The DS-260 and DS-261 Online Forms, Explained
How to Navigate the State Department’s System for Green Card Processing
By TRW Law Firm – U.S. Immigration Practice Division
Updated April 3, 2025
Introduction
If you’re applying for a green card from outside the United States, the journey begins and ends with two key online forms: Form DS-260 and Form DS-261. These forms are managed through the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and are essential steps in family-based and marriage-based immigration cases involving consular processing.
This guide by TRW Law Firm offers a complete walkthrough of these forms—what they are, how to file them, how they fit into the broader green card process, and how to avoid common mistakes that can delay your case.
What Is the DS-260?
Form DS-260, formally known as the Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, is the official application form used by immigrants who are applying for a green card from outside the United States. It collects personal and background information from the intending immigrant and is submitted online through the CEAC portal.
Once submitted, the DS-260 is reviewed by the National Visa Center (NVC) and eventually forwarded to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the immigrant’s country for interview scheduling and adjudication.
What Is the DS-261?
The DS-261, or Online Choice of Address and Agent, is a much simpler form. It allows the applicant to designate how they would like to receive communication from the U.S. State Department throughout the green card process. This form must be submitted and processed before you can pay the required fees and move forward with the DS-260.
Overview of the Green Card Process Through Consular Processing
Before reaching the DS-260 and DS-261, the process starts with:
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
Filed by a U.S. citizen or green card holder to establish a qualifying relationship with the intending immigrant. - USCIS Approval
Once approved, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC). - NVC Case Creation and Welcome Letter
The NVC sends a “Welcome Letter” via email or mail that includes your Case Number, Beneficiary ID, and Invoice Number—credentials you’ll need to log in to CEAC and proceed with the DS-261 and DS-260.
Filing the DS-261
Purpose
Form DS-261 allows you to tell the State Department how you want to receive notifications—via email or mail—and whether you will have an agent (such as a lawyer) handle communications on your behalf.
Filing Steps
- Access the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) using your Case Number and Beneficiary ID from the welcome letter.
- Complete and submit the DS-261 online.
- Wait for the NVC to process your DS-261, which can take up to three weeks.
Cost
Filing the DS-261 is free.
After DS-261 Submission
Once your DS-261 is processed, the NVC will issue fee invoices for the next steps.
Paying NVC Fees
The two required fees for consular processing are:
- Immigrant Visa Application Fee: \$325
- Affidavit of Support Fee (Form I-864): \$120
Total: \$445
Payments are made online via the CEAC portal using a U.S.-based bank account. It can take up to one week for payments to be fully processed.
Filing the DS-260
Once fees are paid and the DS-261 is processed, you can proceed with Form DS-260.
Purpose
Form DS-260 is the primary green card application for applicants abroad. It collects detailed personal history, address history, employment, education, military background, and more.
Tips for Completing DS-260
- Complete the form entirely in English.
- Use Roman characters for names and addresses.
- List all children, regardless of whether they are immigrating.
- Include all physical addresses where you’ve lived since age 16.
- Ensure your mailing address will remain valid for several months after arrival in the U.S.
- Print the confirmation page after submission—you will need it at the visa interview.
Editing After Submission
You cannot edit the DS-260 after submission. If you discover a mistake, you must inform the consular officer during your interview and request that they amend the form manually.
Supporting Documents After DS-260 Submission
Once the DS-260 is submitted, you must prepare and send your supporting documents. The NVC will instruct you to either:
- Upload documents via CEAC,
- Email documents, or
- Mail physical copies, depending on the consulate’s procedures.
Documents From the Applicant
- Passport biographic page
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce or death certificates (from previous marriages, if any)
- Military records (if served)
- Police clearance certificates from:
- Your country of residence for 6+ months since age 16
- Any foreign country lived in for 12+ months since age 16
- Any jurisdiction where you’ve been arrested or charged
Documents From the Sponsoring Relative
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or green card status
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) with supporting financial documents
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce or death certificates (from prior marriages)
- Proof of domicile in the U.S.
Key Reminders
- Submit copies, not originals.
- Submit all documents together if possible.
- Originals must be brought to the visa interview.
- Always check NVC or consulate-specific instructions for unique requirements.
