Don't type personal details, such as a client's name.

Getting a Successful Submission

The complete walkthrough: create a form, fill it in, review, submit, track progress, and retrieve your DS-160 Application ID.

This is the end-to-end walkthrough — from a blank form to a successfully filed DS-160 with an Application ID you can use to schedule your visa interview. Follow it in order and you’ll have a clean submission.

1. Create a form

From the Forms screen, create a new form. Give it a name you’ll recognize later (for example, the applicant’s name). New to the dashboard? Read Account & Workspace Basics first.

2. Fill in every section

A DS-160 is organized into sections — personal information, passport, travel, work and education, security questions, and more. Open each section and answer the questions.

A few tips for a smooth submission:

  • Match your passport exactly. Names, dates, and numbers must match your travel documents character for character.
  • Don’t leave required fields blank. A section isn’t Completed until every required answer is valid.
  • Save as you go. Your answers are saved automatically, so you can stop and resume any time.

3. Review everything

When all sections show Completed, click Review All. The review screen lets you go through every section in turn and correct anything as you read. This is your last chance to catch a typo before filing — go through it carefully, because corrections after submission mean starting a new DS-160.

4. Decide whether you want a specialist’s help

Filing your DS-160 is free for individuals, so there is no payment step. If you would like a visa specialist to check your answers before you file, or to handle the application for you, you can ask for it from the filing screen. Both are optional; see the help options on the Individuals page.

5. Submit

Choose the consulate or embassy location where you’ll apply — this is required and is written into the official form. Then click New Submission. If your photo doesn’t meet the official requirements, you’ll be asked to acknowledge a warning before continuing.

Our automation then fills the official DS-160 portal for you. You don’t need to keep the tab open.

Example: how this looks on the platform

6. Track progress

The submission screen shows live status as the automation works, with how many fields have been filled so far. Along the way the official site shows two security codes (captchas) that a person has to type: we email you when each one is waiting, and you type it on the submission screen. You have about 5 minutes for each.

Example: how this looks on the platform

If a submission does not finish, its status says why. See E-Filing the DS-160 for what each status means and what to do.

7. Retrieve your Application ID

On a Completed submission, open it to find your official Application ID, along with the surname, year of birth, and security details you’ll need to retrieve the application on the official site and schedule your interview. Copy the Application ID and keep it safe.

Next steps