Introducing the CEAC DS-160

What is CEAC?

Consular Electronic Application Center

• New non-immigrant application form that replace the DS-156, DS-157, and DS-158 forms.

• 81 posts in 44 countries already have used the DS-160• Expand worldwide by April 30, 2010 • SMART Form: DS-160 requires you to fill in a

significant amount of information, such as name, date of birth, address of your U.S. destination, U.S. contacts, etc. and captures your information and transmits it electronically for processing.

• Applicants move through the screens based on their responses

Background and FeaturesBackground and Features

Application ProcessStep 1

Complete Form

Step 2Pay Fee

Step 3Make

Appointment

Only the application form has changed. Other parts of the process remain the same.

FingerprintInterview

Mail orTA Pick Up

As of March 29, 2010,

all non-immigrant visa applicants must

complete Form DS-160

Completing the DS-160Step 1: Accessing the

Application

• Go to https://ceac.state.gov/genniv

• Read the instructions and press “Start Application”

• View the translation by positioning your mouse cursor over the text, but need to enter in English.

Completing the DS-160Step 2 ：Choose the Embassy• Choose the Embassy

or Consulate where you will apply.IF THE CHOSEN SELECTION IS WRONG , THE INFORMATION IN THE DS-160 WILL BE SENT TO A DIFFERENT DATABASE.

Completing the DS-160Step 3Upload Photo• Browse to your photo

and press “Upload Selected Photo”• If your photo meets the

quality standards, you can press “Continue Using This Photo”

• If your photo does not pass, press “Continue Without A Photo”

Completing the DS-160Step 4 Fill In The Form• Complete all questions

carefully and accurately

• Inserting wrong information or leaving required items blank will only delay your application

Completing the DS-160THE INFORMATION PRINTED ON THE VISA• Name (Exactly as listed in Passport); • Nationality; • Gender; • Passport Number;• Purpose of Travel/Visa Class Selection

Note: If the nationality, gender, and visa class are not correct, your application will not be accepted and you will then be asked to complete a new Online NIV Application

Example 1): If you say you are a 29-year old male, you will be led to screen that equate to the DS 157.

Example 2): If you say you need a student visa, you will be asked questions about your I 20 and SEVIS.

CORRECT AND THOROUGH CORRECT AND THOROUGH COMPLETIONCOMPLETION OF AN APPLICATION OF AN APPLICATION

IS IS VERY IMPORTANTVERY IMPORTANT

Completing the DS-160

If a question does not apply to you, you mustcheck the “Does NotApply” box.

Answer fully and includeas much detail as you can.

Be especially careful withthe yes/no questions nearthe end – misrepresentingthe facts can make youineligible to receive a visa.

Completing the DS-160

Saving an Application• If you can not finish in one

sitting, you can save the application to your hard drive and continue later

• Press “Save” at the bottom of any data entry page

• Press “Save Application to File”

• Press “Save” and navigate to the place you want to save your application

Save Your Application

Retrieving a SavedApplication• Browse to a saved

application file

• Press “Upload Data”

Save Your Application

Step 5Reviewing Your Application• You have an opportunity

to review and edit all your answers before submitting your application.

• Check carefully to ensure that everything is correct – it is impossible to make changes later.

Review Your Application

Completing the DS-160Step 6Submitting Your ApplicationClick the “Sign and Submit”

buttonPressing “Sign and SubmitApplication” constitutesyour electronic signature,certifying that all theanswers on theapplication are true.Once you submit yourapplication, you can notchange it.

Confirmation PageStep 7 (1)Printing YourConfirmation Page• Print the confirmation page

and bring the printed confirmation sheet to the interview.

• You can print the entire application for your own records if you wish.

• You can e-mail the confirmation to someone.

Confirmation PageStep 7 (2)Printing YourConfirmation PageSample of the confirmationpage if your photo was notUploaded (documents will beshown based on the visacategory you are applying for.You also need to check theEmbassy website for otherdocuments).You will need to bring aphoto with you to theinterview.

The DS-160 replaces only the application forms.Other items are still required:

• Students: I-20

• Exchange Visitors: DS-2019

• Diplomats and Officials: Diplomatic Note

And most applicants still need evidence of ties to theirplace of residence

Notes

Key ChangesAfter

Online application

One form

Upload a photo electronically

Print confirmation page only

BeforeOnly hard copy

Up to three forms

Print form and confirmation pages

CEAC site:

https://ceac.state.gov/genniv

Questions?