The DS-260 is the online immigrant visa application used by the U.S. Department of State. If you are applying for a green card from outside the United States, completing the DS-260 form is a crucial part of your journey. This guide explains what the DS-260 is, who needs to file it, and how to complete each section step-by-step.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to avoid mistakes and file your immigrant visa application successfully. This is the most comprehensive DS-260 guide available online, making it an essential resource for anyone applying through a U.S. embassy or consulate.
What Is the DS-260 Form?
Form DS-260, officially known as the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, is an online form submitted through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). It is required for all individuals applying for an immigrant visa through consular processing.
The application is an indicator that you're near the end of consular processing, the steps necessary to obtain a green card when applying outside the United States. Once your Form I-130 or I-140 is approved and a visa is available, the National Visa Center (NVC) will invite you to complete the DS-260.
Who Needs It
You will file Form DS-260 if you’re outside the U.S., have an approved petition (like Form I-130 or I-140), and the NVC has invited you to begin consular processing.
When to File It
You can file DS-260 after:
- USCIS has approved your immigrant petition (e.g., I-130)
- The case is transferred to the NVC
- You’ve received instructions from NVC to begin the visa application
Filing it before receiving NVC instructions may result in delays or processing errors. For a closer look at what happens before filing the application, see the steps in the I-130 processing time →
Where to Find It
You’ll complete and submit the DS-260 online via the CEAC website.
However, you’ll need your NVC Case Number and Invoice ID Number to log in. These are provided in your welcome letter from the NVC.
What to Expect When Completing the Online Visa Application
The DS-260 form is a multi-part online application that collects information about your identity, immigration history, family background, employment, education, and more. It may take over an hour to complete.
Before you log in to the CEAC portal, gather the following information:
- Passport details
- Prior U.S. travel dates and visa records
- Work and address history (at least 10 years)
- Family member details (including parents and children)
- Education history
- Criminal or medical background details (if applicable)
DS-260 Worksheet
Download our free DS-260 Worksheet (PDF) to collect and organize your information in advance. It also points out possible trouble spots and red flags. Since the online application is not accessible until you are invited, this is your best opportunity to preview the application and specific questions.
Sample Application
You can view an official sample DS-260 application on the Department of State’s website. It includes screenshots of the online form. This resource is especially helpful if you want to see exactly how the CEAC website looks before you begin.
Section-by-Section Breakdown of the DS-260
The DS-260 covers many areas of your personal history, family background, travel, and security. To make it easier, we’ve broken down each part of the form and explained what information you’ll need. Use this walkthrough alongside your worksheet so you’re prepared to complete the application without delays or mistakes.
In order to get started on the visa application, you will need your welcome letter from the NVC. From the CEAC website, supply the following information to locate your case and begin the DS-260 login process:
- NVC Case Number
- Invoice ID
- Your role as the applicant, attorney, petitioner or other third party agent
Personal Information
Make sure your name and details exactly match your passport and other official documents. Even small differences in spelling or dates can cause delays at the National Visa Center or during your interview.
- Full legal name which generally should match your passport
- Other names to include maiden names, nicknames, and any other aliases
- Sex and marital status
- Date and place of birth which should match your passport
- Countries of nationality and passport information
Address and Contact Details
Take the time to be thorough and list your history without gaps. Use accurate postal codes and reliable contact information so the NVC or embassy can reach you without delays.
- Physical address history where you currently live and any other residence since the age of sixteen
- Phone numbers for home, mobile and work if applicable
- Email address where you can safely and reliably receive communication
- Social media to include any accounts and usernames/handles over the past five years
- Mailing address if different than your physical address
- Future address where you intend to live in the United States
Carefully review your social media activity and any websites where you’ve posted or commented. The U.S. Department of State includes these accounts in its background check. Officers look for statements that conflict with U.S. laws and values, as well as posts that contradict the information you provided in your visa application.
Family
The family section of the DS-260 form collects details about your parents, marital history, and children. This information helps the U.S. government confirm your family relationships and determine who may qualify to immigrate with you. Be sure to provide accurate names, dates of birth, and other details, even for relatives who are not applying now.
- Parents' full names, birth information, country of residence
- Spouse’s details to include name, birth details, nationality, and residence information
- Previous spouse information including name, birth details, and marriage details (if applicable)
- Childrens' full names, birth details, address, and if immigrating with you
Provide accurate details for family members, even if they are not immigrating now. Leaving them out or providing inaccurate information can create problems and may limit their ability to immigrate in the future.
