Nonimmigrant Visas

Nonimmigrant Visa Forms

NEW!! All applicants applying for nonimmigrant visas in Tripoli must use the new DS-160 application form.

After completing the new DS-160, the applicant will electronically submit the application and will be provided with a confirmation page that includes only limited biographical information and a bar code. Applicants must bring this confirmation page with them to their interview.
Note: If the online application has not been completed fully and properly, the applicant's case cannot be processed and a new interview appointment will be required.
This first pilot version of the DS-160 will only be available in English. Future versions will allow the user to see translations of the site in other languages, including Arabic.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Online DS-160 for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants

1.) Where can I find the DS-160?
You can access the DS-160 from the Consular Electronic Application Center website or from the link on Post’s website.

2.) Can my answers be in my native language?
No. All application questions, except as specially provided, must be in English, using English characters only. Applications that are submitted in any language other than English may be denied, and you may be required to submit a new application.

3.) Are all fields on the DS-160 mandatory?
Most fields on the DS-160 are mandatory. You may leave fields marked “Optional” blank. Some fields may also give you the option to select “Does Not Apply”. If that field does not apply to you, you may mark the box next to “Does Not Apply.” All other fields must be completed: the application will not allow you to submit a form with any mandatory fields left blank. In this instance, an error message will be displayed and you will be required to complete the field before continuing with the application. If you do not answer questions that apply, your form may also be rejected .

4.) What happens if I need to step away in the middle of data entry?
The DS-160 will “time out” approximately 20 minutes after the application has been idle. The “time out” is designed to protect your privacy. If the application times out, all the data that has been entered will be lost. In order to guard against possible “time out” issues you should save the application at regular intervals while you are completing the application. To save the application, click the “Save” button at the bottom center of the application. Clicking save will temporarily save your application. In order to permanently save your application, select the “Save Application to File” button. Then, click the “Save” button on the File Download window. Identify a place on your computer to save the application file, browse to that location, and click the “Save” button on the Save As window. The system will download your application to the specified location. Once the download is complete you can click “Close” to return to the application. You can then use the “Import Application Date” option on the “Getting Started” page to upload the data that you have already entered.

5.) I understand that I can upload a photo with my application. How do I get a digital photo that will successfully upload to my application?
Please refer to the photo quality standards guide for detailed guidance for using a digital camera, and requirements for scanned images.

6.) The confirmation page has an "X" in the box where the photo should be. What does that mean?
That means that the photo upload failed. You will need to submit one printed photograph meeting requirements, along with the online DS-160 confirmation page. Please verify with the Consulate or Embassy where you are applying for specific instructions on how to attach your photo to your confirmation page. See the print photo format found in the Nonimmigrant Photograph Requirements. **Even if the confirmation page includes a photo image and the photo upload function was successful, we still require visa applicants to bring one photo with them in the even that the system will not accept the uploaded version.**

7.)    Why did the edits I made from the review page "edit" link not save?
In order for data changes made from the review page links to save, you must use the buttons at the bottom of each page to navigate, instead of the browser's back/forward buttons or the buttons along the left of the screen.
8.)    Should I save my application before I submit it?
YES! You should, if you can, save your application locally (to either your hard drive or a CD) before you submit your application. Saving your application locally is beneficial in two ways. First, if your application is rejected by the Consulate or Embassy for being incomplete, i.e., your application contains nonresponsive answers or you failed to answer a critical question, you will be able access your saved application data, correct the nonresponsive or incomplete answers and submit the corrected application without having to complete an entirely new application. Second, if you are a frequent visa applicant, you can update your saved application the next time you wish to apply for a visa and submit the updated application. This will save you time by not having to reenter information that has not changed since the last time you applied.
9.) How do I save my application?
To save the application, click the “Save” button at the bottom center of the application. Clicking save will temporarily save your application. In order to permanently save your application, select the “Save Application to File” button. Then, click the “Save” button on the File Download window. Identify a place on your computer to save the application file, browse to that location, and click the “Save” button on the Save As window. The system will download your application to the specified location. Once the download is complete, you can click “Close” to return to the application. You can then use the “Import Application Date” option on the “Getting Started” page to upload the data that you have already entered.
10.) Do I bring my entire application with me to the interview, or do I just bring the confirmation page?
You should not bring your entire application. Your confirmation page is all that is needed to retrieve your application data. You must bring the confirmation page with you during all phases of the application process. Without the confirmation page, it may not be possible to access your application and process your visa case.
11.) I am traveling with my family or as part of a group. Can I create a family or group application?
Yes. On the “Thank You” page you will see an option to create a family or group application. When you select this option, certain information from your application, such as destination, will automatically be imported to and displayed on a new application. Please note that if you use this option you will need to create an individual application for each of your family members traveling with you or for each individual within the group.
12.) If I use the option on the "Thank You" page to create a family or group application, can I modify the data automatically populated by the system?
Yes. If one of the dependents has a different surname or nationality, for example, the applicant can alter that data on the application before submitting.
13.) I am applying for an E-Visa. Do I need to fill out the DS-160 and the DS-156E?
It depends. If you are an E-Visa Principal Investor (E-2) applicant, all you need to complete is the DS-160. If you are a Treaty Trader or an Executive/Manager/Essential Employee you will need to complete the DS-160 and you or your employer will need to complete the paper? DS-156E. Sometime next year a new form, the DS-161, E-Visa Business Information form, will be released. This form will allow you or your employer to complete an online form and submit the form electronically to the Department. Until that time all treaty traders, executives, managers, and essential employees of an E-visa business will be required to complete and submit the paper? DS-156E.

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