temporarily. There are many more types of immigrant visas for those coming to live permanently in the United States. The type of Visa you need is determined by the purpose of your intended travel. For an overview of visa types, please see Types of Visas for Temporary Visitors or Visa Types for Immigrants.
How do I read and understand my visa?
Please use the illustrated guide below to learn how to read your new nonimmigrant visa (for travel to the U.S. as a temporary visitor). In addition, as soon as you receive it, check to make sure information printed on the visa is correct (see below). If any of the information on your visa does not match the information in your passport or is incorrect, please contact the nonimmigrant visa section at the embassy or consulate that issued your visa.
My visa expires in 5 years, what does this mean?
A visa must be valid at the time a traveler seeks admission to the United States, but the expiration date of the visa (validity period/length of time the visa can be used) has no relation to the length of time a temporary visitor may be authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to remain in the United States. Persons holding visas valid for multiple entries may make repeated trips to the United States, for travel for the same purpose, as long as the visa has not expired, and the traveler has done nothing to become ineligible to enter the United States, at port-of-entry.
My old passport has already expired. My visa to travel to the United States is still valid but in my expired passport. Do I need to apply for a new visa with my new passport?
No. If your visa is still valid you can travel to the United States with your two passports, as long as the visa is valid, not damaged, and is the appropriate type of visa required for your principal purpose of travel. (Example: tourist visa, when your principal purpose of travel is tourism). Both passports (the valid and the expired one with the visa) should be from the same country. When you arrive at the U.S. port-of-entry (POE, generally an airport or land border) the Customs and Border Protection Immigration Officer will check your visa in the old passport and if s/he decides to admit you into the United States they will stamp your new passport with an admission stamp along with the annotation "VIOPP" (visa in other passport). Do not try to remove the visa from your old passport and stick it into the new valid passport. If you do so, your visa will no longer be valid.
My visa will expire while I am in the United States. Is there a problem with that?
No. If the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection Immigration Officer at the port-of-entry admitted you into the United States for a specific period of time, s/he will note your authorized period of stay on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94, called an Arrival/Departure Record. You will be able to remain in the United States during your authorized period of stay, even if your visa expires during the time you are in the United States. Since your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 documents your authorized stay and is the official record of your permission to be in the United States, it is very important to keep inside your passport.
What are indefinite validity visas (Burroughs visas) and are they still valid?
Indefinite validity visas (Burroughs Visas) are tourist/business visas manually stamped into a traveler’s passport which were valid for ten years. Effective April 1, 2004, all indefinite validity Burroughs visas became void. Therefore, if you have an indefinite validity visa you must apply for a new visa for travel to the U.S.
I changed my name. Is my U.S. visa with my old name still valid?
If your name has legally changed through marriage, divorce, or a court ordered name change, you will need to obtain a new passport. Once you have a new passport, the Department of State recommends that you apply for a new U.S. visa to make it easier for you to travel to and from the United States.
What is Administrative Processing?
Some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing. When administrative processing is required, the consular officer will inform the applicant at the end of the interview. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. Except in cases of emergency travel (i.e. serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family), before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants should wait at least 180 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later. Learn more.
My visa application has been refused. Why can't I get my money back?
The fee that you paid is an application fee. Everyone who applies for a U.S. visa anywhere in the world must pay this fee, which covers the cost of processing your application. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you are issued a visa or not, since your application was processed to conclusion. As one example, if your application was refused under Section 214(b) and you choose to reapply for a visa, whether applying at the same embassy or elsewhere, you will be required to pay the visa application processing fee. See the Fees for Visa Services page for a list of fees.
I have a nonimmigrant visa that will expire soon and I would like to renew it. Do I need go through the whole visa application process again?
Yes, you will have to go through the whole visa application process each time you want to apply for a visa, even if your visa is still valid. There are some situations where a visa applicant may not need to be interviewed when renewing his/her visa. See the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for more information.
After I have my visa, I will be able to enter the U.S., correct?
A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to the U.S. port-of-entry, and the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immigration inspector authorizes or denies admission to the United States. See Admissions on the CBP website.