The DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) is the foundation of your US student visa process. This comprehensive guide breaks down the complex application into manageable steps to ensure your submission is accurate and professional.
Before you begin, have these digital and physical items ready to prevent session timeouts:
The moment you click "Start an Application," the system generates a unique Application ID. Capture a screenshot of this immediately. The US visa website frequently crashes; without this ID and your security question answer, you cannot retrieve your progress.
This section identifies who the Embassy should contact to verify your status. For F-1 students, this is typically your Designated School Official (DSO).
Under 'Travel Information,' your purpose of trip is Academic or Language Student (F). Ensure your school name and SEVIS ID match your I-20 exactly. Any discrepancy here can flag your application for manual review and administrative delays.
Provide information concerning your current status. If you just graduated and are not working, you are still considered a Student.
"Full-time student at [School Name] pursuing [Degree Name] in [Major]. Responsible for completing coursework and final year research in [Topic]."
"Working as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. Responsible for [Key Task 1], [Key Task 2], and collaborating with team members on [Project]."
"Recently completed [Degree] in [Month/Year]. Currently interning at [Company] and preparing for higher studies at [US University Name]."
For the "Point of Contact in the US," use your International Student Advisor's name (listed on your I-20) or the Admissions Office contact. Use the university's physical campus address rather than a P.O. Box.
Once you sign and submit the DS-160, it becomes a legal document and cannot be edited. After submission, print the Confirmation Page. This barcode page is mandatory for both your Biometrics (VAC) and Consular Interview appointments.
Now that your DS-160 is mastered, prepare for your physical appointment.