Form DS-260 for Immigrant Visas to the US

By Ella Bergquist December 7, 2020 (Updated December 8, 2020) 2 min. read
Form DS-260

Everyone who wants to apply for a US immigrant visa must fill out the Form DS-260 online through an electronic form. The purpose of the DS-260 form is to convey information to the National Visa Center which is responsible for collecting information from you and transfer your file to a US consulate where you live.

How to Fill out the Form DS-260

You will file the form DS-260 online where you will need your case number to start. Once you enter your case number you will be able to access the online form. You will fill out the form with the correct information and then re-enter your case number and submit the form. After you have submitted the form, we recommend printing out the confirmation page and presenting that confirmation page to the visa officer at your visa interview.

Section 1: Personal, Address and Phone Information

Within section 1 of the DS-260 form you will fill out any of the personal information such as your name, native language, mailing address, physical address, nationality, etc.

Section 2: Family Information

Within section 2 of the DS-260 form you will fill in your parents information, your previous spouses, and children information. You will also be providing whether you’re intending to bring your children with you to the US.

Section 3: Previous U.S. Travel Information

Within section 3 of the DS-260 form you will provide all of your previous US travel experience. You will provide the information on your last 5 US visits and your visa history.

Section 4: Work, Education, and Training Information

In section 4 of the form DS-260 you will provide information on your employment and occupation from your last 5 employers. Then you will provide your educational history, diplomas obtained, etc.

Section 5: Petitioner Information

Within section 5 of Form DS-260, you will provide all the personal information of your petitioner.

Section 6: Security and Background Information

Within section 6 of the form DS-260 there are a series of “Yes” or “No” questions that go over your health, secuirty, and criminal history.

Section 7: Social Security Number Information

Within section 7 of form DS-260, you will provide information on if you’ve ever applied for a social security number.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Form DS-260

Questions and Answers provided by travel.state.gov

What Do I Need to Complete and Submit Forms Online?

Immigrant Visa applicants must have:

Where Can I Find the DS-260?

You can access the DS-260 from the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website, by going to Immigrant Visas.state.gov and clicking on “Submit Visa Application and Civil Documents,” or on the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply. You may wish to preview a sample DS-260 (14.6MB) before beginning.

Do I Need to Answer in English?

Yes. All your answers must be provided in English and using English characters only. Applications submitted in any language other than English may be rejected, and you will be required to log back into the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and provide English answers.

What is the Processing Time for the DS-260?

As long as the USCIS has all the required information and documentation then the form will take between 7-15 months, depending on your specific case.

Ljiljana Pavkov Avatar

Ljiljana Pavkov

I have nothing but praise! The entire team was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and kind, especially Mansi Sanghiv. She patiently explained everything I needed to know and resolved all of my concerns. I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the entire process. I am extremely satisfied with the service and experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for quality, dedication, and trust.

Lisanne Cholette Avatar

Lisanne Cholette

Mansi has been helping me navigate through a new chapter in my life. It has been a huge comfort to be able to lean on her knowledge and expertise and I would highly recommend her to anyone!

BERLITA COLLADO Avatar

BERLITA COLLADO

I am so very thankful to the VISAPACE team for making it all come true and possible from my Open Work Permit to my Permanent Residence, you make it all happen .Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart , Thank you for being part of my achievements. Now I am now a Permanent Residence through the effort, power and knowledge of VISAPLACE LEGAL TEAM.
Sending you my best appreciation and thank you.

Berlie Collado

Shahrzad Sh Avatar

Shahrzad Sh

“I truly want to thank Mansi. Her patience and thoughtful advices made a big difference for me. Her recommendations were not only helpful but also gave me clearer insight. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for her support.”

kevin geoffrey Avatar

kevin geoffrey

Visa place helped me with my daughter’s sponsorship 3 years ago. Last week I contacted them for some clarification on a different matter. It was about an issue which technically was a problem of CIC’s software glitch and had nothing to do with Visa Place.
Yet Reena Sandu was assigned for my case. she helped me with enthusiasm and showed no hesitation despite me being an ex-client from 3 years ago.
I was very happy that even after 3 years of finishing business, Visa Place were respectful of their clients. Special thanks again to Reena for her enthusiasm and support.

Nessie Leigh Ilarde Avatar

Nessie Leigh Ilarde

Thank you very much for helping me get my new visa! I appreciate Ms. Felicita and her colleagues for guiding us through the process making sure that everything is precise. Highly recommend your firm. Thanks again 🙂

parker ellis Avatar

parker ellis

Mansi Sanghvi has been nothing for of remarkable for me. I have been dealing with a visa, immigration issues , and any time I have to call her, she has been there to answer any questions. Has answers to every question and is there to HELP YOU. Truly could not recommend her more.