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The DS-230 form serves as a vital resource for individuals seeking an immigrant visa and alien registration in the United States. With its two essential sections, Part I and Part II, this form plays a critical role in gathering necessary biographical data and legal declarations from applicants. Individuals are required to fill out the form for themselves and each family member planning to immigrate, regardless of age. Personal details such as family history, current address, and employment history must be accurately reported. Furthermore, each applicant must attest to their eligibility by answering specific eligibility questions, which scrutinize potential health issues, criminal history, and immigration violations. The importance of accuracy cannot be overstated; any false statements may result in serious consequences, including denial of the visa or even permanent exclusion from the U.S. Used primarily by the U.S. Department of State, the information provided on the DS-230 is crucial for determining the applicant's classification and eligibility, thus laying the groundwork for their path to lawful residency.

Ds 230 Example

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)

4.

Date of Birth (mm-dd-yyyy)

5.

Age

 

6. Place of Birth (City or Town)

 

(Province)

 

 

 

 

 

(Country)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.

Nationality (If dual national,

8.

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.

School and Location

From/To (mm-yyyy)

 

Course of Study

Degree or Diploma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Languages spoken or read

Professional associations to which you belong

34. Previous Military Service

 

Yes

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

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: PRA_BurdenComments@state.gov. 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

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. The fee should be paid in United States dollars or local currency equivalent, or by bank draft.

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

No

No No

No

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: PRA_BurdenComments@state.gov. 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 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.

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

No

 

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

 

No

 

 

Yes

 

 

 

No

 

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

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Detail
Purpose The DS-230 form is used to apply for an immigrant visa and register aliens seeking to immigrate to the United States.
Parts This form consists of two parts: Part I collects biographic data, and Part II contains a sworn statement.
Family Requirement Applicants must complete a separate DS-230 for each family member who will immigrate together, regardless of their age.
Consequences of False Information Submitting false information on the DS-230 can lead to permanent exclusion from the U.S., prosecution, or deportation.

Guidelines on Utilizing Ds 230

Filling out Form DS-230 involves providing essential biographical and background information necessary for the application process. This form is crucial for those seeking an immigrant visa to enter the United States. Follow the steps carefully to ensure accuracy and completeness.

  1. Start with your family name, first name, and middle name in the designated fields.
  2. Include any other names you have used or aliases; for married women, provide your maiden name.
  3. Write your full name in your native alphabet, if applicable.
  4. Enter your date of birth using the format mm-dd-yyyy.
  5. Provide your age in years.
  6. List your place of birth (city, province, and country).
  7. State your nationality. If you hold dual nationality, list both.
  8. Select your gender.
  9. Indicate your marital status and provide details about your current marriage status.
  10. Provide a permanent address in the United States where you plan to live, including a contact person living there.
  11. If different, enter the address where you want your Permanent Resident Card mailed, along with a contact at that address.
  12. List your current occupation.
  13. Fill in your present address, including city, province, country, and telephone numbers.
  14. Provide your spouse's maiden or family name, first name, and middle name.
  15. State your spouse's date and place of birth.
  16. Enter your spouse's address if different from yours.
  17. Indicate your spouse's occupation.
  18. Provide your marriage date in the mm-dd-yyyy format.
  19. Enter your father's family name, first name, and middle name.
  20. Include your father's date of birth and place of birth.
  21. List your father's current address and year of death if applicable.
  22. Provide your mother's family name at birth, first name, and middle name.
  23. Enter your mother's date of birth and place of birth.
  24. Provide your mother's current address and year of death if applicable.
  25. List the names, birth dates, places of birth, and addresses of all your children.
  26. Detail all places you have lived for at least six months since turning 16, listing them in chronological order.
  27. Indicate if any of the individuals listed will accompany you to the U.S. or follow at a later date.
  28. Detail your employment history for the last ten years, including job titles and employer locations.
  29. List all educational institutions attended, including courses of study and degrees earned.
  30. Indicate any previous military service, including branch, dates, and rank.
  31. List all previous visits to or residence in the United States, including visa types and DHS "A" numbers if known.
  32. Sign and date the form where indicated, confirming all information provided is true.

Ensure to review your completed form for any errors or omissions before submission. Attach any additional sheets if necessary, and submit the form to your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for processing.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the DS-230 form?

