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The DS-230 form is a crucial document used by individuals applying for an immigrant visa to the United States. It gathers essential biographic information to determine eligibility for immigration. Correctly filling out this form is vital, as any inaccuracies could jeopardize your application.

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Article Guide

When immigrating to the United States, one critical step is completing the DS-230 form, which serves as an essential application for immigrant visas and alien registration. This form is divided into two parts, each designed to gather vital biographical information and affirm the applicant's eligibility for entry. In the first section, personal details such as your name, date of birth, nationality, and address are required. Furthermore, it asks about your family, including spouses and children, as well as your past residences and employment history. The second part includes a sworn statement, where applicants must disclose any criminal history, immigration violations, or health-related issues that could impact their admittance to the United States. Failure to provide complete and accurate information can lead to severe consequences, including permanent exclusion from entry. Ultimately, the DS-230 form serves not only as an application tool but also as a means of ensuring that immigration policies are upheld while allowing individuals seeking a new life in the United States the opportunity to navigate the complexities of the visa process.

U.S. Department of State

APPLICATION FOR

IMMIGRANT VISA AND ALIEN REGISTRATION

OMB APPROVAL NO. 1405-0015 EXPIRES: 07/31/2018

ESTIMATED BURDEN: 1 HOUR*

(See Page 2)

PART I - BIOGRAPHIC DATA

Instructions: Complete one copy of this form for yourself and each member of your family, regardless of age, who will immigrate with you. Please print or type your answers to all questions. Mark questions that are Not Applicable with "N/A". If there is insufficient room on the form, answer on a separate sheet using the same numbers that appear on the form. Attach any additional sheets to this form.

Warning: Any false statement or concealment of a material fact may result in your permanent exclusion from the United States.

This form (DS-230 Part I) is the first of two parts. This part, together with Form DS-230 Part II, constitutes the complete Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration.

1. Family Name

First Name

Middle Name

2.Other Names Used or Aliases (If married woman, give maiden name)

3.Full Name in Native Alphabet (If Roman letters not used)

Date of Birth (mm-dd-yyyy)

Age

6. Place of Birth (City or Town)

(Province)

(Country)

Nationality (If dual national,

Gender

9. Marital Status

give both.)

Female

Single (Never Married)

Married

Widowed

Divorced

Separated

Male

Including my present marriage, I have been married

times.

10.Permanent address in the United States where you intend to live, if known (street address including ZIP code). Include the name of a person who currently lives there.

11.Address in the United States where you want your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) mailed, if different from address in item #10 (include the name of a person who currently lives there).

Telephone number	Telephone number
12. Present Occupation	13. Present Address (Street Address) (City or Town) (Province) (Country)

Telephone Number (Home)

Telephone Number (Office)

E-mail Address

14. Spouse's Maiden or Family Name

First Name

Middle Name

15. Date (mm-dd-yyyy) and Place of Birth of Spouse

16.Address of Spouse (If different from your own)

17.Spouse's Occupation

18.Date of Marriage (mm-dd-yyyy)

19. Father's Family Name

First Name

Middle Name

20.Father's Date of Birth (mm-dd-yyyy)

21. Place of Birth

22. Current Address

23.If Deceased, Give Year of Death

24. Mother's Family Name at Birth

First Name

Middle Name

25.Mother's Date of Birth (mm-dd-yyyy)

26. Place of Birth

27. Current Address

28.If Deceased, Give Year of Death

DS-230 Part I	This Form May be Obtained Free at Consular Offices of the United States of America	Page 1 of 4
07-2015	Previous Editions Obsolete

29. List Names, Dates and Places of Birth, and Addresses of ALL Children.

Name	Date (mm-dd-yyyy)	Place of Birth	Address (If different from your own)

30.List below all places you have lived for at least six months since reaching the age of 16, including places in your country of nationality. Begin with your present residence.

City or Town	Province	Country	From/To (mm-yyyy) or "Present"

31a. Person(s) named in 14 and 29 who will accompany you to the United States now.

31b. Person(s) named in 14 and 29 who will follow you to the United States at a later date.

32. List below all employment for the last ten years.

Employer	Location	Job Title	From/To (mm-yyyy) or "Present"

In what occupation do you intend to work in the United States?

33. List below all educational institutions attended.

Languages spoken or read

Professional associations to which you belong

34. Previous Military Service	Yes	No
	Yes	No
Branch			Dates of Service (mm-dd-yyyy)
Branch			Dates of Service (mm-dd-yyyy)
Rank/Position			Military Speciality/Occupation

35.List dates of all previous visits to or residence in the United States. (If never, write "never") Give type of visa status, if known. Give DHS "A" number if any.

