The short answer
The DS-160 is the online form every temporary-visa applicant fills in. You need your passport and travel plans, answer honestly, then submit it and keep the confirmation page with the barcode.
What to know
- Have ready: passport details, travel plans and addresses, work and school history, and past U.S. travel.
- The form also asks for the social media accounts you use, among other questions.
- Save often. The form can time out and you may lose your answers.
- Upload a photo that meets the rules.
- After you submit, print or save the confirmation page. You cannot edit a submitted form: if there is a mistake, fill in a new one and tell the officer.
- Never let an agent answer for you with wrong information. Mistakes or false answers can cause a refusal.
For the exact rules, forms and fees, see the State Department visa website.
Visa Status is an unofficial site. This is general information in plain words, not legal advice. Rules, fees and forms change, so check the official website and your own papers. Written October 2026.