How to Fill DS 160 Form for a US Visa in 2026: Complete Guide for Indian Students

Dreaming of studying or travelling to the United States? The very first and most important step is knowing how to fill DS 160 form, the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. This form serves as the foundation for your visa application, collecting essential information that U.S. consular officers use to assess your eligibility.

Many applicants find the DS 160 form complex and time-consuming, leading to errors or incomplete submissions. Mistakes on the DS-160 can result in delays, additional fees, or even visa denials. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each section of the DS 160 form, provide tips for accurate completion, and highlight recent updates for 2026, ensuring a smooth application process.

The DS 160 is an online application form required for all non-immigrant visa applicants to the United States, including those applying for F-1 (student), B-1/B-2 (tourist/business), J-1 (exchange visitor), and other visa categories. It collects personal, educational, and travel information to determine your eligibility for a U.S. visa.

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All individuals applying for a U.S. non-immigrant visa must complete the DS 160 form. This includes:

• F-1 Visa Applicants: Students planning to study at a US institution.
• B-1/B-2 Visa Applicants: Individuals visiting the U.S. for business or tourism.
• J-1 Visa Applicants: Participants in exchange visitor programs.
• Other Nonimmigrant Visa Categories: Including H, L, O, and others.
• Fiancé(e) visas (K-1): For fiancés of U.S. citizens.

Filling out the DS 160 form can seem overwhelming at first, but breaking it down step by step makes the process much easier. Following a structured approach not only ensures accuracy but also reduces the chances of delays or errors that could impact your U.S. visa application.

• Visit the official DS 160 application website
• Select your location and the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply.

• Click on “Start an Application.”
• Note the Application ID provided; you can use this to retrieve your application later if needed.

The DS 160 form is divided into several sections:

• Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, nationality, and other personal details.
• Travel Information: Purpose of trip, intended date of arrival in the U.S., and address while in the U.S.
• Passport Information: Passport number, issuance country, and expiration date.
• Travel Companions: Details of individuals travelling with you, if applicable.
• Previous U.S. Travel: Information on any prior visits to the U.S.
• Address and Phone Information: Current and previous addresses, phone numbers.
• Work/Education/Training: Employment history, educational background, and training information.
• Security and Background: Questions regarding criminal history, security-related issues, and previous visa denials.
• Social Media: As of June 2025, applicants must disclose all social media usernames used in the past five years.

• Follow the guidelines provided on the form for photo specifications.

• Carefully review all information for accuracy.
• Submit the form electronically.
• Print the DS 160 confirmation page with the barcode; you will need this for your visa interview.

Before starting the DS 160 form, ensure you have the following documents:

• Valid Passport: With at least six months' validity beyond your intended date of arrival in the U.S.
• Travel Itinerary: Details of your planned trip, including dates and locations.
• Dates of Recent Travel: Information on any previous trips to the U.S.
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume: For employment history.
• Educational Documents: Transcripts, diplomas, and other relevant academic records.
• Social Media Information: Usernames for all platforms used in the past five years.

As of 2026, applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa involves several mandatory fees. These fees apply to various visa categories, including F-1 student visas, B-1/B-2 tourist/business visas, and other nonimmigrant classifications.

Amount: $410 (~₹36,120)

This fee is required for processing the DS 160 form, the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application. It is a non-refundable fee that must be paid before scheduling a visa interview.

• Amount: $250 (~₹22,025)

Introduced in 2026, the Visa Integrity Fee is a new surcharge applied to most non-immigrant visa applications. This fee is mandatory and non-refundable. It aims to enhance the integrity and security of the U.S. visa system. The fee is subject to annual adjustments based on inflation.

• Amount: $24 (~₹2,114)

The Form I-94 fee is applicable when applying for an Arrival/Departure Record. This fee is required for individuals entering the U.S. at land border ports of entry. It does not apply to travellers arriving by air or sea, as they are issued an I-94 automatically upon entry.

• Amount: $40 (~₹3,524)

Travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before entering the U.S. The ESTA fee has increased to $40 (~₹3,524) as of September 2025.

Total Estimated Cost: $724 (₹63,783)

Please note that additional fees may apply depending on specific visa categories or individual circumstances. It's advisable to consult the official U.S. Department of State website or the U.S. embassy or consulate in your area for the most accurate and up-to-date fee information.

