On the DS-260, should I disclose informal jobs I have had?

Yes. On the DS-260, it is advisable to disclose all relevant professional experience, including informal work performed without a traditional contract or formal registration. The form collects the applicant’s full background for immigrant visa review, including petitions under EB-2 NIW, and transparency is a central principle of that process.

Omitting information may be interpreted as an attempt to conceal facts and can complicate the evaluation, even if the work was occasional or unregistered. When including informal experience, aim to describe the type of activity, the period during which it occurred, and, where possible, gather references or supporting documents to substantiate what you have declared.

• Include relevant activities even without a formal employment relationship.
• Describe your role and the period consistently.
• Keep references that can support the experience.

Review each answer before submitting so that the information is consistent with itself and with your other documents. If you are unsure how to report a specific history, it is worth consulting the official guidance from the U.S. government or speaking with a specialist before completing the form.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.