Facts checked against official sources on 2026-11-06
What is the DS-160?
Short answer
The DS-160 is the online nonimmigrant visa application used for US visas. It replaced the paper forms DS-156, DS-157, DS-158 and DS-3032, which are no longer necessary. Submitting it online is only the first step of the visa process.
What the State Department says
- When you start a new DS-160 you select and answer a security question, and you are then issued a unique Application ID.
- The State Department says electronically submitting the DS-160 is "only the first step in the visa application process".
- After you submit, you contact the embassy or consulate to confirm whether an interview is required and to book one.
Frequently asked questions
Does the DS-160 replace the visa interview?
No. The State Department describes submission as the first step only. Whether an interview is required is confirmed with the embassy or consulate after you submit.
Which older forms did it replace?
The DS-156, DS-157, DS-158 and DS-3032, which the State Department says are no longer necessary.
Official sources
Rules, fees and timings change. Confirm on the official page above before you apply or pay. Krosz is a private visa assistance service, not a government authority, and cannot guarantee any visa decision.