DS-260 Online Immigrant Visa Application Guide
Critical Consular Processing Information
What is the DS-260 Application?
The DS-260 Online Immigrant Visa Application is submitted through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) after your I-130 or I-140 petition is approved and forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC). This comprehensive online form collects biographical, background, and immigration history information required for consular processing.
Unlike USCIS adjustment of status (Form I-485), consular processing requires immigrant visa applicants to complete their case at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The DS-260 serves as the official immigrant visa application for this process.
NVC Fees and Payment Requirements
Required NVC Fees (2025)
- Immigrant Visa Processing Fee$325
- Affidavit of Support Fee$120
- Total NVC Fees$445
Payment Methods
DS-260 Application Sections
Complete these sections thoroughly and accurately:
- 1Personal Information and Contact Details
- 2Travel Information and U.S. Address
- 3Family Information (spouse, children, parents, siblings)
- 4Present and Previous Addresses (last 5 years)
- 5Education History from High School Forward
- 6Work History (last 10 years)
- 7Security and Background Questions
- 8Medical and Health Information
- 9Previous U.S. Travel and Immigration History
- 10Miscellaneous Questions (languages, social media)
Complete Consular Processing Timeline
Petition Approval and NVC Assignment
USCIS approves I-130/I-140 petition and forwards case to National Visa Center with case number
Fee Payment at NVC
Pay $325 immigrant visa processing fee + $120 Affidavit of Support fee online through CEAC
DS-260 Online Application
Complete DS-260 immigrant visa application online with biographical and background information
Document Collection and Submission
Gather civil documents, financial evidence, and submit to NVC for review and approval
NVC Document Review
NVC reviews all submitted documents and requests additional evidence if needed
Case Complete and Interview Scheduling
Once documentarily qualified, NVC schedules immigrant visa interview at U.S. consulate
Medical Examination
Complete required medical exam with panel physician in country of consular processing
Consular Interview
Attend immigrant visa interview with consular officer and present original documents
Visa Issuance and Travel
If approved, receive immigrant visa packet and enter U.S. within validity period
Arrival and Green Card Receipt
Present immigrant visa at port of entry and receive I-551 green card by mail within 120 days
Required Civil Documents
Gather these documents for NVC submission (certified translations required for non-English documents):
- Birth certificate for petitioner and beneficiary
- Marriage certificate (if applicable) with certified translation
- Divorce decrees for all previous marriages
- Death certificates for deceased spouses
- Police certificates from all countries of residence since age 16
- Military records and service documentation
- Court records for any criminal history
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) from petitioner
- Financial documents supporting I-864 (tax returns, W-2s, employment letter)
- Medical examination from panel physician
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended entry date
- Two color photographs meeting State Department specifications
Document Validity Requirements
Consular Interview Preparation
Critical preparation steps for successful consular interview:
- Review DS-260 application thoroughly - consular officer will reference your answers
- Organize original civil documents in order (birth, marriage, divorce, police certificates)
- Prepare for questions about relationship history and legitimacy (for family-based cases)
- Practice explaining employment history and future plans in the United States
- Bring evidence of ongoing relationship with petitioner (photos, communication, visits)
- Understand your case type and be prepared to discuss petition basis
- Review medical examination results and be prepared to discuss any findings
- Prepare for potential administrative processing delays if case requires additional review
Processing Timeline Estimates
NVC Processing (after I-130/I-140 approval)
60-90 days for document reviewInterview Scheduling Wait Time
2-24 months (varies significantly by country and visa category)Medical Examination
1-2 weeks (schedule 2-3 weeks before interview)Consular Interview Decision
Same day for approvals, 60+ days for administrative processingVisa Validity Period
6 months from medical exam date or passport expiration (whichever is sooner)Timeline Variations
Common Grounds for Visa Denial
Public Charge (INA 212(a)(4))
Insufficient financial support or likelihood of becoming dependent on government assistance
Unlawful Presence (INA 212(a)(9)(B))
Previous unlawful presence in U.S. triggering 3 or 10-year bars requiring I-601A waiver
Misrepresentation (INA 212(a)(6)(C))
False claims to citizenship, document fraud, or material misrepresentation to immigration officials
Criminal Grounds (INA 212(a)(2))
Criminal convictions, crimes involving moral turpitude, or controlled substance violations
Immigration Violations (INA 212(a)(6))
Previous immigration violations, illegal entry, or smuggling activities
Health-Related Inadmissibility (INA 212(a)(1))
Communicable diseases, mental disorders, or lack of required vaccinations
Affidavit of Support Requirements
Income Requirements (2025)
- • Household of 2: $23,200 (125% of poverty guidelines)
- • Household of 3: $29,200
- • Household of 4: $35,250
- • Add $6,050 for each additional person
- • Active duty military: 100% of poverty guidelines
Required Financial Evidence
- • Most recent federal tax return (IRS transcript preferred)
- • W-2s for most recent tax year
- • Current employment verification letter
- • Recent pay stubs (6-8 weeks)
- • Bank statements and asset documentation
Medical Examination Requirements
Panel Physician Examination
- Schedule with State Department-designated panel physician only
- Complete examination within 1 year and before consular interview
- Bring vaccination records and previous medical history
- Examination includes physical exam, chest X-ray, and blood tests
- Required vaccinations must be current per CDC requirements
Administrative Processing
Additional Security Clearance
Factors That May Trigger Administrative Processing
- • Employment in certain sensitive fields (technology, defense, research)
- • Travel history to countries of concern
- • Previous immigration violations or inconsistent statements
- • Large gaps in employment or residence history
- • Name similarities to individuals on security watch lists
Post-Interview Process
Visa Approved
Visa Denied
Entry to United States
Upon U.S. Arrival
- 1Present immigrant visa packet to CBP officer at port of entry
- 2CBP stamps passport and admits as lawful permanent resident
- 3Physical green card (I-551) mailed within 120 days to U.S. address
- 4Immediate eligibility to work and travel with passport stamp
Critical Success Strategies
Maximizing Approval Chances
- Complete DS-260 accurately - inconsistencies can cause delays or denials
- Submit all required documents at NVC stage to avoid interview delays
- Maintain qualifying relationship and meet all requirements until visa issuance
- Address potential inadmissibility issues before interview with appropriate waivers
- Bring organized original documents and evidence of ongoing qualifying relationship