From/To (mm-yyyy)	Location	Type of Visa	"A" Number (If known)

Signature of Applicant

Date (mm-dd-yyyy)

Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Statements

The information asked for on this form is requested pursuant to Section 222 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The U.S. Department of State uses the facts you provide on this form primarily to determine your classification and eligibility for a U.S. immigrant visa. Individuals who fail to submit this form or who do not provide all the requested information may be denied a U.S. immigrant visa. If you are issued an immigrant visa and are subsequently admitted to the United States as an immigrant, the Department of Homeland Security will use the information on this form to issue you a Permanent Resident Card, and, if you so indicate, the Social Security Administration will use the information to issue you a social security number and card.

*Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including time required for searching existing data sources, gathering the necessary documentation, providing the information and/or documents required, and reviewing the final collection. You do not have to supply this information unless this collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. If you have comments on the accuracy of this burden estimate and/or recommendations for reducing it, please send them to: [email protected]. Please do not send Visa Applications to this address. Send Visa Applications to your nearest U.S Embassy or Consulate for processing.

DS-230 Part I

Page 2 of 4

U.S. Department of State

OMB APPROVAL NO. 1405-0015

APPLICATION FOR IMMIGRANT VISA AND

ALIEN REGISTRATION

EXPIRES: 07/31/2015

ESTIMATED BURDEN: 1 HOUR*

PART II - SWORN STATEMENT

Warning: Any false statement or concealment of a material fact may result in your permanent exclusion from the United States. Even if you are issued an immigrant visa and are subsequently admitted to the United States, providing false information on this form could be grounds for your prosecution and/or deportation.

This form (DS-230 Part II), together with Form DS-230 Part I, constitutes the complete Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration.

36. Family Name

First Name

Middle Name

37.Other Names Used or Aliases (If married woman, give maiden name)

38.Full Name in Native Alphabet (If Roman letters not used)

39. Name and Address of Petitioner

Telephone number

E-mail Address

40.United States laws governing the issuance of visas require each applicant to state whether or not he or she is a member of any class of individuals excluded from admission into the United States. The excludable classes are described below in general terms. You should read carefully the following list and answer Yes or No to each category. The answers you give will assist the consular officer to reach a decision on your eligibility to receive a visa.

Except as Otherwise Provided by Law, Aliens Within the Following Classifications are Ineligible to Receive a Visa.

Do Any of the Following Classes Apply to You?

a. An alien who has a communicable disease of public health significance; who has failed to present documentation of having	Yes
received vaccinations in accordance with U.S. law; who has or has had a physical or mental disorder that poses or is likely to	Yes

pose a threat to the safety or welfare of the alien or others; or who is a drug abuser or addict.
b. An alien convicted of, or who admits having committed, a crime involving moral turpitude or violation of any law relating to a		Yes

controlled substance or who is the spouse, son or daughter of such a trafficker who knowingly has benefited from the


trafficking activities in the past five years; who has been convicted of 2 or more offenses for which the aggregate sentences
were 5 years or more; who is coming to the United States to engage in prostitution or commercialized vice or who has
engaged in prostitution or procuring within the past 10 years; who is or has been an illicit trafficker in any controlled
substance; who has committed a serious criminal offense in the United States and who has asserted immunity from
prosecution; who, while serving as a foreign government official, was responsible for or directly carried out particularly severe
violations of religious freedom; or whom the President has identified as a person who plays a significant role in a severe form
of trafficking in persons, who otherwise has knowingly aided, abetted, assisted or colluded with such a trafficker in severe
forms of trafficking in persons, or who is the spouse, son or daughter of such a trafficker who knowingly has benefited from
the trafficking activities within the past five years.
c. An alien who seeks to enter the United States to engage in espionage, sabotage, export control violations, terrorist activities,		Yes

the overthrow of the Government of the United States or other unlawful activity; who is a member of or affiliated with the


Communist or other totalitarian party; who participated, engaged or ordered genocide, torture, or extrajudicial killings; or who
is a member or representative of a terrorist organization as currently designated by the U.S. Secretary of State.

d. An alien who is likely to become a public charge.	Yes
	Yes

e. An alien who seeks to enter for the purpose of performing skilled or unskilled labor who has not been certified by the		Yes

