Form DS-260, also known as the Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, is an online application form used by individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States. It is typically required for applicants who are going through the consular processing of their immigrant visa.
Here are the general steps to fill out Form DS-260:
- Access the Form:
- Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website
- Log in with your case number and invoice ID. These details are usually provided by the National Visa Center (NVC) after your immigrant visa petition is approved.
- Complete the Form:
- Once logged in, select the immigrant visa application form (DS-260) to start the application process.
- Carefully read and follow the instructions on each page. Ensure that you provide accurate and truthful information.
- Personal Information:
- Provide your personal details such as name, date of birth, place of birth, gender, and nationality.
- Address and Phone Information:
- Enter your current address and contact information. Make sure it is up-to-date and accurate.
- Passport Information:
- Include details about your passport, including the passport number, issuance date, and expiration date.
- Travel Information:
- Provide information about your intended address in the United States and your planned port of entry.
- Family Information:
- Include information about your immediate family members, such as your spouse and children.
- Previous U.S. Travel Information:
- If you have traveled to the United States before, provide details about your previous visits.
- Work and Education Information:
- Enter details about your educational and employment history.
- Security and Background Information:
- Answer questions related to your background, security, and criminal history. Be honest and provide all required information.
- Review and Submit:
- Carefully review all the information you have entered to ensure accuracy. Once satisfied, submit the form.
- Print Confirmation:
- After submission, you will receive a confirmation page. Print a copy of this page for your records.
- Payment of Visa Fees:
- After submitting DS-260, you may need to pay visa application fees. Follow the instructions provided on the CEAC website for payment.
- Supporting Documentation:
- Depending on your case, you may need to submit additional supporting documents. Check the specific requirements and submit the necessary documents to the NVC.
- Wait for Processing:
- After submitting the DS-260 and required documents, you will need to wait for the NVC to process your case. They will notify you of further instructions.
Keep in mind that the information provided here is a general guide, and the specific requirements may vary based on your individual case. Always refer to the latest guidance provided by the U.S. Department of State and the NVC. If you have specific questions or concerns, consider consulting with an immigration attorney or contacting the NVC directly for assistance.
Form DS-260 Checklist of Civil Documents
When completing Form DS-260 for an immigrant visa application, you will typically need to submit various civil documents to support your application. The specific documents required may vary based on the visa category and your individual circumstances. However, here is a general checklist of common Form DS-260 checklist of civil documents that applicants may need to provide:
- Passport:
- A copy of the biographic page of your current passport for each visa applicant.
- Photographs:
- Recent passport-sized photographs for each visa applicant, adhering to the U.S. visa photo requirements.
- Birth Certificate:
- Original or certified copy of the birth certificate for each visa applicant. If the document is not in English, a certified translation is usually required.
- Marriage Certificate:
- If applicable, provide an original or certified copy of the marriage certificate. Like the birth certificate, include a certified translation if it’s not in English.
- Divorce or Death Certificates:
- If either party has been previously married, provide divorce or death certificates to establish the termination of previous marriages.
- Police Certificates:
- Obtain police certificates from the relevant authorities in any country where you have lived for six months or more since the age of 16. This is to establish your good conduct and character.
- Military Records:
- If you have served in the military, provide military records or discharge papers.
- Court and Prison Records:
- If you have ever been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime, provide court and prison records, as well as any relevant rehabilitation certificates.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864):
- If you are applying for an immigrant visa based on family-sponsored or employment-based preference, the petitioner in the U.S. should submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, along with the required financial documents.
- Civil Documents for Derivative Applicants:
- If applying as a derivative (spouse or child), provide civil documents establishing the relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates.
- Adoption Documents:
- If applicable, provide adoption decrees and relevant documents for adopted children.
- Educational and Employment Documents:
- Academic transcripts, diplomas, and certificates for educational qualifications. Employment records, such as letters from employers, for work experience verification.
- Medical Examination Report (Form DS-3025 or I-693):
- Provide the completed and sealed medical examination report, either Form DS-3025 or I-693, conducted by an approved panel physician.
Always check the specific requirements for your visa category and consult the instructions provided by the U.S. Department of State and the National Visa Center (NVC). Keep in mind that documents not in English should be accompanied by certified translations. Additionally, be aware that requirements may change, so it’s essential to stay updated with the latest guidance provided by the U.S. government. If you have specific questions, consider seeking advice from an immigration attorney or contacting the NVC for assistance.
Consular Processing – How to Apply for Immigrant Visa
Consular processing is a method of obtaining an immigrant visa to enter the United States. This process involves applying for an immigrant visa through a U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country. The following is a general guide on how to apply for an immigrant visa through consular processing:
- File Immigrant Petition:
- The first step is for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member or employer to file an immigrant petition on your behalf. Common immigrant visa categories include family-sponsored and employment-based preferences.
- USCIS Approval:
- Once the petition is approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC).
- Receive NVC Case Number:
- The NVC assigns a case number and provides instructions on how to proceed. You will be required to pay the immigrant visa fees and submit the necessary civil documents and supporting information.
- Submit Form DS-260:
- Complete and submit Form DS-260, the Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. This form gathers personal and background information.
- Pay Visa Fees:
- Pay the required visa fees through the CEAC website. This includes the visa application processing fee and, if applicable, the Affidavit of Support fee.
- Submit Supporting Documents:
- Provide the necessary civil documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, police certificates, and other documents specific to your case. Ensure that documents not in English are accompanied by certified translations.
- Medical Examination:
- Undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician. The results are submitted directly to the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Attend Visa Interview:
- Once all required documents are submitted and processed, the NVC transfers the case to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. You will be scheduled for a visa interview.
- Visa Interview Preparation:
- Prepare for the visa interview by reviewing the requirements, understanding your case, and being ready to answer questions about your background and intentions.
- Visa Interview:
- Attend the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. During the interview, a consular officer will review your documents, ask questions, and determine your eligibility for the immigrant visa.
- Visa Issuance:
- If approved, the consular officer will issue the immigrant visa. The visa will be placed in your passport, and you will receive a sealed immigrant visa packet.
- Travel to the U.S.:
- After receiving the visa, you can travel to the United States within the visa validity period. Upon arrival, you will be inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, and if admitted, you will become a U.S. permanent resident.
It’s important to note that the specific steps and requirements may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances. Always refer to the instructions provided by the U.S. Department of State, the NVC, and the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your case. Additionally, consider consulting with an immigration attorney for personalized guidance throughout the consular processing journey.
