Form DS-260: Immigrant Visa Electronic Application
The online application completed by family-sponsored or employment-based green card applicants waiting outside the U.S. (Consular Processing).
Table of Contents
What is the DS-260 Form?
The **DS-260 form** is the online application required for anyone applying for an immigrant visa from outside the United States. Also known as the electronic **immigrant visa application**, this form collects your detailed personal history, family details, work background, and security questions.
If you are going through consular processing (obtaining your green card at a U.S. embassy abroad rather than adjusting status inside the U.S.), you must complete this form.
How to Fill DS-260
To learn **how to fill DS-260**, you must wait until the National Visa Center (NVC) sends you a "Welcome Letter." This letter contains your NVC Case Number and Invoice I.D. Number, which you need to log into the application portal.
You can only complete this step when your green card priority date is current or close to becoming current under the monthly Visa Bulletin charts.
Where Do You File Form DS-260?
The DS-260 form is submitted entirely online. You do not mail paper printouts of this form to the government.
Access the form through the State Department Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. Make sure to print the DS-260 confirmation page once you finish, as you must bring it to your embassy interview.
Filing Fees & Processing Times
Filing Fee: Sponsoring visa applicants must pay the NVC immigrant visa application processing fee and financial support review fee before they can access the DS-260 form. Fees depend on whether it is a family or work visa.
Processing Time: Once submitted, the NVC typically reviews your DS-260 and uploaded documents within 2 to 4 weeks. After NVC approval, embassy interview wait times vary by country.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mismatched Address History: List every address where you have lived since age 16. Missing addresses can lead to delays or extra questions during your background check.
- Incorrect Embassy Selection: Ensure you choose the correct U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country where you want your interview to take place.
- Failing to List All Children: You must list all children, including stepchildren and adopted children, even if they are not immigrating with you.
What Happens After You File?
After submitting the form, you must upload your supporting civil documents (like birth certificates and police records) to the NVC portal.
Once the NVC reviews all your documents, they will mark your case as "Documentarily Qualified" (DQ). Next, the NVC will coordinate with your local U.S. embassy to schedule your visa interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my DS-260 after submitting it?
No. Once submitted, the form is locked. If you need to make a correction, you must ask the U.S. consular officer to unlock your form at the start of your embassy interview, or contact the NVC to reopen it before the case is sent abroad.
What documents must I bring to the embassy interview?
Bring your DS-260 confirmation page, your passport, the originals of all civil documents uploaded to the CEAC portal, and your sealed medical exam report from an embassy-approved panel physician.
How long does it take to get the green card after DS-260 approval?
If approved at your interview, the embassy will stamp an immigrant visa in your passport. Once you land in the U.S. and pay the USCIS immigrant fee, your physical green card is mailed to your U.S. address within 90 days.
Official Resources
OFFICIAL PAGE →Check Your Priority Date
Waiting for the NVC to review your DS-260? Track the current priority date cut-offs on the monthly Visa Bulletin using our calculator.
USE CALCULATOR →