Section-by-section guides for 14 visa types, plus answers from the official DS-160 FAQ. Every guide links to the government instructions it is based on.
20 DS-160 questions about drafts, corrections, confirmation pages, names, passports, family applications, and preparation—answered from the State Department FAQ.
Read the guidePrepare your F-1 DS-160 using your I-20, study plans, funding records, and education history. Learn which details to check before submitting.
Read the guideA separate DS-160 checklist for F-2 spouses and children, covering dependent documents, the principal student, family details, and travel plans.
Read the guidePrepare a factual B-1 business-visit application, including intended activities, the U.S. contact, funding, employment, and travel dates.
Read the guidePrepare a B-2 DS-160 for a holiday or family visit. Check your purpose, intended stay, accommodation, funding, and personal circumstances.
Read the guideUnderstand how to prepare a DS-160 for a B-1/B-2 visitor application without confusing a combined visa category with the actual purpose of your trip.
Read the guideA practical M-1 guide to your vocational program, I-20, funding, education history, and travel preparation for the DS-160.
Read the guidePrepare an M-2 dependent application with the right applicant details, individual I-20, relationship records, and family travel information.
Read the guidePrepare your J-1 DS-160 with the correct DS-2019, exchange category, sponsor, program dates, and funding. Includes trainee and intern considerations.
Read the guideCheck J-2 program eligibility, the dependent’s DS-2019, relationship information, travel arrangements, and funding before completing the DS-160.
Read the guidePrepare an H-1B DS-160 using the relevant petition, employer information, current employment history, and intended U.S. role.
Read the guidePrepare an H-4 dependent DS-160 with the correct principal category, relationship details, personal history, and intended travel information.
Read the guidePrepare an L-1A application with clear foreign and U.S. employer information, role details, employment dates, and the appropriate petition records.
Read the guidePrepare an L-1B DS-160 with accurate entity names, specialized-knowledge role details, employment history, and individual or blanket petition information.
Read the guidePrepare an L-2 dependent application using the principal’s L records, relationship information, your own history, and the intended family travel plan.
Read the guideThese guides cover preparation and form accuracy. Examples are fictional. Always check the current instructions for your visa category and the embassy or consulate where you will apply.
Upload your full DS-160 for a free preview of flag counts by section. One completed preview per verified account.