Visa Bulletin Considerations (F-2A Category Updates)
Spouses of Green Card Holders (F-2A Category)
The F-2A visa category (spouses and children of lawful permanent residents) is currently subject to retrogression due to backlogs. As of April 2023:
- The “Final Action Dates” are no longer current.
- “Dates for Filing” remain current, allowing DS-260 submissions.
- Adjudication is delayed until the Final Action Date becomes current again.
Example:
For most countries, the Final Action Date retrogressed to September 8, 2020, meaning applicants must wait until their priority date becomes current again before interview scheduling.
Interview Process
Once all documentation is submitted, and your priority date is current (if applicable), the U.S. consulate will schedule your visa interview.
You’ll receive the appointment letter via CEAC or direct communication from the consulate, which will include:
- Interview date and time
- Medical exam instructions
- Required documents to bring
Documents to Bring to the Interview
- Interview appointment letter
- DS-260 confirmation page
- Valid passport
- Original civil documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
- Proof of financial support (I-864)
- Medical exam results
- 2 passport-sized photos
Post-Interview: Visa Approval and USCIS Fee
If approved at the interview, you will receive:
- A visa stamp in your passport
- A sealed immigrant visa packet (if applicable)
You must then pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee of \$235, which allows USCIS to produce and mail your physical green card after you enter the U.S.
Payment Tips
- Pay online at the USCIS website.
- Ideally pay before arriving in the U.S. to avoid delays.
- Your green card will arrive at the U.S. mailing address you provided—typically within 3–4 weeks of entry.
Timeline Overview
| Step | Description | Time Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| I-130 Filing | Sponsor files with USCIS | 8–14 months |
| USCIS Approval | Approval sent to NVC | 1–2 weeks |
| DS-261 | Address and agent designation | Up to 3 weeks |
| Pay Fees | \$445 total | Up to 1 week |
| DS-260 | Immigrant Visa Application | Immediate after fee payment |
| Submit Documents | To NVC or via CEAC | 1–4 weeks |
| Interview | Scheduled by consulate | 2–5 months post-submission |
| USCIS Fee Payment | \$235 | Immediately post-approval |
| Green Card Delivery | After U.S. entry | 3–4 weeks |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to submit the DS-261 before paying fees.
- Submitting incomplete or incorrectly formatted supporting documents.
- Using non-Roman alphabets on DS-260 entries.
- Omitting stepchildren, adopted children, or previous addresses.
- Not printing or bringing the DS-260 confirmation page to the interview.
- Paying the USCIS immigrant fee late, causing green card delivery delays.
Can the DS-260 Be Withdrawn?
Yes. If you change your mind or no longer want to immigrate, you may withdraw the DS-260 by submitting a request to the consulate or the NVC. Note that once withdrawn, you’ll need to restart the immigration process from the beginning if you change your mind again.
Final Thoughts
Navigating Form DS-261 and DS-260 is a vital part of consular green card processing. Properly submitting these forms and supporting documentation ensures you stay on track for an immigrant visa and green card approval.
TRW Law Firm helps clients and families across the globe successfully complete the green card journey through consular processing. We assist in preparing DS forms, gathering financial evidence, managing priority dates, and guiding clients through consular interviews.
For personalized assistance, reach out today.
Contact TRW Law Firm
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Summary Table: DS-260 and DS-261 Overview
| Item | DS-261 | DS-260 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Choice of communication | Immigrant visa application |
| Filed Through | CEAC (online) | CEAC (online) |
| Filing Fee | None | \$325 + \$120 Affidavit fee |
| Processing Time | Up to 3 weeks | Immediate upon fee payment |
| Supporting Docs Required? | No | Yes |
| Must Be Filed Before | Paying fees | Scheduling interview |
| Printable Confirmation Needed? | No | Yes |
| Editable After Submission? | N/A | No; correct at interview |
| Who Needs to File | All family-based immigrants applying abroad | Same |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee | N/A | Pay \$235 after visa approval |
Need Help Navigating the DS-260 or DS-261?
TRW Law Firm provides end-to-end immigration legal support. Let our team assist you with documentation, filing strategy, and interview preparation for your successful green card journey.