Once you have submitted the DS 160 form:

1. Schedule a Visa Interview: Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply to schedule an interview.
2. Prepare for the Interview: Gather all required documents, including your DS 160 confirmation page, passport, visa fee receipt, and any supporting materials.
3. Attend the Interview: Be prepared to answer questions regarding your travel plans, background, and intentions in the U.S.

Filling out the DS 160 form is a critical step in obtaining a U.S. non-immigrant visa. Mistakes or incomplete information can lead to delays, additional fees, or even visa denials. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure your DS 160 submission is accurate, complete, and smooth:

Providing truthful and precise information is paramount. Any inconsistencies between your DS 160 and supporting documents, like your passport, I-20 (for F-1 visa), or previous U.S. travel history, may raise red flags with the visa officer.

Practical Tips:

• Double-check spellings of names, passport numbers, and dates of birth.
• Provide the exact course of study as mentioned in your I-20 for F-1 visa applications.
• If you are unsure about an answer, do not guess; refer to official documents or consult your university or trusted resources.
• Avoid abbreviations unless required. For example, always write “United States of America” instead of “USA” in some fields where the full name is requested.

Being honest is particularly important in security and background questions. Misrepresentation, intentional or accidental, can result in visa denial or permanent ineligibility for future U.S. visas.

The DS 160 system automatically logs out after 20 minutes of inactivity. Losing your progress midway can be frustrating and time-consuming.

Practical Tips:

• Use the “Save” button frequently after completing each section.
• Note down your Application ID in a secure place. This allows you to resume your form if you are logged out unexpectedly.
• Prepare all necessary documents before starting the application so that you can complete sections continuously without frequent breaks.
• If possible, draft longer answers (like previous employment details or descriptions of your course of study) in a separate document and copy-paste into the form.

Saving your work frequently not only prevents loss of information but also reduces the chances of making errors due to rushed completion.

While it may be tempting to complete the DS 160 on a smartphone or tablet, the form is long and requires careful attention to detail.

Practical Tips:

• Use a desktop or laptop for better visibility of all fields.
• Larger screens allow you to cross-check multiple sections simultaneously, such as personal information and travel itinerary.
• Some fields may not display correctly on mobile browsers, which could lead to errors in submission.

Using a computer also makes uploading your photo easier and ensures that documents are uploaded in the correct format and resolution.

Before hitting “Submit,” it’s crucial to review your entire DS 160 form thoroughly. Even small mistakes, such as an incorrect passport number or a misentered address, can delay your visa processing.

Practical Tips:

• Cross-check all information with your passport, I-20, admission letters, or other official documents.
• Pay attention to the spelling of names, addresses, and names of institutions. For F-1 visas, ensure the course of study DS 160 details exactly match your I-20 form.
• Ensure that your travel dates and U.S. point of contact are accurate and reachable.
• Review security and background information carefully; inconsistent responses may trigger additional scrutiny.
• After submission, immediately print and save the DS 160 confirmation page, as it is required for your visa interview.

By carefully reviewing your entries, you minimise the risk of errors and make your interview process smoother and more efficient.

• Prepare Documents in Advance: Keep your passport, travel itinerary, I-20, previous U.S. visas, and social media usernames ready.
• Use Official Sources: Always refer to the U.S. Department of State DS-160 official website for the latest instructions.
• Be Mindful of Time: Set aside uninterrupted time (approximately 45-60 minutes) to complete the form.
• Seek Expert Guidance if Needed: For first-time applicants, guidance from experienced counsellors or services like LeapScholar can prevent common mistakes.

Following these detailed tips ensures your DS 160 submission is accurate, complete, and positioned for a smooth U.S. visa application process.

• Social Media Disclosure: Applicants must now disclose all social media usernames used in the past five years.
• Fee Increases: Significant increases in visa application fees, including the introduction of the Visa Integrity Fee.
• Submission Timeline: It is recommended to submit the DS 160 form at least 48-72 hours before your F1 visa interview.

Completing the DS 160 form is a pivotal step in your journey to obtaining a U.S. visa. By following this guide and ensuring all information is accurate and complete, you enhance your chances of a successful application.

If you're applying for a student visa, consider partnering with LeapScholar for expert guidance and support throughout your application process. Additionally, suppose you are considering studying in the US and have questions about the process. In that case, you can also contact our team of experts, who are well-equipped to provide all the necessary information and guidance.