The DS-156E is a supplemental form from the United States Department of State. In certain visa processes, it accompanies the main application to collect additional information about the employer or business and the nature of the offer or activity.
The purpose of this type of form is to help consular officers confirm the consistency of information already submitted, serving as an extra layer of verification in the review of the case. Completing it carefully and exactly in accordance with the official instructions avoids discrepancies that could delay the process.
- It is a supporting document, complementary to the main petition or application.
- It gathers details about the employer or business and the offer.
- It must be completed in accordance with the current official instructions.
Because the exact use and requirement of forms vary by visa category and may be updated, confirm in the official Department of State instructions whether the DS-156E applies to your case and, if in doubt, seek specialized guidance.
Learn more about O-1
- Requirement
- Extraordinary ability
- Initial validity
- 3 years
- Extension
- 1 year at a time (unlimited)
- Processing
- 2-4 months
About the author
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
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.