Secretary of Labor; who is a graduate of a foreign medical school seeking to perform medical services who has not passed

the NBME exam or its equivalent; or who is a health care worker seeking to perform such work without a certificate from the
CGFNS or from an equivalent approved independent credentialing organization.
f. An alien who failed to attend a hearing on deportation or inadmissibility within the last 5 years; who seeks or has sought a		Yes

visa, entry into the United States, or any immigration benefit by fraud or misrepresentation; who knowingly assisted any other

alien to enter or try to enter the United States in violation of law; who, after November 30, 1996, attended in student (F) visa
status a U.S. public elementary school or who attended a U.S. public secondary school without reimbursing the school; or
who is subject to a civil penalty under INA 274C.

No No

Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Statements

DS-230 Part II

Previous Editions Obsolete

Page 3 of 4

g. An alien who is permanently ineligible for U.S. citizenship; or who departed the United States to evade military service in	Yes	No
time of war.	Yes	No
time of war.
h. An alien who was previously ordered removed within the last 5 years or ordered removed a second time within the last	Yes	No
20 years; who was previously unlawfully present and ordered removed within the last 10 years or ordered removed a	Yes	No

second time within the last 20 years; who was convicted of an aggravated felony and ordered removed; who was
previously unlawfully present in the United States for more than 180 days but less than one year who voluntarily departed
within the last 3 years; or who was unlawfully present for more than one year or an aggregate of one year within the last
10 years.
i. An alien who is coming to the United States to practice polygamy; who withholds custody of a U.S. citizen child outside	Yes	No
the United States from a person granted legal custody by a U.S. court or intentionally assists another person to do so;
who has voted in the United States in violation of any law or regulation; or who renounced U.S. citizenship to avoid
taxation.
j. An alien who is a former exchange visitor who has not fulfilled the 2-year foreign residence requirement.	Yes	No
k. An alien determined by the Attorney General to have knowingly made a frivolous application for asylum.	Yes	No
	Yes	No
l. An alien who has ordered, carried out or materially assisted in extrajudicial and political killings and other acts of violence	Yes	No
against the Haitian people; who has directly or indirectly assisted or supported any of the groups in Colombia known as
FARC, ELN, or AUC; who through abuse of a governmental or political position has converted for personal gain,
confiscated or expropriated property in Cuba, a claim to which is owned by a national of the United States, has trafficked
in such property or has been complicit in such conversion, has committed similar acts in another country, or is the
spouse, minor child or agent of an alien who has committed such acts; who has been directly involved in the
establishment or enforcement of population controls forcing a woman to undergo an abortion against her free choice or a
man or a woman to undergo sterilization against his or her free choice; or who has disclosed or trafficked in confidential
U.S. business information obtained in connection with U.S. participation in the Chemical Weapons Convention or is the
spouse, minor child or agent of such a person; or who has ever engaged in the recruitment of or the use of child solders.
41. Have you ever been charged, arrested or convicted of any offense or crime? (If answer is Yes, please explain)	Yes	No

42. Have you ever been refused admission to the United States at a port-of-entry? (If answer is Yes, please explain)

Yes No

43a.

Have you ever applied for a Social Security

Number (SSN)?

43b. Consent to Disclosure: I authorize disclosure of information

Yes

from this form to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the

Social Security Administration (SSA), such other U.S. Government

Give the number

Do you want the Social

agencies as may be required for the purpose of assigning me an SSN

Security Administration to

Would you like to receive a replacement

and issuing me a Social Security card, and I authorize the SSA to share

assign you a SSN and issue a

card? (You must answer YES to question

card? (You must answer YES

my SSN with the INS.

Yes

43b. to receive a card.)

to question 43b. to receive a

number and a card.)

The applicant's response does not limit or restrict the

Government's

Yes

ability to obtain his or her SSN, or other information on this form, for

enforcement or other purposes as authorized by law.

44. Were you assisted in completing this application?

Yes

you,

(If answer is Yes, give name and address of person assisting

indicating whether relative, friend, travel agent, attorney, or other)

DO NOT WRITE BELOW THE FOLLOWING LINE

The consular officer will assist you in answering item 45.

DO NOT SIGN this form until instructed to do so by the consular officer

45. I claim to be:
	A Family-Sponsored Immigrant	I derive foreign state chargeability
	An Employment-Based Immigrant	under Sec. 202(b) through my
		under Sec. 202(b) through my

	A Diversity Immigrant
	A Special Category (Specify)
	(Returning resident, Hong Kong, Tibetan, Private Legislation, etc.)

