Visitor visas
US visitor visa: preparing a B-1/B-2 application
Start with the purpose of your US trip, then prepare the application and follow the instructions of the embassy or consulate handling it.
Read guideDS-160 application: what to prepare before you start
The DS-160 is an online nonimmigrant visa application. Completing it is one part of the process, separate from an appointment or a visa decision.
Gather your information first
Organize your passport, intended travel details, previous US travel and other information requested for your visa category. The official DS-160 guidance explains what to have ready. Use your actual history; do not guess dates or invent a contact because a question feels inconvenient.
Work from one consistent record
Keep a private preparation note with names exactly as they appear in the relevant documents. Compare passport details and travel information before submitting. If a question does not fit your circumstances, consult the official help rather than copying another person’s answer. Keep identity documents out of ordinary email or shared notes.
Keep the confirmation and follow the next instructions
After submission, preserve the DS-160 confirmation page and follow the responsible embassy or consulate’s directions for the remaining steps. A form confirmation is not a visa approval. If information changes or you discover an error, consult that authority’s correction instructions before taking the next step.
Common questions
Is the DS-160 the visa itself?
No. It is the application form. Government review and any additional steps remain separate.
Should I copy a sample application?
Use examples only to understand a question. Your answers must describe your own circumstances accurately.
Official sources
Confirm current requirements, fees and instructions with the responsible authority.
Private visa guidance and application help. Not a government agency. Government authorities decide applications and admission. Check current official instructions for your circumstances.