What is Form DS-260?

Form DS-260 is the mandatory online application for individuals applying for an immigrant visa (a U.S. Green Card) through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

This form is only completed after a petition has been approved by USCIS, such as:

• Form I-130 (family-based petition)
• Form I-140 (employment-based petition)
• Form I-360, I-526, etc.

The DS-260 is part of the consular processing pathway for obtaining lawful permanent residence (LPR) in the U.S. and is handled by the National Visa Center (NVC).

Who Is Eligible to Complete the DS-260?

To fill out the DS-260, you must:

✔️ Have an approved petition from USCIS (I-130, I-140, etc.)

✔️ Have received a case number from the National Visa Center (NVC)

✔️ Have received your Invoice ID Number to access the CEAC system and pay fees

Note: You cannot complete the DS-260 until you receive official notification from the NVC that your case is ready for processing.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Receive a notification from the NVC indicating that your case is ready for consular processing.
2. Log in to the CEAC portal (Consular Electronic Application Center):
   https://ceac.state.gov
3. Fill out the DS-260 form online, in English. You will be asked for:
   • Personal and contact information
   • Passport details
   • U.S. address where you plan to live
   • Work and education history
   • Immigration background
4. Submit the form electronically.
5. Print the DS-260 confirmation page with the barcode (required for your visa interview).
6. Upload supporting documents to the CEAC portal.
7. Wait for NVC to review the documents and notify you when you can schedule your consular interview.
8. Attend the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.

📄Required Documents (After DS-260 Submission)

Once the DS-260 is submitted, you must upload the following documents to CEAC:

• Valid passport
• Birth certificate, and if applicable:
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce or death certificates
• Police clearance certificates (from every country where you have lived for 6+ months since age 16)
• Financial support documents from your sponsor:
  • Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
  • Tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, or other evidence of income
• Payment receipt for visa fees

Restrictions and Important Warnings

• ⚠️The form must be completed accurately and submitted before the visa interview.

• ⚠️Once submitted, the DS-260 cannot be edited unless you request an unlock from the NVC.

• ⚠️ Providing false or misleading information may result in:
  • Visa denial
  • Permanent ineligibility for future immigration benefits

‍‍‍Can Family Members Be Included?

• Yes, but each family member who will immigrate must complete their own DS-260.
• Example: If a spouse and children are also applying for immigrant visas, each must file a separate DS-260 form.

Estimated Processing Time

• After submitting the DS-260 and uploading your documents, the NVC typically takes 1 to 3 months to review everything.
• Interview wait times vary by embassy/consulate and case type but the total process may take 3 to 8 months or more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What if I made a mistake on the DS-260?
  Contact the NVC to request an unlock. If that’s not possible, you can explain the correction at your consular interview.
• Do I need to print the entire DS-260 form?
  No. You only need to print the confirmation page and bring it to your visa interview.
• When should I fill out the DS-260?
  Only after the NVC sends notification that your case is ready and you receive your case and invoice numbers.
• Can I submit the DS-260 before receiving the NVC notice?
  No. You won’t have access to the CEAC system until your case is eligible.
• Does submitting the DS-260 guarantee a visa?
  No. It is just one part of the process. Final approval depends on your interview and document review.

Text link