Online Immigrant Visa Forms

What Are Online Forms?

The DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa Application & Registration, and DS-261, Choice of Address and Agent, are fully integrated online electronic visa application forms used to collect the necessary application information from persons seeking immigrant visas. These online forms are completed and submitted online to the Department of State via the Internet through the Consular Electronic Applications Center (CEAC). The forms may be partially completed, saved online to finish, and submitted later; or the forms can be completed and submitted in a single session.

Do Online Forms Apply to My Immigrant Visa?

You MUST use Form DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa Application, and Form DS-261, Choice of Address and Agent if:

  • The petition was approved in the U.S.; and
  • The application is being processed by the National Visa Center (NVC); and
  • The application is:
    • Family based (Form I-130 petition); or
    • Employment based (Form I-140 petition); or
    • For certain special immigrants (Form I-360 petition); or
    • For an immigrant entrepreneur (Form I-526 petition).

OR if your application meets ALL of the following conditions:

  • The petition was approved in the U.S. and the immigrant case is being processed by the National Visa Center (NVC); and
  • Applications are:
    • Family based (Form I-130 petition); or
    • Employment based (Form I-140 petition); or
    • For certain special immigrants (Form I-360 petition); or
    • For an immigrant entrepreneur (Form I-526 petition); and

Limited to the following U.S. Embassies and Consulates:

  • Visa Applicants will be interviewed at:
    • Any U.S. Embassy/Consulate in Mexico; or
  • The NVC requested fees and/or documents in October 2010 or later; and
  • Visa applicants will be interviewed at any U.S. Embassy/Consulate listed below:
    • Afghanistan - Kabul
    • Canada - Montreal
    • Greece - Athens
    • Iraq - Baghdad
    • Jordan - Amman
    • Peru - Lima
    • Syria - Damascus

While use of the online forms is currently limited to applicants who meet all of the conditions above, these forms will eventually be implemented worldwide and required for all immigrant visa applications.

Next Steps – Access the Consular Electronic Application Center

To determine if your petition began processing in time to join the program and to access Form DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa Application, and Form DS-261, Choice of Address and Agent, click Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. After logging in, follow the directions displayed noting the following:       

  • If CEAC provides you with the option of completing a DS-260 (note it may be grayed-out because you have not paid your Immigrant Visa Fee), you are required to complete the DS-260.
  • If CEAC provides you with online payment information only, you are NOT required to complete the DS-260.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Review the DS-260 FAQs if you must complete the online DS-260 form.

Additional References

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the NVC.

Review the Federal Register Notice Final Rule.