NIV Application Materials

Basic Information

The application form you submit for a nonimmigrant visa helps us decide whether you are qualified to receive a visa. Therefore, it is very important that the application form be filled out completely and correctly. If the form is not filled out completely and correctly, we will be unable to accept or process your application and you may be asked to make another visa interview appointment on another day. We are unable to fill out the application form for you. Please make sure that:

1. Every question is answered. If your answer to a question is "no" or "does not apply," please so indicate. Do not leave any questions blank.

2. You supply one application form (DS -156) completed in English. All applicants must use the electronic version of this form and complete it online. The resulting form will print with a bar code and can be processed quickly on the interview day. 

NOTE: If you are Chinese passport holder, please translate from English into Chinese, and handwrite in the available space information for items 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 20 and 21.

3. You attach a recent (taken within the last six months) 2-inch square (50-mm square) photograph to the form (with glue or staples).

4. You supply one supplementary application form (DS-157) in English if you are over 16 years old.

5. If you are applying for a F-1 (student), J-1 (exchange visitor) or M-1 (non-academic student), you and your dependents (F-2, J-2 or M-2) must also complete another supplementary application form (DS-158) in English.

6. You review your application forms for completeness and accuracy before you submit them. You must sign and date the application form. Please remember: your signature indicates that all of the information you have provided is correct, even if someone else filled out the form on your behalf.

For additional information on your visa application, see the following pages in the left-hand tool bar.