How to fill out Form DS-260?
Form DS-260, also known as the Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, is a crucial step in the consular processing of immigrant visa applications. This form is used to collect personal and background information from individuals applying for immigrant visas to the United States. Here’s a general guide on how to fill out Form DS-260: https://bwea.com/ds-260-form-step-by-step-complete/
- Access the Form: Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website, which is the online platform where you can access and complete Form DS-260.
- Initiate the Application: Start a new immigrant visa application by selecting the “IV Application” option and entering the case number provided by the National Visa Center (NVC).
- Create an Account: If you don’t already have an account on the CEAC website, you will need to create one. This account will allow you to save your progress and return to the application later if needed.
- Provide Personal Information: Complete the sections that ask for your personal details, including your full name, date of birth, nationality, and contact information hindi shayari sites.
- Travel Information: Provide information about your intended U.S. address, the purpose of your travel, and the expected length of your stay.
- Family Information: Enter information about your spouse and children, if applicable. Provide details such as names, dates of birth, and relationships.
- Work/Education/Training: Enter details about your education, work history, and training. Include information about your current and previous employers or educational institutions.
- Security and Background Information: Answer questions about your criminal history, immigration violations, and other security-related matters. Be truthful and accurate in your responses.
- Medical and Health Information: Provide information about your medical history, including any medical conditions or disabilities.
- Previous U.S. Travel: If you’ve previously traveled to the U.S., provide information about your past trips, including dates and purposes of travel.
- Photograph Upload: You will be required to upload a recent passport-style photograph of yourself and any accompanying family members.
- Review and Confirm: Carefully review all the information you’ve entered before submitting the form. Double-check for accuracy and completeness.
- Sign and Submit: Electronically sign the form to certify the accuracy of your responses. Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation page with a barcode.
- Print Confirmation Page: Print the confirmation page with the barcode and keep it for your records. You will need to bring this page to your visa interview.
- Payment of Fees: Depending on the visa category and your specific case, you may need to pay certain processing fees. Check the specific instructions provided by the U.S. embassy or consulate.
It’s important to follow the instructions provided on the CEAC website and by the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your case. The information you provide on Form DS-260 will play a significant role in the processing of your visa application, so ensure that all details are accurate and complete. If you have any doubts or questions, consider seeking assistance from the appropriate authorities or legal professionals.
DS-260 filing fee
There is no separate filing fee for submitting Form DS-260, the Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application. The submission of Form DS-260 is typically included as part of the overall immigrant visa application process, and there is no direct fee associated with completing and submitting this form.
However, please note that there are other fees associated with the consular processing of immigrant visas, including the following:
- Immigrant Visa Application Fee: This fee is typically paid after the National Visa Center (NVC) processes the required forms and the case is documentarily qualified. As of my last update, this fee is $325 and is paid before the visa interview.
- USCIS Immigrant Fee: This fee is paid after you receive your immigrant visa and before you travel to the U.S. It covers the cost of producing and mailing the actual green card. As of my last update, this fee is $220.
- Medical Examination Fee: While not directly related to DS-260, you will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician. The cost of the medical examination varies based on the country and the specific medical facility.
- Other Fees: Depending on your specific case and circumstances, there might be additional fees associated with background checks, translations of documents, and other requirements.
Please be aware that fee amounts can change over time, and it’s important to verify the most up-to-date fee information on the official website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you plan to apply for an immigrant visa. Additionally, make sure to follow the instructions provided by the U.S. embassy or consulate and the National Visa Center for the accurate and timely payment of any required fees.
DS-260 Checklist
Creating a checklist for completing Form DS-260, the Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, can help ensure that you provide all the required information accurately. Here’s a checklist to guide you through the process:
Before Starting:
- Ensure you have received instructions and a case number from the National Visa Center (NVC).
- Gather all necessary documents and information, including passport details, addresses, family members’ information, employment history, education details, and travel history.
Form DS-260:
- Access the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
- Create an account if you don’t have one, or log in if you do.
- Start a new immigrant visa application using the provided case number.
- Complete the form accurately and truthfully, paying close attention to each section.
Personal Information:
- Full legal name (as shown in your passport).
- Date of birth.
- Place of birth.
- Passport information (number, issuance date, expiration date).
Contact Information:
- Current address.
- Previous addresses for the past five years.
- Phone number and email address.
Family Information:
- Information about your spouse (if applicable), including full name, date of birth, and passport details.
- Information about children (if applicable), including full names, dates of birth, and passport details.
Work, Education, and Training:
- Current and previous employers (name, address, dates of employment).
- Education history (schools attended, degrees obtained, dates).
Security and Background Information:
- Answer security and background questions accurately, including information about criminal history, immigration violations, and medical conditions.
Previous U.S. Travel:
- List previous trips to the U.S., including dates and purpose of travel.
Photograph Upload:
- Prepare and upload recent passport-style photographs for yourself and any accompanying family members.
Review and Submission:
- Carefully review all information entered to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Electronically sign and submit the form.
- Print the confirmation page with the barcode for your records.
Payment:
- If applicable, pay the immigrant visa application fee as instructed by the NVC.
Additional Documentation:
- Ensure you have gathered and will submit any required supporting documents, such as civil documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.).
Scheduling the Visa Interview:
- After submitting Form DS-260, follow the instructions from the NVC regarding scheduling your visa interview.
Medical Examination:
- Schedule and undergo a medical examination with an approved panel physician. Obtain a sealed envelope with the examination results.
Remember that this checklist is a general guide, and the specific requirements can vary based on your individual circumstances and the U.S. embassy or consulate where you are applying. Always refer to the official instructions provided by the U.S. embassy or consulate and the NVC to ensure you accurately complete Form DS-260 and prepare all necessary documentation.
