DS-260: Immigrant Visa Application
The Final Step to Your U.S. Green Card — Through Consular Processing
The DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, is the official online form that foreign nationals must complete when applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
Unlike Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) — which is for applicants already in the United States — the DS-260 is for people who are completing their green card process from outside the U.S. through consular processing. It’s a required step for most family-based, employment-based, and diversity visa immigrants.
✅ Who Files the DS-260?
You must file the DS-260 if you are:
✅ The beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition (such as Form I-130, I-140, I-360, or Diversity Visa selection).
✅ Applying for an immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
✅ Ready for the final visa interview to receive your immigrant visa and travel to the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
✅ How the DS-260 Process Works
📌 Step 1 — Petition Approval:
Your family member, employer, or other sponsor files an immigrant petition (e.g., I-130, I-140) with USCIS. Once it’s approved, your case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC).
📌 Step 2 — Pay Fees & Gather Documents:
You’ll receive a case number from the NVC. Pay the required immigrant visa fees and gather all civil documents — such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, police certificates, and valid passports.
📌 Step 3 — Complete the DS-260 Online:
Access the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and complete the DS-260 online. You’ll provide detailed information about your background, family, prior U.S. travel, security information, and other eligibility details.
📌 Step 4 — Submit & Confirm:
Once submitted, you’ll receive a DS-260 confirmation page — which you must print and take to your visa interview.
📌 Step 5 — Visa Interview at U.S. Embassy or Consulate:
Attend your interview at the assigned embassy or consulate. Bring your civil documents, medical exam results, and DS-260 confirmation. The consular officer will review your eligibility and make a final decision on your immigrant visa.
📌 Step 6 — Enter the United States:
If approved, you’ll receive an immigrant visa in your passport and a sealed visa packet. Once you enter the United States, you’ll receive your physical green card by mail.
✅ Key Requirements for DS-260
✅ A valid approved immigrant petition.
✅ A current priority date (your visa category must be “current”).
✅ Complete civil documents and evidence supporting your petition.
✅ Medical exam with a designated panel physician.
✅ Ability to show you are admissible to the United States under U.S. immigration law.
✅ Who Typically Uses the DS-260?
🗂️ Family-Based Immigration: Spouses, children, parents, and siblings of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents applying abroad.
🗂️ Employment-Based Immigration: Workers with employer sponsorship.
🗂️ Diversity Visa Lottery Winners: Selected applicants completing their green card process outside the U.S.
🗂️ Special Immigrant Categories: Certain religious workers, Afghan or Iraqi translators, and other unique categories.
✅ How USCIS Expert Helps
Filing the DS-260 correctly is crucial — mistakes or missing documents can cause delays, denials, or additional background checks. At USCIS Expert, we:
✅ Confirm your eligibility for consular processing.
✅ Help you gather and organize all civil and financial documents.
✅ Guide you through each section of the DS-260 form to avoid errors.
✅ Prepare you for your visa interview, including common questions and required evidence.
✅ Support you from NVC processing to your safe arrival as a new permanent resident.
Ready to Bring Your American Dream Home?
The DS-260 is the final step to turning your approved petition into a green card — and your new life in the United States. Let USCIS Expert help you get it right the first time.
Contact us today to start your DS-260 process with confidence — and take the next step toward your new beginning in the U.S.