Preference

Numerical limitation (foreign state)

I understand that I am required to surrender my visa to the United States Immigration Officer at the place where I apply to enter the United States, and that the possession of a visa does not entitle me to enter the United States if at that time I am found to be inadmissible under the immigration laws.

I understand that any willfully false or misleading statement or willful concealment of a material fact made by me herein may subject me to permanent exclusion from the United States and, if I am admitted to the United States, may subject me to criminal prosecution and/or deportation.

I, the undersigned applicant for a United States immigrant visa, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that all statements which appear in this application, consisting of Form DS-230 Part I and Part II combined, have been made by me, including the answers to items 1 through 45 inclusive, and that they are true and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I do further swear (or affirm) that, if admitted into the United States, I will not engage in activities which would be prejudicial to the public interest, or endanger the welfare, safety, or security of the United States; in activities which would be prohibited by the laws of the United States relating to espionage, sabotage, public disorder, or in other activities subversive to the national security; in any activity a purpose of which is the opposition to or the control, or overthrow of, the Government of the United States, by force, violence, or other unconstitutional means.

I understand that completion of this form by persons required by law to register with the Selective Service System (males 18 through 25 years of age) constitutes such registration in accordance with the Military Selective Service Act.

I understand all the foregoing statements, having asked for and obtained an explanation on every point which was not clear to me.

Signature of Applicant

Subscribed and sworn to before me this		day of				at:

Consular Officer

DS-230 Part II	This Form May be Obtained Free at Consular Offices of	Page 4 of 4
	The United States of America

⇩ PDF

Fact Name	Details
Form Purpose	The DS-230 form is used as an application for an immigrant visa and alien registration in the United States.
Sections of the Form	The form consists of two parts: Part I, which gathers biographic data, and Part II, which requires a sworn statement.
Who Must Complete the Form	Every applicant and family member intending to immigrate must fill out a separate DS-230 form.
Estimated Completion Time	It is estimated to take about one hour to complete the DS-230 form, including gathering the necessary documentation.
Legal Warnings	Providing false information on the DS-230 can lead to permanent exclusion from the U.S. or criminal prosecution.

Completing the DS-230 form is a vital step in the immigrant visa application process. After you fill out this form, it will help facilitate the next steps in your journey to becoming a resident of the United States. Take your time to provide accurate information, as errors or incomplete sections could delay your application.

Obtain the Form: Download the DS-230 form from the U.S. Department of State’s website, or get a copy at the nearest consulate or embassy.
Personal Information: Fill in your family name, first name, and middle name at the top of the form. Include any other names you have used.
Date of Birth: Enter your date of birth in the format mm-dd-yyyy.
Age and Place of Birth: Provide your current age and the city, province, and country where you were born.
Nationality: State your nationality. If you hold dual nationality, list both.
Gender and Marital Status: Indicate your gender. Choose your marital status from the options provided.
Permanent Address: Write your intended permanent address in the United States, including the name of a person currently residing there.
Mailing Address: If different from your permanent address, provide the mailing address where you wish to receive your Green Card.
Contact Information: Include your telephone number, e-mail address, and current occupation in the applicable sections.
Family Information: Fill in your spouse’s information, including their name, date of birth, and current address.
Parents' Information: List the names, birthdates, and places of birth for both parents. Provide their current addresses as well.
Children’s Information: Provide details for all children, including their names, birthdates, and addresses if different from yours.
Residency History: List all places you have lived for at least six months since turning 16, starting with your current residence.
Accompanying Family: Mention any family members who will accompany you and those who will join you later.
Employment History: Detail your last ten years of employment, including employers, job titles, and duration of employment.
Education: List all schools attended, the duration, courses of study, and any degrees obtained.
Military Service: Indicate if you have had any military service, including details about your service.
Previous Visits: Note any prior visits to the U.S., including dates and visa types.
Signature: Sign and date the form where indicated, confirming the accuracy of the information provided.

After carefully completing each section, review your answers for accuracy. Remember, attention to detail is crucial. Once satisfied, you are ready to submit the form along with any required documents to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate for processing.

What is the DS-230 form?

The DS-230 form, officially called the Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, is a necessary document for individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States. This form collects essential biographic information about the applicant and any family members who will be immigrating with them.

Who needs to complete the DS-230 form?

Every individual who wants to immigrate to the U.S., including family members of the primary applicant, must fill out this form. This includes children and spouses, regardless of age. Each person needs their own separate form.

