The DS-160 form, the online nonimmigrant visa application, requires you to provide detailed information about your intended trip to the United States. One crucial section asks about your specific travel plans. Answering this section accurately and honestly is vital for a successful visa application. Let’s break down how to approach this section based on whether you have definite plans or not.
“No” – Unsure of Your Travel Plans
If you haven’t finalized your travel plans, answer “No” to “Have you made specific travel plans?” The form will then prompt you to provide an estimated date of arrival (“Intended Date of Arrival”) and the intended length of your stay in the U.S. (“Intended Length of Stay in U.S.”).
- Intended Date of Arrival: Provide your best estimate in the DD-MM-YYYY format.
- Intended Length of Stay: Be specific and realistic. Examples include “6 months,” “4 weeks,” or “10 days.” Avoid vague answers like “as long as possible” or “don’t know.”
For a B1/B2 visa, it’s best not to indicate an intention to stay longer than 6 months. Be prepared to explain your activities during that period. Remember, you should state the duration of your trip, not the duration of the visa you desire.
- K1/K2 visa: Answer “Permanently, will apply for permanent residence following marriage.”
- K3/K4/V visa: Answer “Permanently, will apply for permanent residence.”
- Petition-based (H, L, etc.) visa: Calculate the duration from your interview date until the petition’s expiration and enter that duration.
“Yes” – Definite Travel Plans
If you have concrete travel arrangements, answer “Yes.” This will trigger a series of questions requiring specific details:
- Date of Arrival in U.S.: Enter the date in DD-MM-YYYY format.
- Arrival Flight (if known): Provide the flight number if you have it.
- Arrival City: The city where you’ll arrive in the U.S.
- Date of Departure from U.S.: Enter the date in DD-MM-YYYY format.
- Departure Flight (if known): Provide the flight number if you have it.
- Departure City: The city from which you’ll depart the U.S.
- Provide the locations you plan to visit in the U.S.: List all the cities and states you intend to visit.
Alt text: New York City skyline at dusk, a popular destination for travelers, highlighting the importance of providing accurate travel plans in the DS-160 form.
Address Where You Will Stay in the U.S.
Provide a complete and accurate address where you will be staying in the United States. This could be a hotel, a relative’s home, or your dormitory address if you’re a student.
- Staying with Relatives: Provide the address of your relative (e.g., son, daughter).
- Staying at a Hotel: Provide the hotel’s address. “Any hotel” is not an acceptable answer.
- Student (F1 visa): Include your expected dormitory address or the university’s international advisor/campus address if the dormitory is unknown.
- Employed in the U.S. (H1B or L1): Provide the address and phone number of your U.S. apartment.
- Border Crossing for Shopping: Enter the store’s or hotel’s street address, city, and state that you usually visit.
The address you provide should be one where you can be contacted.
Person/Entity Paying for Your Trip
Identify who is financially responsible for your trip. You can choose from:
- SELF
- OTHER PERSON
- PRESENT EMPLOYER
- EMPLOYER IN THE U.S.
- OTHER COMPANY / ORGANIZATION
Alt text: A credit card, symbolizing the financial aspect of travel and the importance of identifying the person or entity paying for the trip on the DS-160 form.
SELF, PRESENT EMPLOYER, EMPLOYER IN THE U.S.
If you select any of these, no further questions are asked.
OTHER PERSON
Provide the full name of the person financially supporting your trip. This person should be the same individual who signed the Affidavit of Support I-134 (if applicable).
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Is the address of the party paying for your trip the same as your Home or Mailing Address? Answer “Yes” or “No” accordingly.
- Yes: No further questions.
- No: Provide the complete address of the person paying, including street address, apartment number (if applicable), city, state/province, country, and postal code.
K1 visa: This should be your U.S. citizen fiancé(e), you, or the joint sponsor who signed the I-134.
K3 visa: This should be your U.S. citizen spouse, you, or the joint sponsor who signed the I-134.
You’ll also need to provide:
- Surnames of Person Paying for Trip
- Given Names of Person Paying for Trip
- Telephone Number
- Email Address (You can select “Does Not Apply” if appropriate)
- Relationship to You: Choose from CHILD, PARENT, SPOUSE, OTHER RELATIVE, FRIEND, OTHER
OTHER COMPANY/ORGANIZATION
If a company or organization is paying for your trip, provide the following:
- Name of Company/Organization Paying for Trip
- Telephone Number
- Relationship to you
- Address of Company/Organization Paying
Conclusion
Accurately completing the “Have you made specific travel plans” section of the DS-160 form is crucial for your visa application. Whether you have concrete plans or just an estimated itinerary, honesty and detail are key. Provide the most accurate information you have available, and be prepared to answer questions about your plans during your visa interview. By being thorough and truthful, you increase your chances of a successful visa application.
