Providing incomplete or inaccurate details on the DS-160 Application form can significantly affect your F-1 Visa application process.

Almost all fields on the DS-160 Application form are compulsory and should be completed in the designated areas. Optional questions can be left unanswered, and if needed, indicate “Does Not Apply.” If you’re pursuing an F-1 Visa in India, consider the following while completing your DS-160 Application:

Biographical information must match your passport details

When initiating your application, ensure the initial section is completed with information aligning with the biographical details in your passport. Should your Indian passport include your middle name within the ‘Given Name’ section, include your complete given name on the DS-160 application.

As an Indian passport bearer, refrain from duplicating your full name when prompted to provide it in the native alphabet; instead, mark the ‘Does Not Apply/Technology Not Available’ option. Similarly, when asked for a telecode representing your full name, Indian passport holders should select ‘No.’ In exceptional cases where your Indian passport lacks your name, input the 4-digit telecode representing your name.

Input identification numbers if you had previous employment in the US

Indian citizens should refrain from entering their Aadhar Card number or PAN Card number in the National Identification Number field and instead select the ‘Does Not Apply’ option. If you have no prior residency or employment history in the US, leave the US SSN (Social Security Number) and ITIN (Taxpayer ID Number) fields empty and mark ‘Does Not Apply’. Only complete these sections if you have previously been employed in the US.

Use the address of your US university

When providing the address where you will stay in the US, if you are unsure of the exact location of your student dorm or accommodation, input your US university’s complete mailing address. If you have acquaintances or family members residing in the US, refrain from utilizing their address. Your visit to the US is exclusively for academic pursuits and attending a US college.

Ensure complete disclosure of any previously issued US visas

In the ‘Previous U.S. Travel’ section, you are required to disclose any prior issuance of a US visa, irrespective of its category (e.g., tourist visa, employment-based visa). Thoroughly examine all pages of your passport(s) to verify your US visa history. Failure to provide comprehensive and accurate details in this section may result in an automatic rejection of your F-1 Visa application.

If you have held a US visa previously, input the red number displayed on your US visa page into the ‘Visa Number’ field. Note that the ‘Control Number’ stated on the US visa page differs from your Visa Number. Therefore, ensure accurate entry of the respective number in this field.

Passport Document Number vs. Passport Book Number

Indian passports lack a passport book number. Therefore, you should refrain from filling in this field and instead select the ‘Does Not Apply’ option. Enter your passport number into the ‘Passport/Travel Document Number’ field.

Use your DSO’s information as a US contact

The DS-160 application necessitates the provision of contact details for a person in the US who can attest to your identity and purpose of studying there. Refrain from listing friends or relatives and instead input the information of your US university’s Designated School Official (DSO). This information is typically found in the ‘School Attestation’ section on the initial page of your Form I-20.

Related Post: How to track your F-1 Visa Application Status?