What information do I need to provide on the DS-230 form?

You'll need to provide a variety of information, including your full name, date of birth, nationality, current address, and contact details. Additionally, details about your spouse and parents are required, including their names and birth information. Employment history and educational background are also part of this form.

What happens if I make a mistake on the DS-230 form?

If you make a mistake, it’s crucial to correct it before submission. Errors might lead to delays or even denial of your visa application. If there isn’t enough space to provide correct information, attach an extra sheet with the relevant answers while maintaining the same numbering system as on the form.

Is there a fee for submitting the DS-230 form?

No fees are directly associated with submitting the DS-230 form itself. However, other fees may apply for processing your immigrant visa application at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Be sure to check the specific fee structure for the location where you are applying.

How long does it take to complete the DS-230 form?

On average, completing the DS-230 form takes about one hour. This estimation includes gathering your documents and compiling the required information. However, the actual time may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Where do I submit the DS-230 form?

You should submit the DS-230 form to your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Make sure to do so before your scheduled visa interview. It’s also a good idea to keep copies for your own records.

What are the consequences of providing false information on the DS-230 form?

Providing false information can lead to serious consequences, including being permanently barred from entering the United States. If false information is discovered after admission, it may lead to prosecution or deportation. Honesty is essential when filling out this form.

Can I get help completing the DS-230 form?

Yes, you can receive assistance from a relative, friend, travel agent, or attorney when filling out the form. If someone helps you, they will need to provide their name and contact information on the application. Make sure that the information entered is accurate and true.

Not providing complete information for all family members. Each family member who will immigrate must be listed correctly. Failing to include all names can lead to significant delays or problems with the application.
Using incorrect formats for dates. The form asks for dates in the format (mm-dd-yyyy). It's critical to follow this format closely. Mistakes in dates can confuse the review process.
Leaving sections marked “N/A” blank. If a question does not apply, write "N/A." Omitting responses can signal incomplete information and may result in rejection.
Not signing and dating the form. A signature is mandatory. Without it, the application cannot be processed, causing unnecessary delays.

The Form DS-230 is an essential document for those applying for an immigrant visa in the U.S. However, there are several other forms and documents that are typically used alongside it. Here is a list of some of those important forms and documents, along with a brief description of each.

Form I-485 - This is the application to register permanent residence or adjust status. Once you've secured your immigrant visa, you will likely need this form to change your status to that of a permanent resident while you are in the U.S.
Form I-864 - The Affidavit of Support is required to show that the sponsor can financially support the immigrant. This form ensures that immigrants will not require government assistance while residing in the U.S.
Form DS-260 - The Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application is utilized by those applying for an immigrant visa from abroad. This form is somewhat of a companion to the DS-230, emphasizing online completion and submission.
Form I-131 - This is the application for a travel document. If an applicant leaves the U.S. after obtaining the immigrant visa, they may need this form to return without losing their permanent resident status.

Each of these documents plays a crucial role in the immigration process. Being well-prepared will help facilitate a smoother application journey. It is advisable to gather all necessary forms and understand their requirements before submitting your application.

The Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is a fundamental document in family-based immigration cases. Like the DS-230, it gathers key biographic data that helps establish a genuine family relationship. The I-130 requires the petitioner to provide information about themselves and the alien relative, such as names, dates of birth, and addresses. Both forms are critical steps in the immigration process, as the I-130 signifies the U.S. citizen's desire to bring a relative to the U.S., similar to how the DS-230 applications for the immigrant visa based on that relationship.

The Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, serves as a bridge for applicants already in the U.S. who wish to adjust their status to permanent resident. Like the DS-230, it requires a comprehensive overview of the applicant's biographic background, including personal history and immigration information. The I-485 is often filed concurrently with the DS-230 when applying for adjustment, highlighting its importance in the overall immigration process.

The N-400, Application for Naturalization, is a vital document for those seeking U.S. citizenship after becoming a permanent resident. Similar to the DS-230, the N-400 asks for personal information and background data but focuses on the applicant's residency, moral character, and attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution. Both forms aim to collect detailed information to assess eligibility for residency and various benefits.

The DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, is an online form that has largely replaced the paper-based DS-230 for immigrant visa applicants. While the DS-230 is still utilized for certain processes, the DS-260 offers an updated, efficient way to gather similar information electronically. It facilitates the same goal of applying for an immigrant visa, emphasizing biographic and personal data to evaluate eligibility.

