DS-160 Form Guide Top Mistakes to AVOID (Before Your U.S. Visa Interview!)

Transcript

00:00Applying for a U.S. tourist visa means taking one essential first step, completing the DS-160 form.

00:07Overlooking simple details here can result in delays, denials, or worse, starting again from scratch.

00:15Let's dive into the most common DS-160 mistakes and how you can avoid them,

00:20ensuring your American adventure begins on the right note.

00:23First up, double and triple check your passport details.

00:27Every letter and number must match exactly.

00:30Even a small typo in your passport number, expiration date, or your full name could make your application invalid.

00:36Take your time. Accuracy is everything at this stage.

00:40Next, keep your travel plans consistent.

00:43If you tell the embassy that you'll stay 10 days, but your itinerary adds up to 30,

00:48that inconsistency could raise red flags.

00:51Plan realistic dates and make sure they match any supporting documents you might submit,

00:56like emails from hotels or confirmations from travel agencies.

01:00Photo trouble is another common trap.

01:03Your photo needs to be a recent one, precisely 2 inches by 2 inches, and taken against a plain white background.

01:11Avoid using selfies or dated pictures.

01:13The photo must meet U.S. visa standards, or your whole application can get stuck in a processing delay.

01:18Don't overlook required fields.

01:22Even if a question seems irrelevant, if it's marked as mandatory, answer it.

01:27When a field genuinely doesn't apply to you, enter does not apply instead of leaving it blank.

01:33Incomplete applications cause unnecessary holdups.

01:36Accurate contact information matters more than you might think.

01:39Embassy officials will check your home and work addresses, as well as your U.S. contact, if you have one.

01:47Consistent, up-to-date information reassures them of your credibility and preparation.

01:52Before you hit submit, save your work and review every answer.

01:56Better yet, have a trusted friend or mentor look things over.

02:01A fresh perspective can catch missed mistakes and give you peace of mind.

02:04Get your DS-160 right, and you set yourself up for a smoother visa interview experience.

02:10Safe travels, and may your American journey start with a flawless application.