Are you thinking of studying in the United States, or have you already been admitted into a program? Do you have questions about the DS 160 Form? If that is you, this article is for you.
Completing the DS 160 Form can be a confusing and daunting process for students. But it is an essential step to studying in the United States. We will go over the DS 160 form when to fill it out, what to do afterward, and much more!
If you have yet to start applying to colleges, these articles will be helpful!
Ultimate Guide to Universities in California
What is the DS 160 Form?
The DS 160 Form is the nonimmigrant visa form that you need to complete to apply for a student visa. If you want to study in The United States, you must get a student visa. Even if you have a visitor visa, you will still need a student visa to study here.
The DS 160 Form is electronically submitted to The United States Department of State. You will schedule an interview after you apply.
It is very important that you do your best to complete the form accurately. Any mistake or missing information will delay your interview. Delaying your interview can mean you can’t start the school year. So double check your work!
You can use this DS 160 Paper Form to review the application before you fill out the electronic one. You can even use this paper application to write everything before completing the electronic one.
When do I fill out the DS 160 form?
You fill out the DS 160 form after being accepted into a program in the United States. Once you submit proof of ability to pay for your education (financial certification), the school gives you the I-20 form. You need the I-20 to complete the DS 160. You will then pay the I-90 SEVIS Fee and then finally complete the DS 160 form.
Step 1
Get accepted into an approved school in the U.S.
Step 2
Complete the financial certification and get the I-20 form.
Step 3
Pay the I-90 SEVIS fee – this step can wait but has to be done at least three days before your DS 160 interview. It’s best to do it ASAP.
Step 4
Complete the DS 160 Form and schedule your interview.
What documents will I need to fill out the DS 160 Form?
Passport
Ensure your passport is valid and will not expire for at least six months. There must also be at least two blank pages left for an entry stamp and to print the visa.
Travel itinerary
By the time you are accepted to a US school and complete the DS 160 form, you should already know when school will start. Your program start date is on the I-20 form that the school gives you.
Many programs ask international students to arrive on campus about a week before the other students come to help with the transition. Some programs will use this time to take you to run errands, such as taking you to the bank to help you set up your bank account, shopping, meeting faculty and staff, registering for classes, welcome events, etc.
But note that you can arrive up to 30 days before your program starts.
Date of the last five visits/trips to the US
If you have already traveled to the US, have the dates ready. You will be asked for the date you arrived and how long you stayed.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
As a student, you must have information about your current school, such as the address and what you are studying.
SEVIS ID
The SEVIS ID is on the I-20 form you get from the university.
What are the guidelines for my photo?
Make sure you submit a recent, color photo with a white background and in clothes you usually wear. Your face should take up the majority of the space in the picture. This photo will help identify you, so ensure nothing is covering your face or creating a shadow.
Even though you used to be able to wear glasses in the photos, it is no longer allowed. Even if they are prescription glasses, you will have to take them off for the photo.
Exceptions
But there are a few exceptions to these rules. The background does not have to be precisely white. An off-white background will also work!
Your face has to be neutral, but you can smile. But the trick is that your mouth should stay closed.
You should not wear a hat or head covering. But if you wear them as part of your religion, it’s ok.
You should also not wear a uniform unless it’s for religious purposes.
DS 160 Form – Digital or Paper Photo?
The DS 160 requires a digital photo that meets the specific requirements. The photograph must be compressed and meet particular dimensions, color, format, and file size.
But you will likely have to submit a paper photo if your digital photo gets denied.
You can take the photo yourself, but getting one from a professional might be more manageable.
Dimensions
- Square
- Between 600 X 600 pixels – 1200X1200 pixels
- Face (chin to top of head) should cover 50 – 60% of the photo
Color – (most digital cameras are set up with these)
- 24 bits per pixel
- sRGB color space
File Format – JPEG only!
File Size – 240 kilobytes or less
Compression – 20:1 or less
What do I do after I complete the DS-160 Form?
- Print the DS 160 barcode page – you do not print the entire application – just the page with the barcode. You will need to bring this page with you for your interview.
- Schedule your appointment on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.
- Pay for the application fee.
The Interview
Once you have submitted your form, make sure to schedule an interview as soon as possible. If the office is behind, getting an appointment may take a long time. If nothing is available before your school starts, schedule an emergency interview. But also continue to check back in case a last-minute interview slot opens up.
Documents for Interview
You will need to bring the following documents to the interview:
DS 160 Barcode Page
Confirmation of appointment page
Passport
I-20
Visa application receipt of payment
Printed passport photo (2 ’’ x 2 ’’) – just in case
You will probably not have to provide these forms but you need to have them just in case.
In Conclusion
The DS 160 is vital in getting your student visa for the United States. Follow these steps before completing the form:
- Get accepted into a U.S. School
- Complete financial certification and get the I-20
- Pay SEVIS fee
- Complete the DS 160 form and schedule an interview
After you complete the form, remember to:
- Print DS 160 barcode page
- Schedule an interview
- Pay the application fee
DS 160 Form – Frequently Asked Questions
Is DS 160 for tourist visa?
The DS 160 form is for students wanting to study in the United States. You cannot use your tourist visa to study in the United States.
Is DS-160 form online?
Find the DS 160 form on the U.S. Department of State Website and here. You can download the DS 160 paper form, found here.
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