DS-160 Form Guide
The DS-160 is the online nonimmigrant visa application required for all US visa types. This guide walks you through each section with tips specific to Turkish applicants.
Official Application Portal
DS-160 can only be submitted through the official Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
ceac.state.gov/genniv ↗Contents
What is DS-160?
The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is the standard form used for applying for nonimmigrant visas to the United States. This includes tourist visas (B-1/B-2), student visas (F-1), work visas (H-1B, L-1), and many others.
Important: The DS-160 must be completed and submitted online before scheduling your visa interview. You cannot attend an interview without a confirmed DS-160.
Before You Start: Documents to Gather
Gather these documents before starting your DS-160 to avoid delays:
- Valid Passport – Number, issue date, expiration date, issuing authority
- Travel Dates – Intended arrival date and length of stay
- US Contact – Name and address of person/organization you'll visit
- Employment History – Last 5 years: employer names, addresses, dates
- Education History – Schools attended with dates
- Previous US Visas – If any: visa numbers and dates
- Digital Photo – Meeting US visa photo requirements
Personal Information Section
This section collects your basic biographical data. Enter information exactly as it appears on your passport.
Turkish Name Format Tips
- Enter names in CAPITAL LETTERS as shown on passport
- Turkish characters (İ, Ö, Ü, Ş, Ğ, Ç) should be converted: İ→I, Ö→O, Ü→U, Ş→S, Ğ→G, Ç→C
- If you have a middle name, include it in the "Given Names" field
Critical: Your name must match your passport EXACTLY. Even small differences (like "AHMET" vs "AHMED") can cause your visa to be denied or delayed.
Travel Information
Provide details about your intended trip to the United States.
Purpose of Trip
Select the primary purpose that matches your visa type. Common selections for Turkish applicants:
- B-1: Business meetings, conferences, negotiations
- B-2: Tourism, visiting family, medical treatment
- F-1: Academic studies
- H-1B: Specialty occupation employment
Intended Date of Arrival
Enter your best estimate. This is not binding, but should be realistic. Your visa interview should be scheduled at least 2-3 weeks before this date.
Previous US Travel
If you have previously traveled to the US, provide accurate details. This information will be verified against CBP records.
Tip: If you have previous US travel with no issues, this strengthens your application. Include all trips, even short ones.
Required information for each previous trip:
- Date of arrival
- Length of stay
- Visa type used
Address & Contact Information
Enter your current residential address in Turkey. This must be where you actually live, not a work address.
Turkish Address Format
Street Address: Atatürk Caddesi No: 123 Daire: 5
City: Istanbul
State/Province: Istanbul
Postal Code: 34000
Country: TURKEY
Phone Number
Enter your Turkish mobile number with country code: +90 5XX XXX XX XX
Passport Information
Enter your passport details exactly as they appear on the document.
| Field | Where to Find | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Number | Top right of data page | U12345678 |
| Issue Date | Data page | DD/MM/YYYY |
| Expiration Date | Data page | DD/MM/YYYY |
| Issuing Authority | Data page | T.C. NVI |
Note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the US.
US Point of Contact
You must provide a contact person or organization in the United States.
For Tourist Visa (B-1/B-2)
If visiting family/friends, provide their name and address. If traveling independently, you can list your hotel.
For Business Visa
Provide the company name, address, and a contact person at the organization you will be visiting.
Family Information
Provide information about your immediate family members (parents, spouse, children).
Why This Matters: Family ties in your home country demonstrate "binding ties" that suggest you will return after your US visit. This is a key factor in visa decisions.
Work & Education History
Current Employment
Provide detailed information about your current job, including:
- Job title
- Employer name and address
- Start date
- Monthly salary (in local currency is acceptable)
- Brief description of duties
Previous Employment (Last 5 Years)
List all employers from the past 5 years with dates of employment and addresses.
Education
List educational institutions attended (high school and above) with dates and degrees/certificates obtained.
Security and Background Questions
The DS-160 includes a series of yes/no questions about criminal history, immigration violations, and other security-related matters.
Critical Warning: Answer ALL questions truthfully. Lying on a DS-160 is a federal crime and will result in permanent visa ineligibility. If you are unsure about any question, consult an immigration attorney before submitting.
The questions cover topics including:
- Communicable diseases
- Criminal activity
- Drug-related violations
- Immigration violations (overstays, deportation)
- Terrorist activities
Photo Requirements
A digital photo is required as part of your DS-160 submission. The same specifications apply to the printed photo for your interview.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions
5x5 cm (2x2 inches)
File Format
JPEG
File Size
Between 240KB and 240KB
Resolution
Minimum 600x600 pixels
Background
White or off-white
Recency
Taken within last 6 months
Photo Do's and Don'ts
✓ Do
- Face the camera directly
- Neutral facial expression
- Both eyes open and visible
- Head centered in frame
✗ Don't
- Wear glasses
- Wear hats or headwear (religious head coverings are allowed)
- Smile with teeth showing
- Use filters or editing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Name Mismatch
Entering your name differently than it appears on your passport. This includes spelling variations and missing middle names.
2. Inconsistent Dates
Employment or education dates that don't match your resume or supporting documents. Cross-check all dates before submitting.
3. Leaving Fields Blank
Every required field must be completed. If something doesn't apply, enter "N/A" or "NONE" - don't leave it empty.
4. Wrong Visa Category
Selecting the wrong visa type. If you're visiting family AND doing tourism, select B-1/B-2 (combined), not just B-2.
5. Photo Rejection
Uploading a photo that doesn't meet specifications. Use the State Department's photo tool to test your image before uploading.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete DS-160?
Most applicants complete the DS-160 in 60-90 minutes. However, you should gather all documents beforehand. The form auto-saves, so you can complete it in multiple sessions using your Application ID.
Can I edit DS-160 after submission?
No, once submitted you cannot edit DS-160. You must start a new application. Minor corrections can sometimes be discussed at the interview, but it's better to get it right the first time.
What if I don't know my exact travel dates?
Enter your best estimate. The dates on DS-160 are not binding - you can travel on different dates after your visa is approved (within the visa validity period).
Should I fill DS-160 in English or Turkish?
The form must be completed in English. While some fields show Turkish translations for guidance, all your answers must be in English characters.
How long is DS-160 valid?
DS-160 confirmation is valid for one year from the date of submission. You must attend your visa interview within this period.
What should I bring to the interview?
Bring your DS-160 confirmation page (with barcode), valid passport, one printed photo meeting specifications, interview appointment letter, and any supporting documents relevant to your visa type.
Official Sources
Cite This Entry
EchoLegal, “DS-160 Visa Application Guide,” EchoLegal Legal Encyclopedia, v1.0 (last updated Feb 17, 2026), https://echo-legal.com/en/ds-160-rehberi.
DS-160 Visa Application Guide, EchoLegal Legal Encyclopedia (last updated Feb 17, 2026), https://echo-legal.com/en/ds-160-rehberi.
ecl-gde-00018Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa requirements and procedures may change. Always verify current requirements on official US government websites. EchoLegal is not affiliated with the US Department of State or any government agency.