Embassy of the United States Tripoli, Libya

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.

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.  The DS-160 is now available with an Arabic "helper" function that should enable non-English speakers to access the application more effectively.

3.  Are all fields on the DS-160 mandatory?
Most fields on the DS-160 are mandatory, such as your U.S. contact name and number.  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 or my computer crashes?
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.  See samples on our photo specifications page.

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 at the time of visa processing.  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 event 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 was unable to print the confirmation page and did not write down the barcode.  How can I get it back to schedule the appointment?  Can the Consular Section look it up for me?
If you are unable to print the confirmation page and did not write down the barcode, then you will have to submit a new DS-160 application.  Make sure to print the confirmation page or at the very least write down the barcode so you can schedule your appointment.  The consular section is unable to reproduce lost DS-160 confirmation sheets or barcodes.

12.  I am traveling with my family or as part of a group.  Does each person (including infants and children) need a separate application?  Can I create a family or group application?
Yes, each person traveling requires a separate DS-160 application and confirmation sheet.  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. 

13.  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.