Form DS-160 is required for all non-immigrant visa applications. Non-immigrant means you are only temporarily looking to come to the United States, whether that be for a week, a month, or a year, and you are not looking to be permanently inside the United States.

This is the only document by law that a consular officer must review. The DS-160 form is completely electronic, and it includes your electronic signature.

What triggers a denial:
Our office sees cases where misinformation on a DS-160 application form will be deemed by an officer at the consulate to either be fraud or misrepresentation, and this may trigger a denial. There are a series of security and background questions in the DS-160 and we see many issues come into play based on these questions. For example, if you are unsure of the question and you answer yes to be on the safe side, that may trigger a denial. If you answer no and the officer deems you are lying, then you are within the fraud, misrepresentation, and that can have a permanent bar.

It is extremely important to tell the truth on the DS-160 application form.

I don’t speak English, does this matter:
The DS-160 application form is only in English. If the applicant is illiterate or unable to complete the DS-160 application, then the applicant must be assisted by a third party and that third party must be identified in the application. The third party can assist the applicant in completing the application, but the third party must instruct the applicant on how to endorse and electronically sign the application on their own behalf by clicking the submit application link to complete the application.
If an applicant is under the age of 16 or physically incapable of completing the DS-160 application, the applicant’s parents or guardian may execute the application on their behalf. If the applicant who is under the age of 16 has no parent or guardian, the application may be completed by any person having legal custody of or a legitimate interest in the applicant.

When can I schedule my consular interview:
When the DS-160 has been electronically filed, the applicant can schedule their interview. Mistakes made on a DS-160 may result in a denial by the consular officer adjudicating your case.