DS-260 Form: What You Need to Know When Filing
Filing a DS-260 Immigrant Visa Electronic Application is one of many steps for obtaining your immigrant visa. The DS-260 online application provides the U.S. Department of State with details about your personal information, family, travel history, and more. Completing it correctly helps your case move forward without any delays. The DS-260 can be intimidating because of the amount of information it requires. If you need extra support, our experienced immigration attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way.
What Is Form DS-260?
Form DS-260 is required for your green card if you apply outside the United States. This form provides the necessary information for your visa application. Filing goes through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the National Visa Center (NVC).
DS-260 Form and Instructions
The DS-260, or the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, is an online form filed through the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
To get started, you’ll need your NVC case number and invoice ID number to log into the CEAC system. Once there, you will be asked for detailed information about your background, including your address history, employment, education, family details, and travel records.
After submission, print the confirmation page and keep it with your records. You’ll need this page for your visa interview, and the consular officer will use the information in your DS-260 to guide their questions.
What Is Consular Processing?
Consular processing is the process of filing for a green card from outside the United States. You will apply for consular processing if you are applying for an immigrant visa or lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. Alternatively, if you apply from within the United States, you will apply through an adjustment of status.
Starting the Process for Your DS-260 Application With USCIS
To begin the consular process, you will submit an immigrant visa petition to USCIS. Common forms include:
- Family sponsorships such as Form I-130, Petition for Relatives
- Form I-129F, Petition for a K-1 fiancé visa
- Form I-140, Petition for Alien Workers
- Employment-based visas, such as an immigrant investor or other employment adjustment visas
When USCIS receives your petition, you will be sent a receipt. USCIS will review your visa application and decide whether you are approved, denied, or if there is a need for a request for further evidence. The timeline for your approval will depend on the type of visa you apply for and the number of backlogs.
Speak with your immigration attorney for dates based on your individual visa application. Once your visa petition is approved, USCIS will send your paperwork to the National Visa Center.
What Is the National Visa Center?
Once USCIS approves your petition, it will send your application to the National Visa Center (NVC). Upon receiving your paperwork, the NVC will notify you via mail or email, depending on your mode of application. It usually takes a month or more for your case to get from USCIS to the NVC.
The NVC is part of the U.S. Department of State. The NVC coordinates the second step in your visa processing, taking on the case instead of the U.S. Embassy because you are applying from abroad. The welcome notice from the NVC includes:
- An invoice number
- Your case number
- A beneficiary ID number
Save these numbers, as they will be needed when you submit forms to the Consular Electronic Application Center. However, note that just because your case is transferred to the NVC does not mean your visa application will be processed immediately. It will depend on the type of visa and the State Department’s visa bulletin priority date. This is similar to your original USCIS visa application.
Filing Your DS-260 Application
Once you’ve completed your pre-filing steps of filing your DS-261, paying filing fees, and submitting your affidavit of support (if required) you will then be notified by the NVC when to file your DS-260 form.
You will visit the Consular Electronic Application Center on the Department of State’s website and proceed to your DS-260 login. To do so, you will need your:
- Case identification number
- Beneficiary ID number
- NVC invoice number from your original welcome letter
You will be asked questions about:
- Your name and other biographical questions
- Places you have lived
- Social media accounts
- Your children
Most questions that you will be asked are straightforward. Answer questions honestly and make sure you have consistent answers on your form for when you prepare for your interview.
After Filing DS-260
The NVC will schedule your visa interview appointment date and time. Though different countries may have varying requirements, you should prepare for your interview by:
- Scheduling your medical examination with a U.S. government-approved doctor
- Registering for a courier service
- Bringing all required documents, including those previously submitted, as well as any additional forms
After filing your DS-260 online application, printing out your DS-260 confirmation page is essential. Bring it with you to the U.S. Consulate for your visa interview.
The DS-260 confirmation page is the final page you will receive after submitting your form. If you have questions about how to access this page, reach out to your immigration attorney right away.
DS-260 Final Steps
You will go to your U.S. Consulate for your visa interview. If the consular officer approves your DS-260 form, you can prepare to go to the United States! You will pay a final USCIS immigrant fee of $220. The final fee covers your green card production and mailing costs. Be sure to pay this fee right away so you can receive your green card as soon as possible in the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Several types of visa applications require Form DS-260.
Take the following tips into account when filing your DS-260 application:
You will send additional forms to the NVC after getting your DS-260 receipt confirmation. The NVC will instruct you on what documents you need to give them and how to get those documents. Forms may include copies of your: Ensure you send in all your supporting documents as soon as possible. Remember that your documents should be copies of the original documents, although you do want to have the originals on hand to bring to your interview.
Most family-based green cards require Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. An affidavit of support is a type of contract. The family member filing the affidavit sponsors you by agreeing to pay the U.S. government if you, the beneficiary, need to depend on the government financially. The family member signs a contract to pay the government back any public benefits it pays out (such as welfare costs). If you need assistance with your affidavit of support, the experienced lawyers at our law firm are happy to help. For instances such as affidavits of support, it’s always beneficial to have a knowledgeable attorney review your form to ensure correct completion.
Your DS-260 will not even be accessible until you pay the fees. Fees include: The NVC will process your payment roughly a week after you submit your payments online. Fee invoices will appear at the Consular Electronic Application Center.
What visas require Form DS-260?
What are some tips for filing the DS-260 Form?
What additional forms do I need?
Do I need to submit an affidavit of support?
What are the fees and costs?
Contact an Immigration Attorney Today
Filing your DS-260 is the final step towards receiving your green card when you file from abroad. If you need help with this process or any other steps leading up to this final action, contact the experienced attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. in Chicago.
We are here to help guide you through your immigration journey. Call us at 312.444.1940 or fill out an online form today! We look forward to working with you.