The I-864, Affidavit of Support, involves the financial aspect of immigration. Like the DS-230, it requires information about the immigrant and the sponsor, but it focuses on the sponsor's ability to support the immigrant financially. Both forms work together in the immigration process: the DS-230 establishes eligibility for an immigrant visa, while the I-864 ensures that the immigrant will not become a public charge.

The Form G-325A, Biographic Information, is similar to the DS-230 in that it collects biographic details about the applicant. Unlike the DS-230, which is more comprehensive, the G-325A is generally used in conjunction with other forms within the immigration framework, such as naturalization. Both documents aim to provide a full picture of the individual's background to U.S. immigration authorities.

The I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, requires detailed personal information and reasons why an individual may be inadmissible to the U.S. This is somewhat analogous to the DS-230, as both require a thorough understanding of the applicant's background. While the DS-230 focuses on application for a visa, the I-601 illustrates the complex layers of immigration, addressing potential obstacles.

The I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, mirrors the DS-230 in that it gathers information from conditional permanent residents about their marriage. Similar to the DS-230’s focus on establishing valid relationships, the I-751 is crucial for those who received their green cards through marriage and need to demonstrate the legitimacy of that marriage after two years. Both forms are essential steps towards a more secure immigration status.

When filling out the DS-230 form, here are some key things to keep in mind. Follow these do's and don'ts to make the process smoother.

Do: Print your answers clearly. Ensure that they are easy to read.
Do: Check each section thoroughly to make sure you answer every question. Missing information can lead to delays.
Do: Use “N/A” for questions that do not apply to you. This shows that you didn’t skip any questions.
Do: Include all family members who will immigrate with you. This is a requirement of the form.
Do: Use a separate sheet if you run out of space. Clearly label your responses with the corresponding question numbers.
Don't: Provide false or misleading information. Doing so can have serious consequences, including denial of your visa.
Don't: Overlook the importance of signing and dating the form at the end. Your signature confirms the accuracy of your information.

By following these tips, you can avoid common pitfalls and help ensure your application process goes as smoothly as possible.

Misconception 1: The DS-230 form is only for applicants over a certain age.

This form must be completed for all family members immigrating, regardless of their age. Each person requires their own application.

Misconception 2: Filling out the DS-230 guarantees visa approval.

Submitting this form does not guarantee a visa. The consular officer will review your entire application and personal circumstances.

Misconception 3: I can skip questions that seem irrelevant.

Each question must be answered. If a question does not apply to you, mark it as "N/A." Incomplete forms can lead to delays or denials.

Misconception 4: False information on the DS-230 is not a serious issue if caught later.

Providing false information is serious. It can lead to permanent exclusion from the U.S. or prosecution, even if your visa is issued.

Misconception 5: It’s fine to rely on others to complete the form.

While you may receive help, the applicant must ensure accuracy. Misrepresentations can have serious consequences.

Misconception 6: Only one DS-230 is needed for the entire family.

A separate DS-230 must be filled out for each family member immigrating with the principal applicant.

Misconception 7: I don't need to disclose past visa rejections on the DS-230.

All previous visa applications, including denials, must be disclosed. This information impacts eligibility and processing.

Misconception 8: The information on the DS-230 is for immigration officials only.

This form collects information used by several government entities, including the Department of Homeland Security.

School and Location

From/To (mm-yyyy)

Course of Study

Degree or Diploma

Complete for All Family Members: You must fill out a DS-230 form for yourself and each family member desiring to immigrate to the United States.
Print or Type Answers: Responses should be clear. Print or type your answers to avoid any confusion.
Mark Not Applicable: If a question doesn’t apply to you, indicate this by writing “N/A.” This helps clarify your application.
Use Separate Sheets if Necessary: If there isn’t enough space on the form, use a separate sheet. Make sure to reference the question numbers.
Be Honest: Your application must be truthful. False statements can lead to permanent exclusion from the U.S.
Include Complete Biographic Data: Providing detailed information about your background, such as your family and educational history, is essential for your application.
Disclose All Addresses: List all of your addresses for the past six months, starting from your current residence. This helps verify your history.
Detail Employment History: Make sure to list your employment history for the past ten years accurately. This information is crucial for processing your application.
Understand Privacy Measures: The information on this form is protected under the Privacy Act and is used to determine your eligibility for an immigrant visa.
Know the Consequences of Inaccuracy: Providing incorrect or misleading information may not only hinder your visa application but could also lead to prosecution.