The DS-230 form is an application for an immigrant visa and alien registration. It consists of two parts—Part I collects biographic data, and Part II includes a sworn statement. Both parts are essential for completing your application to immigrate to the United States.

Who needs to fill out the DS-230 form?

Anyone applying for an immigrant visa must complete the DS-230 form. This includes you and any family members who will immigrate with you, regardless of their age. Be sure to provide one copy for each person involved in the application process.

What information is required on the DS-230?

The form asks for various types of information. You'll need to provide your full name, date of birth, nationality, marital status, address in the U.S., employment history over the last ten years, educational background, and details about family members. It's important to answer all questions accurately and completely.

How should the DS-230 be submitted?

You must submit the DS-230 form to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Do not send it via email. Make sure to check all entries thoroughly to avoid any discrepancies, which could delay your application.

What happens if I provide false information?

Providing false information can have severe repercussions. It may lead to your permanent exclusion from the United States, prosecution, or deportation. Honesty and accuracy are crucial when completing this form.

How do I know if I need to complete part II of the form?

If you are submitting a DS-230 application for an immigrant visa, both parts—Part I and Part II—are required. Make sure to complete and submit both parts to ensure your application is processed smoothly.

Is there a deadline for submitting the DS-230?

There isn’t a specific deadline mentioned in the instructions; however, it’s best to submit your application as soon as you gather all required information to avoid delays. U.S. immigration procedures can be lengthy, so prompt action is advised.

Can I fill out the DS-230 form online?

The form should be completed by hand using black ink or a typewriter—make sure to print clearly. It’s not available as an online submission form, but you can often find it at U.S. consulates or through authorized immigration resources.

Are there any fees associated with the DS-230 form?

While completing the form itself is free, there may be associated fees for the immigrant visa application process. Verify the current fee structure with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will submit the application.

What if I need help completing the DS-230 form?

If you require assistance, you can ask someone you trust—such as a relative or a friend—to help you fill out the form. Just be sure to include their name and relationship to you in the appropriate section of the form if you receive assistance.

Common mistakes

Filling out the DS-230 form can be a crucial step in the immigration process. However, many individuals make mistakes that can delay or complicate their applications. Understanding these common errors can help ensure your submission is successful.

One significant mistake is failing to provide complete names and titles. Many applicants neglect to clearly write their full names as they appear on legal documents. This includes middle names and any aliases. Omitting this information can lead to confusion and potentially delay the processing of your visa. It is essential to double-check that all names are filled out completely and accurately.

Another frequent error occurs when applicants do not indicate their current addresses correctly. Every detail counts, including the ZIP code. If your current residence matches the address on other forms, it is wise to ensure consistency to avoid discrepancies. Inaccurate address information may lead to complications, especially when mailing important documents like your Green Card.

The section asking for children's information often causes issues. Some individuals fail to list all children or provide outdated details. It is important to include the names, birth dates, and addresses of all children, even if they will not be accompanying you to the United States. This ensures that no critical information is overlooked.

In addition, applicants sometimes overlook including their employment history. The form requires a detailed account of your last ten years of work experience. Skipping this section or providing vague responses can raise red flags during the review process. Be as precise as possible, and include all relevant positions and responsibilities.

Many people also make the mistake of not carefully reading the instructions on the form. Each part must be filled out according to the guidelines provided. Failure to follow instructions can result in submitting the form incorrectly, which may lead to a denial or request for further information that could have been avoided.

Additionally, applicants may forget to sign and date the application. This might seem minor, but it is a critical part of the submission process. An unsigned document can be deemed incomplete, causing delays and unnecessary complications in your immigration journey.

Finally, some individuals do not keep copies of submitted forms. It is important to maintain a copy of every document submitted, so you have a record for future reference. This can be invaluable if questions arise about your application or if you need to follow up on its status.

Being aware of these common mistakes can significantly enhance the likelihood of a smooth application process. Take your time, double-check your work, and ensure all required information is complete and accurate before submitting your DS-230 form.

Documents used along the form

When applying for an immigrant visa and utilizing the DS-230 form, several other forms and documents may be required to support the application process. Each of these documents plays a specific role in verifying information or meeting legal requirements. Below are some commonly associated forms and documents.

