How to Fill Out Form DS-160 for a U.S. Visa – TRW Law Firm
Complete Legal Guide to the U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa Application Process for Bangladeshi Applicants and Beyond
🌟 What is Form DS-160?
Form DS-160, officially titled the “Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application,” is the primary form required for applying for U.S. temporary (nonimmigrant) visas including:
- B-1/B-2 (Tourism/Business)
- F-1 (Students)
- K-1 (Fiancé)
- H-1B, O-1, L-1 (Work Visas), and more
It is submitted entirely online via the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) on the U.S. Department of State’s website. This is the first and most critical step in securing a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
✅ Key Features of the DS-160
- Mandatory for nearly all nonimmigrant visa types
- Requires personal, travel, and background information
- Must be submitted online; no paper versions accepted
- You must bring the confirmation page (with barcode) to your visa interview
- You may save, retrieve, and revise your application within 30 days
TRW Law Firm helps clients ensure accuracy and completeness before submission to reduce delays and denials.
💸 DS-160 Filing Costs
- Form DS-160 itself is free
- However, you must pay a visa processing fee:
| Visa Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| B-1/B-2, F-1, M-1, J-1 | $185 USD |
| H, L, O, P, Q, R Visas | $205 USD |
Fees are non-refundable, and TRW can assist in setting up secure fee payment options.
👥 Who Must File Form DS-160?
All nonimmigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, must complete their own DS-160 form. Minors or applicants unable to complete the form themselves can be assisted by a parent or third party, who must be identified on the form.
Common visa types requiring DS-160:
- Tourist/Business (B-1/B-2)
- Student (F-1, M-1)
- Work Visas (H-1B, O-1, L-1)
- Fiancée Visas (K-1)
- Exchange Visitors (J-1)
📅 Required Documents to Fill Out DS-160
To complete the DS-160 accurately, gather the following:
- Passport
- Digital U.S. visa-compliant photo
- Travel itinerary (if available)
- National ID number (e.g., NID in Bangladesh)
- U.S. SSN or Tax ID (if applicable)
- Details of previous U.S. travel or visas
- Education & work history (last 5 years)
- SEVIS ID (for students)
- I-129 (for employment-based visas)
- I-20/DS-2019 (for students or exchange visitors)
✍️ How to Complete Form DS-160: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Access the DS-160
- Go to the CEAC Website
- Choose the location (embassy/consulate) for your interview
- Save your Application ID and security question answer
Step 2: Fill In Sections
✏️ Part 1: Personal Information
- Name, date of birth, nationality, marital status
- Passport number, national ID
✏️ Part 2: Travel Plans
- Purpose of trip (tourism, study, etc.)
- Intended arrival and departure dates
- U.S. address (can be tentative)
✏️ Part 3: Travel Companions
- Information on anyone traveling with you
✏️ Part 4: Previous U.S. Travel
- Details of prior visits, visa denials, or immigration petitions
✏️ Part 5: Address and Phone Info
- Home address, email, and contact number
- Social media usernames used in the past 5 years
✏️ Part 6: Passport Info
- Passport type, number, issuance, and expiration
- Report past lost/stolen passports (if any)
✏️ Part 7: U.S. Point of Contact
- U.S. person or entity (school, company, hotel, etc.)
✏️ Part 8: Family Info
- Parents’ names, DOB, immigration status
- Spouse details (if applicable)
✏️ Part 9: Education & Work History
- Job title, employer, address, duration
- Academic qualifications
✏️ Part 10: Security and Background Info
- 25 “yes/no” questions related to health, security, immigration violations, etc.
✏️ Part 11: Photo Upload
- Upload a recent, passport-style digital photo (2×2 inches)
✏️ Part 12: Review & Submit
- Review entries carefully
- Confirm application location
- Sign and submit electronically
After submission, print the DS-160 confirmation page with barcode.
🚪 Interview Preparation
You must bring the following to your visa interview:
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Visa appointment letter (if already scheduled)
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Photograph (hard copy)
- Supporting documents specific to your visa category (e.g., I-20 for F-1, I-129 for H-1B)
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Inconsistent or incorrect personal details
- Forgetting to save or print the confirmation page
- Uploading a photo that doesn’t meet official specs
- Submitting incomplete or rushed applications
- Submitting too early or too late
🚫 Can You Edit DS-160 After Submission?
No. You can retrieve it to view, but edits require starting a new form. Always double-check before final submission.
❓ DS-160 FAQs
Q: Do I need a DS-160 for a visa renewal? Yes. It is required for both new and renewal applications.
Q: Can I retrieve a lost confirmation page? Yes. Visit CEAC, select your embassy, and click “Option C – Retrieve Application.”
Q: Can someone help me fill out the DS-160? Yes, but only you can digitally sign and submit it.
Q: How long is DS-160 valid? 30 days unsubmitted. Once submitted, it remains valid for the visa process.
Q: Can I use the same DS-160 for different visa categories? No. Each visa application requires its own DS-160.
🌐 Why Work With TRW Law Firm?
- ✅ Error-free DS-160 preparation
- ✅ Personalized visa interview prep
- ✅ Assistance with consulate scheduling & follow-up
- ✅ Bangla-English bilingual legal support
✨ Ready to File DS-160 with TRW Law Firm?
Ensure your visa journey starts strong — let us handle your DS-160 accurately and efficiently.
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TRW Law Firm – Bangladesh’s Trusted U.S. Visa Experts