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FAQ regarding Form DS-260

Frequently asked questions regarding Online Form DS-260

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  • 1. Where can I find the DS-260?

    1. Where can I find the DS-260?

  • 2. Where can I find my NVC invoice number? What if my case does not have an NVC invoice number?

    2. Where can I find my NVC invoice number? What if my case does not have an NVC invoice number?

    • Please contact the NVC at NVCInquiry@state.gov to obtain your NVC invoice number. If you case was not processed at NVC, you may use your birth date in the following format (YYYYMMDD) as a substitute NVC number. Using the incorrect NVC number may cause delays in the processing of your case.
  • 3. Can my answers be in my native language?

    3. Can my answers be in my native language?

    • No.  All answers, 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 will be required to log back into CEAC and provide English answers. 

  • 4. Are all fields on the DS-260 mandatory?

    4. Are all fields on the DS-260 mandatory?

    • Most fields on the DS-260 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 be rejected.
  • 5. What happens if I need to step away in the middle of data entry?

    5. What happens if I need to step away in the middle of data entry?

    • The DS-260 will “time out” approximately 20 minutes after the application has been idle.  The “time out” is designed to protect your privacy.  For that reason, we provide you with a means of “recovering” your application.  You can recover your uncompleted application by returning to the Consular Electronic Application Center website.   Once there, you need to identify which application is yours.  You will have to provide the bar code supplied when you first begin the application, the first five letters of your name, year of birth, and the answer to the security question you are required to answer.  Please note that it is important to record that information because if you do not, and cannot remember what that information is, you will have to fill out a new application.  Once you recover your application, you will have to review information you previously provided before returning to the point where you left off.  Once you are satisfied that the information in your application is correct and complete, you may submit the application.  Please be aware that once you submit your application, clicking the “Sign and Submit Application” button on the Sign and Submit page, you will be unable to access your application again without the assistance of the consulate or embassy at which you plan to apply.

  • 6. Why did the edits I made from the review page "edit" link did not save?

    6. Why did the edits I made from the review page "edit" link did 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.
  • 7. Do I bring my entire application with me to the interview, or do I just bring my confirmation page?

    7. Do I bring my entire application with me to the interview, or do I just bring my confirmation page?

    • You should not bring your entire application with you to your interview.  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.

  • 8. I am traveling with my family. Can I create a family application?

    8. I am traveling with my family. Can I create a family application?

    • No. Each member attending an immigrant visa interview must have their own, separate DS 260. This includes children.

  • 9. The consulate denied my application because my DS-260 contained errors or was incomplete. What does this mean and what do I need to do next?

    9. The consulate denied my application because my DS-260 contained errors or was incomplete. What does this mean and what do I need to do next?

    • The DS-260 should contain truthful information and each question should be answered out as completely as possible. If your case was denied because your DS-260 must be corrected, please visit Consular Electronic Application Center, re-enter your application, correct the information as requested by the consulate, and save your changes.
  • 10. Are there any visa categories for which I should not fill out the DS-260?

    10. Are there any visa categories for which I should not fill out the DS-260?

    • All immigrant visas processed at Ciudad Juarez are required to fill out the DS-260. As of July, 1, 2011 the consulate will no longer accept the DS-230.