  • Form I-864, Affidavit of Support: This form is used by a sponsor to demonstrate that the immigrant will not become a public charge. The sponsor must show they can financially support the applicant by meeting household income requirements based on federal poverty guidelines.
  • Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker: Employers use this form to petition for an employee to become a permanent resident. It establishes the job offer and demonstrates that the applicant meets the qualifications for the position.
  • Form DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application: This is an online application that must be completed by individuals applying for an immigrant visa. It includes similar biographic data as the DS-230 but is specifically designed for online submission.
  • Passport Photographs: Applicants will need recent passport-sized photographs that meet specific requirements. These will be submitted alongside the application to verify the identity of the immigrant.

Collectively, these forms and documents help facilitate a smoother application process for those seeking to immigrate to the United States. It is important for applicants to ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately to avoid delays in processing.

Similar forms

The DS-230 form serves as an important document in the immigrant visa application process. Similar forms also collect vital personal and family information required for various immigration-related purposes. The following are five documents that share similarities with the DS-230 form:

  • Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): Like the DS-230, this form is used by individuals seeking to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident. It requires detailed biographic data, family information, and residency history.
  • Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization): This application is for individuals who wish to become U.S. citizens. Similar to the DS-230, it requests background information, family details, and past residency, making it a comprehensive personal history document.
  • Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): This form is filed by U.S. citizens or permanent residents to establish a relationship with an alien relative. It contains biographic data and familial connections, similar to the DS-230’s focus on family background.
  • Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Electronic Application): Designed for individuals applying for an immigrant visa, this form is an electronic counterpart to the DS-230. It gathers vital information about the applicant’s identity, family, and background in a similar format.
  • Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization): This form is used to request permission to work in the United States. It includes personal information and requires details about immigration status, akin to some of the biographic sections in the DS-230.

Dos and Don'ts

Do's When Filling Out the DS-230 Form:

  • Print or type your answers clearly.
  • Answer all questions honestly and completely.
  • Mark questions that do not apply to you with "N/A."
  • Attach additional sheets if you need more space.
  • Double-check your information for accuracy before submission.

Don'ts When Filling Out the DS-230 Form:

  • Do not leave any required questions blank.
  • Avoid using corrections fluid or erasing mistakes.
  • Do not provide false information, as it can lead to serious consequences.
  • Don’t forget to include your contact details where required.
  • Never sign the form until instructed to do so by a consular officer.

Misconceptions

1. The DS-230 form is only for immediate family members. Many believe that only spouses and children need to fill out the DS-230 form when applying for an immigrant visa. However, this form is also required for any family member immigrating with the primary applicant, regardless of age or relationship.

2. You must provide a physical address in the U.S. at the time of application. Some applicants think that they cannot apply for the DS-230 unless they have a permanent address in the U.S. This is not true. You can indicate your intended address even if you haven’t secured a permanent residence yet.

3. It is sufficient to fill out only Part I of the DS-230 form. Another common misconception is that completing Part I is enough. Both Part I and Part II must be completed to constitute a full application for an immigrant visa.

4. The DS-230 form can be submitted electronically. Many assume that the DS-230 form can be submitted online. Currently, this form must be printed and submitted physically at your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

5. You can provide incomplete information without consequences. Some applicants believe that minor omissions won't affect their application. However, incomplete information may result in denial or delays in the application process. It’s crucial to provide all required details accurately.

Key takeaways

Using the DS-230 form for your immigrant visa application is an important step. Here are some key takeaways to help navigate this process:

  • Complete for Each Family Member: Fill out a separate DS-230 form for yourself and each family member immigrating with you. This includes children, regardless of their age.
  • Use Clear, Legible Print: Whether typing or writing by hand, ensure your answers are easy to read. Clarity can help prevent misunderstandings.
  • Indicate N/A When Necessary: For any question that does not apply to you, write "N/A." This indicates that you have considered the question and ensures nothing gets overlooked.
  • Be Honest and Accurate: Providing false information can lead to serious consequences, including permanent exclusion from the U.S. Always answer truthfully.
  • Attach Additional Sheets if Needed: If you run out of space for your answers, use extra sheets and reference the question number. Attach them securely to the form.
  • Provide Current Contact Information: Make sure to include accurate addresses and phone numbers where you and your family can be reached. This is crucial for receiving further instructions or documents.
  • Seek Assistance if Necessary: If you are unsure about completing the form, consider asking a friend, relative, or legal expert for help. Clear guidance can ease the process.

Taking the time to carefully fill out the DS-230 form can significantly impact your visa application process. Ensuring clarity and honesty can also foster a smoother journey to your new life in the United States.