New Visa Application Required by U.S. Consulates
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Robert Taylor
The Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) is being developed by the Department of State to support an Inter-net based, full service application service center where applicants for a nonimmigrant visa can submit their application, make payments, upload photos, attach biometrics and/or other documents and check the status of their application.
Another step in implementing the CEAC is the deployment of the DS-160, a fully web-based nonimmigrant visa application. The DS-160 combines the information previously collected on the DS-156, DS-157 and DS-158 into one online form. The form also offers advanced features such as, the ability to save and fill fields, upload photos and other documents, multiple sessions with only one bar code generated and the creation of a digital signature with a unique code. Ultimately, the DS-160 simplifies the application process by providing a central location where all visa applicants complete an enhanced application.
The DS-160 has been slowly rolled out to multiple U.S. Consulates around the world. There are currently over 30 U.S. Consulates which require the use of the DS-160. (The full list can be found at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_4230.html) The Department of State is working to make the form available to additional Consulates and hopes to implement the use of the DS-160 worldwide by April 1, 2010.
A full list of frequently asked questions can be found online at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_4401.html.