New Non-Immigrant Visa Application Procedures
The nonimmigrant visa application form has recently been upgraded. Online Application Form DS-160 (also known as CEAC) now replaces Form DS-156. All NIV applicants now require a completed DS-160 when submitting their application for a visa. Applicants may complete the application form online at: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/.
Features of the new DS-160 include:
• Applicants no longer need to print out every page of the application. They will receive one confirmation page including a barcode, which they must bring to the interview.
• Applicants may upload their own digital photo to the DS-160. Those who do not have a digital photo or whose photo fails to meet the requirements may still bring a passport photo on a white background to their interview as per current procedure.
• The DS-160 incorporates supplementary application forms DS-157 and DS-158.
• Applications can be saved to a hard drive or disc at various stages of completion. The DS-160 is also programmed to time out after 20 minutes of inactivity (a new security feature).
• The DS-160 will not affect the way applicants currently schedule appointments via VisaPoint.