DS-260 Interactive Guide
Prepare for the DS-260 immigrant visa application with a personalized guide. Review the identity, family, address, employment, U.S. travel, immigration, and background information you may need before completing the official form in CEAC.
Who is completing the DS-260?
Each qualified family member immigrating must generally complete a separate DS-260.
Which identity details need extra attention?
Select every item that applies.
Which personal-history sections may require more preparation?
Select every item that applies.
Which U.S. and immigration-history topics apply?
Select every item that applies.
Which security and background topics apply?
Select every item that applies. This guide does not tell you how to answer these questions.
Are you ready to review before submission?
DS-260 Review Checklist
Use this to organize information before relying on or submitting the official CEAC application.
📝 Prepare Before You Start
Organize names, addresses, employment, education, family history, travel, and immigration information before opening CEAC.
🔍 Review Difficult Sections
Identify parts of the DS-260 that may require additional records or careful review.
🖨️ Create a Printable Guide
Generate and print a personalized preparation or final-review checklist.
What the DS-260 Guide Covers
✅ Principal applicants, spouses, and children
✅ Passport and identity information
✅ Other names and name differences
✅ Address history
✅ Employment and education history
✅ Parents, spouses, and children
✅ Previous U.S. travel and visas
✅ Intended U.S. address
✅ Social Security number questions
✅ Arrest, court, and prison history
✅ Military and organizational history
✅ Final review before submission
Information to Gather
U.S. travel and visa history
Passport information
Birth details
Other names used
Previous addresses
Employment and education history
Parent information
Marriage history
Children’s information
Records to Review
Intended U.S. address
Passport
Birth certificate
Marriage and divorce records
Court or prison records
Military records
Previous visa records
Petition information
NVC case information
How to Use This Guide
Answer the Questions
Select the situations that apply to the person completing the DS-260.
Review the Results
Use the personalized checklist to gather missing information and records.
Complete the Official Form
Enter the information in the official DS-260 through CEAC and review every answer before submitting.
Each qualified family member immigrating generally completes a separate DS-260 after the applicable fees show as paid in CEAC.
Complete the Official DS-260 in CEAC
This guide helps you prepare, but it does not replace or submit the official immigrant visa application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Form DS-260?
The DS-260 is the online Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration completed through the Consular Electronic Application Center.
Can I change an answer after submitting?
The correct procedure can depend on the case stage and embassy. Contact NVC or follow the instructions from the embassy or consulate handling the case before attempting corrections.
Does every family member need a DS-260?
Each qualified family member immigrating with the principal applicant generally completes a separate application.
Can I complete the DS-260 in another language?
Answers generally must be entered in English using English characters unless the official form specifically allows otherwise.
Can I save the application and finish later?
Yes. The DS-260 can be saved and continued later. CEAC may log users out after approximately 20 minutes of inactivity, so users should save frequently.
What should I do after submitting?
Print and keep the DS-260 confirmation page. Applicants must bring the confirmation page to the immigrant visa interview.
Continue Preparing Your NVC Case
Use our NVC Document Checklist to organize civil documents, sponsor records, translations, and interview materials.