HuaRenCa
Back to all USCIS forms

U.S. immigration form · Free preparation tool

How to Prepare DS-260: Online Immigrant Visa Application

DS-260 is the core CEAC immigrant visa application. This worksheet supports preparation and English review; final electronic submission must occur in CEAC.

Official edition: CEAC 在线表格
Start the guided prefillOpen the official online form guideDownload official instructions

This preparation and review worksheet is not an official USCIS form and cannot be filed.

DS-260 must be submitted in the Department of State CEAC system; this site creates a preparation worksheet only.

Entries stay on this browser page by default and clear when it is refreshed or closed
Progress0%

0/30 fields completed

CEAC Start

Case and Applicant

Prepare the NVC case number, Invoice ID, interview post, and applicant identity.

Copy from the Welcome Letter or CEAC.

For mainland China, immigrant visas are generally processed in Guangzhou; follow the NVC notice.

Match the passport or official record exactly.

Match the passport or official record exactly.

Leave blank if none.

Include maiden names and every name formally used.

Copy from the passport or birth record and verify month/day/year.

Prefer the English spelling already used on the passport.

List all citizenships requested by the official form.

Leave blank if none; this is not a receipt number.

Leave blank if none.

How to prepare Form DS-260

Confirm eligibility and filing category first, then match every answer to passports, civil documents, and immigration records.

  1. 1

    Prepare NVC case information

    Confirm Case Number, Invoice ID, and principal applicant from the Welcome Letter.

  2. 2

    Compile personal and family history

    Addresses, parents, spouses, children, work, and education must be continuous and consistent.

  3. 3

    Review every security question

    Prepare specific explanations and records for every yes answer.

  4. 4

    Verify the current official edition and filing method

    Reopen the official page on filing day and verify edition, fee, online eligibility, address, and signature rules.

  5. 5

    Transfer to the official form and review every answer

    This site creates a preparation worksheet only. Transfer verified answers to the official PDF or system and add evidence, translations, and signatures.

Common evidence checklist

Evidence varies by category and case. Use this list to prepare, then review the current official instructions before filing.

  • Passport, birth certificate, and identity records
  • Marriage, divorce, death, and child civil records
  • Police, court, and military records when applicable
  • Address, employment, and education timeline
  • Prior U.S. visas, I-94, refusals, and immigration history
  • Documents required for CEAC upload and interview

Form DS-260 FAQs

Can DS-260 be downloaded and mailed?+

No. It must be submitted online through CEAC; retain the confirmation page and personal copy.

Where are mainland China immigrant visa interviews held?+

They are generally processed by the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou, subject to the actual NVC notice.

Can this worksheet be filed directly?+

No. This is a DS-260 preparation worksheet. File only through the current official form or system.

Should AI translate a person's name?+

No. Use the existing passport or official-record spelling. Names and identification numbers are never sent to AI.

Why are fees and addresses not hardcoded?+

Agencies change fees, filing channels, and addresses. Verify them again on the actual filing date.

A free public reference tool. Not legal advice or affiliated with the U.S. government.Verify with official USCIS information
How to Fill Out DS-260: Online Immigrant Visa Application Guide | HuaRenCa