If you’re applying for a U.S. student visa (F-1) in 2025, one of the most important steps is completing the DS-160 form. Over the past 10 years, we have guided thousands of students through this process, and in this post, we’ll walk you through every detail. From our experience with nearly 100,000 successful student visa applications, we know exactly where students often get confused — and how to avoid mistakes.
What is DS-160 Form?
The DS-160 is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form. Every student applying for an F-1 visa must complete this form online through the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) portal.
👉 Without submitting this form and getting the confirmation page, you cannot schedule your visa interview.
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Who Needs to Fill DS-160 for F1 Visa?
The DS-160 form is required for:
- Students applying for Bachelor’s (Undergraduate) programs in the U.S.
- Students applying for Master’s (Graduate) programs.
- Doctoral (PhD) candidates.
- Students applying for Exchange Programs (J-1) — though they use the same DS-160.
- Parents/Guardians filling on behalf of minors (children under 18).
💡 Simply put: Every international student applying for a U.S. F-1 visa must fill out this form.
Documents You Need Before Starting DS-160
Before you begin, keep these documents ready:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months valid beyond your stay in the U.S.)
- SEVIS ID from your I-20 form
- Travel itinerary (if you have booked flights, not mandatory)
- U.S. contact details (school’s DSO info or university contact)
- Details of previous U.S. travel (if any)
- Education history & employment information
- Digital passport-style photo (as per U.S. photo requirements)
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Step-by-Step Guide to Filling DS-160
Step 1: Accessing the DS-160 Form
Go to the official CEAC website:
👉 https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/
Select DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
Step 2: Starting Your Application
- Choose the location where you will apply for your visa interview (example: U.S. Embassy Dhaka).
- Write down the Application ID shown on the top right.
- Select a security question — you’ll need this if you log back in.
Step 3: Personal Information
- Your full name (must match passport exactly).
- Other names used (if any, e.g., nicknames).
- Marital status.
- Nationality and National ID number (if applicable).
Step 4: Passport Information
- Passport number.
- Passport book number (usually not applicable for most).
- Place of issue, date of issue, and expiry date.
Step 5: Travel Plans
- Purpose of travel → select Student (F1).
- Intended date of arrival (approximate).
- Intended length of stay (duration of study).
- U.S. address (university’s address or student housing).
Step 6: U.S. Contact Information
- University/College contact details (DSO name from I-20).
- Phone and email of your school.
Step 7: Family Information
- Parents’ full names, dates of birth.
- Indicate if they are currently in the U.S.
Step 8: Education & Work Details
- Provide education history starting from secondary school.
- Add details of any employment (if applicable).
Step 9: Security & Background Questions
Answer carefully:
- Medical conditions.
- Criminal history.
- Previous visa denials.
💡 Always answer truthfully. Misrepresentation may lead to visa refusal.
Step 10: Uploading Your Photo
- Upload a digital photo that meets U.S. requirements.
- If upload fails, you’ll need to bring printed photos to your interview.
Step 11: Review & Final Submission
- Review every section carefully.
- Once submitted, you cannot edit.
Step 12: DS-160 Confirmation Page (Barcode)
- After submission, download and print the confirmation page with a barcode.
- You’ll need this for scheduling your visa interview.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering wrong SEVIS ID.
- Mistyping passport number.
- Uploading an invalid photo.
- Forgetting to save the Application ID.
- Providing incomplete education history.
What Happens After DS-160 Submission?
- You’ll use the confirmation page to pay the SEVIS fee and schedule your visa interview.
- Keep a digital and printed copy for records.
👉 [Insert internal link placeholder: How to Pay SEVIS Fee – Coming Soon]
👉 [Insert internal link placeholder: F1 Visa Interview Questions & Tips – Coming Soon]
Final Tips from Our 10+ Years of Experience
- Always save your DS-160 progress often.
- Double-check spellings and dates.
- Print at least 2 copies of the confirmation page.
- Use the same location name (Embassy/Consulate) throughout your application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I edit DS-160 after submission?
No. You must create a new DS-160 if you need changes. Only the most recent confirmation will be valid.
Q2: Do I need to print the full DS-160?
No. Only the confirmation page with barcode is required.
Q3: What if my DS-160 photo is rejected?
Bring printed photos (U.S. size 2×2 inch) to the visa interview.
Q4: How long does it take to fill DS-160?
Usually 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, if all documents are ready.
