Basic Information
The application form you submit for a nonimmigrant visa helps us decide whether you are qualified to receive a visa. Therefore, it is very important that the application form be filled out completely and correctly. If the form is not filled out completely and correctly, we will be unable to accept or process your application and you may be asked to make another visa interview appointment on another day. We are unable to fill out the application form for you. Please make sure that:
1. Every question is answered. If your answer to a question is "no" or "does not apply," please so indicate. Do not leave any questions blank.
2. You supply one application form (DS -156) completed in English. All applicants must use the electronic version of this form and complete it online. The resulting form will print with a bar code and can be processed quickly on the interview day.
NOTE: If you are Chinese passport holder, please translate from English into Chinese, and handwrite in the available space information for items 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 20 and 21.
3. You attach a recent (taken within the last six months) 2-inch square (50-mm square) photograph to the form (with glue or staples).
4. You supply one supplementary application form (DS-157) in English if you are over 16 years old.
5. If you are applying for a F-1 (student), J-1 (exchange visitor) or M-1 (non-academic student), you and your dependents (F-2, J-2 or M-2) must also complete another supplementary application form (DS-158) in English.
6. You review your application forms for completeness and accuracy before you submit them. You must sign and date the application form. Please remember: your signature indicates that all of the information you have provided is correct, even if someone else filled out the form on your behalf.
Visa Application Forms:
DS-156 Visa Application Form - All applicants must complete the electronic barcode version of DS-156 application form in English. The electronic DS-156 can be accessed below (See the link). Complete the form and print it according to the directions. A unique bar code will appear on the printed form. Please bring the completed form to your visa interview. The barcode form is three pages, and must be printed on the front and back of each sheet of paper. Only A-4 or 8.5 x 11 inch paper will be accepted. Chinese passport holders are required to handwrite some information in Chinese (translating from the information already printed in English) for items 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 20 and 21.
DS-157 Supplemental Visa Application Form - All applicants 16 years of age and older must complete the DS-157 application form in English. The form is one page, and must be printed on A-4 or 8.5 x 11 inch paper.
* Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to view this document. Download Adobe Acrobat HERE.
DS-158 Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant - All applicants applying for F (Student), J (Exchange Visitor) and M (Non-academic Student) visas, and their dependents (F-2, J-2 and M-2 visas), must complete the DS-158 application form in English. This form is two pages, and must be printed on the front and back of each sheet of paper. Only A-4 or 8.5 x 11 inch paper will be accepted
* Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to view this document. Download Adobe Acrobat HERE.
Nonimmigrant Visas(NIV)
NIV Application Materials
Forms