Previous U.S. Travel
If you've ever visited the United States or even applied for a visa, you must disclose these details.
- Travel dates for any and all visits to the U.S.
- Visa information to include date of issue, visa classification and number for any visas previously issued
If you were ever denied a U.S. visa, had one canceled, or were not allowed to enter the U.S., you must say so on your application. This does not always mean your new visa will be denied. Just be honest, and talk to a lawyer if you are unsure how it could affect your case.
Work / Education / Training Information
Next, provide a complete history of your jobs, schools, and training over the past 10 years. Incomplete or inconsistent entries can raise questions, so use exact dates and titles whenever possible.
- Present employer or school including name, address, title, duties and dates
- Previous employers or schools from the past 10 years
- Additional details about any travel over the past five years, military service, participation in organizations and language skills
Petitioner
Provide details about the petitioner's relationship to you, immigration status, address and contact information.
Security and Background
This part asks many questions that can decide if you are allowed to get a green card. If you answer “Yes” to any question, you will need to explain more, and it could affect your case. If you cannot honestly answer “No” to all questions, it’s smart to get help from an immigration lawyer.
- Medical and health details disease, disorders, and vaccinations
- Criminal questions covering arrest history and/or exposure to criminal activity
- Immigration law violations including fraud, deporation, and other violations in any country
For an extensive list of all questions included in this section and the entire DS-260 form, download our DS-260 worksheet →
| Topic Area | Example Questions | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Health | Do you have communicable diseases? | Honest answers required; TB or other illnesses may trigger follow-up. |
| Criminal History | Have you ever been arrested or convicted? | Disclose all incidents; even expunged records may need disclosure. |
| Drugs | Have you used, trafficked, or been addicted to drugs? | Any admission of drug use can delay or block eligibility. |
| Terrorism | Have you ever been involved in terrorist activities? | Extremely strict review; any “Yes” answer likely results in denial. |
| Immigration Violations | Have you ever lied to get a visa or stayed in the U.S. unlawfully? | Misrepresentation can lead to permanent bars from entry. |
| Trafficking or Abuse | Have you ever engaged in human trafficking or child abuse? | Must answer truthfully — severe consequences for fraud or omission. |
Social Security Number
Finally, you must disclose if you've ever had a Social Security number. If not, you can request to have one issued as soon as your green card is approved. Having a Social Security number is important for employment, filing tax returns, and receiving access important benefits and services in the United States.
General Tips for Success When Applying
You’ll find that most of the questions are straight forward, but these tips may help you navigate the process:
- Answer honestly because errors or lies can result in denial and long-term problems.
- Double-check names, dates, and document numbers.
- Do not rush because minor mistakes can delay your case.
- Save often as CEAC will log you out after 20 minutes of inactivity.
- Print confirmation page as soon as you submit.
What Happens After You Submit DS-260?
Submitting your DS-260 form is a major milestone, but there are a few more important steps. Here’s what you can expect in the weeks and months after hitting “submit.”
- Pay Fees: You or your sponsor must pay visa and affidavit of support fees (if not already paid).
- Submit Civil Documents: Upload birth certificates, marriage documents, police certificates, and more to the CEAC portal.
- NVC Review: The National Visa Center reviews your submission. You’ll receive a “documentarily complete” notice once it’s approved.
- Medical Exam: You will be scheduled for a medical examination with a panel physician.
- Visa Interview: When a visa becomes available, the consulate schedules your interview and notifies you.
For a more detailed explanation, visit our page on consular processing →
Tips to Get Ready for the DS-260
Preparing in advance can make the DS-260 form much easier to complete when the time comes. By gathering the right documents, organizing your personal history, and reviewing common problem areas, you’ll reduce stress and avoid costly delays. The following tips will help you get ready before you log in to the online application.
- Use our worksheet — It's not necessary to fill out the worksheet, but familarize yourself with the content and questions so that you can identify any potential problems now.
- Be prepared to use English — If you’re not comfortable reading English, get someone like your petitioner to help you.
- Review your social media — The U.S. government may evaluate all of your posts. This is your chance to remove any posts that could raise concerns or create a negative impression with U.S. immigration officials.
- Collect work and travel history — Sometimes tracking down the locations and dates of your history can be time-consuming. Gather the information now so that it doesn't delay you later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form DS-260
The DS-260 form is only one step in the green card process. Success often depends on preparing earlier forms correctly, like the Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) and the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). CitizenPath makes this easier with affordable, step-by-step guidance for USCIS applications. You can try it for free, and every service comes with a 100% money-back guarantee of USCIS approval.
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