What is the ‘Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application’?

The Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application is the official name of a well-known electronic form used in the U.S. visa process: the DS-160. It must be completed by anyone seeking to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to the United States.

Made available by the U.S. Department of State, the form collects personal information, travel details, and other data that help authorities assess the applicant’s eligibility for the visa. It is a central step in the application process.

Even for work visas such as the H-1B, completing and submitting the DS-160 may be required at certain stages of the process. For that reason, it is worth filling it out carefully: inaccuracies or incorrect information can lead to delays or even a visa denial.

Always read the official instructions and, if in doubt, confirm through official channels (the U.S. embassy or consulate website). Avoid sharing your personal data with unreliable intermediaries and be wary of any guarantees of a specific outcome.

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.