| New Application Form for Nonimmigrant Visas Being Phased In at Consular Posts! |
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| Friday, 02 May 2008 | |
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Effective April 29th, 2008, the Department of State has introduced Form DS-160, an electronic Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) application, as an alternative and eventual replacement to Electronic Visa Application form ("EVAF") DS-156. Form DS-156 has long been the application that foreign nationals submit for visa issuance at US Consular Posts and remains available unless otherwise noted by a US Consulate.
The procedure for completing the new DS-160 remains the same except, the visa applicant will no longer be required to print and sign the form to submit at the time of visa interview. The applicant will be required to submit an electronic signature instead. The electronic signature is binding on the applicant and sereves as an attestation by the applicant under penalty of perjury. While a third party may help in the preparation of the new form, the applicant must electronically sign the application themselves. Those applicants that are under the age of 16 or physically incapable may have their applications executed by a parent, guardian or any person having legal custody or legitimate interest in the application. Biometrics will serve to authenticate identity and any additional statements made by the applicant at the time of interview will become a part of the visa application as recorded by the consular officer. The new form DS-160 is not in wide use at this time and is only being required at select US consular posts. Prior to attending a visa interview foreign nationals should ascertain whether the post has implemented use of Form DS-160. |
