Quick summary
#Applicants seeking a visa use DS-156 as part of the visa application process at a U.S, as described in the Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application guide. embassy or consulate.
When the official instructions indicate this form is required
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form DS-156?)
#Although it has been phased out in favor of the DS-160, understanding its role provides valuable context for the evolution of visa application procedures and the ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and security in the processing of nonimmigrant visas, as described in the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application guide.
First page of DS-156 form
Source: DS-156 online portal
Context and workflow
#Receipt Notice (a related form) confirming submission.
Why this matters
- Inconsistencies often trigger returns or follow-up requests because they create uncertainty in the case record.
- This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Processing time for DS-156 varies by location — always check the official Department of State processing time tool.
- Initiating the nonimmigrant visa application process.
- Providing necessary information for the Department of State to assess visa eligibility.
- Leading to the scheduling of a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- DS-156 is commonly filed alongside Form DS-157, Form DS-156E, Form I-134.
Who uses it
Applicants seeking a visa use DS-156 as part of the visa application process at a U.S, as described in the Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application guide. embassy or consulate.
When it is used
- When the official instructions indicate this form is required
- As part of a complete application package with supporting documents
- As an alternative to DS-160 — use DS-156 when DS-160 is the current replacement for DS-156
- When filing DS-156 alongside DS-157 (DS-157 supplemental form often required with DS-156)
- When filing DS-156 alongside DS-156E (DS-156E required for E-1/E-2 treaty trader/investor applications)
- When filing DS-156 alongside I-134 (Affidavit of support for visitor visa applicants)
Failure prevention (What causes Form DS-156 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Inconsistencies between stated purpose of visit and supporting documents.
- To avoid incomplete or inconsistent information across form: Use exact passport and document details; review all answers before submission.
- To avoid incomplete travel history: List all destinations, dates, and duration for the past 5 years.
- To avoid information inconsistent with ds-160: Match DS-157 exactly to DS-160 and passport; discrepancies cause denial.
- To avoid missing social media or address history: Complete every section; leave none blank unless instructed.
What you need (What do you need for Form DS-156?)
#- The current edition of DS-156
- Proof of current immigration status
- Government-issued photo identification
- Passport-style photographs meeting specifications
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
- Copy of your filed or approved DS-157 (DS-157 supplemental form often required with DS-156)
- Copy of your filed or approved DS-156E (DS-156E required for E-1/E-2 treaty trader/investor applications)
Checklist (What is the Form DS-156 checklist?)
#- Obtain the latest version of the DS-156 form and its accompanying instructions directly from the official Department of State website.
- Review the official DS-156 instructions before filing
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of DS-156
- Sign, date, and submit DS-156 with all required supporting evidence
Sources for this section
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form ds-156. | See official schedule |
Can the Form DS-156 fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
Department of State will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader/Investor Application (E-1/E-2).
Department of State fee schedule
Fees change; always verify on Department of State.
Where to file
#Online filing is available for some categories — verify on the official form page. Otherwise, file by mail to the address in the instructions.
File online
Form DS-156 was a legacy nonimmigrant visa application form used by foreign nationals seeking to travel temporarily to the United States. It has been replaced by the DS-160, which is submitted electronically.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official Department of State website before submitting.
Form sections (What sections does Form DS-156 have?)
#Personal Details
Biographical information.
- Full name, date of birth, nationality
- Passport details
- Contact information
Travel Information
Trip details.
- Purpose of visit
- Intended length of stay
- Address in the US
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete or inconsistent information across form | Rejection | Use exact passport and document details; review all answers before submission. |
| Incomplete travel history | RFE | List all destinations, dates, and duration for the past 5 years. |
| Information inconsistent with DS-160 | Rejection | Match DS-157 exactly to DS-160 and passport; discrepancies cause denial. |
| Missing social media or address history | RFE | Complete every section; leave none blank unless instructed. |
Examples (What are examples for Form DS-156?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
- Common weakness: Applicant forgets to sign; form returned, causing delay.
- An applicant overseas completes DS-156 as part of the consular visa interview process
- A beneficiary of an approved petition uses DS-156 to apply for their immigration visa at the embassy
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form DS-156?)
#- Some applicants assume that providing a completed DS-156 is sufficient for all nonimmigrant visas, but the DS-160 is now required for most categories.
- Meeting the document requirements guarantees visa approval — The consular officer retains discretion to approve or deny the visa based on the totality of circumstances, even when all documents are submitted.
- Paying the DS-156 filing fee does not guarantee acceptance — the fee is generally non-refundable even when the form is rejected for technical errors.
- A fee waiver for DS-156 is not automatic — only specific qualifying categories are eligible, and a waiver request can be denied while the underlying form is still expected to be filed.
- DS-156 can be rejected before substantive review for technical errors such as “Ensure form edition is current.”
- A complete DS-156 can still be denied on the merits — issues like “Inconsistencies between stated purpose of visit and supporting documents” are evaluated by the reviewer even when paperwork is clean.
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update DS-156, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#An applicant at a post still using the paper DS-156 completes the form by hand with black ink and attaches a compliant photo.
Form accepted. Most posts now use DS-160; DS-156 is only for posts that have not fully transitioned.
Check whether your consulate accepts DS-156 or requires DS-160. Most posts use DS-160 exclusively.
A traveler submits a handwritten DS-156 with illegible or crossed-out entries.
Form rejected. Applicant must submit a clean, legible form.
Use black ink. No corrections or white-out. Complete a new form if you make an error.
An applicant uses an outdated DS-156 form version from 2019.
Form rejected.
Download the current form from travel.state.gov. Check the expiration date at the bottom of the form.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike DS-160: Form DS-156 was a paper-based application, whereas the DS-160 is completed and submitted online.
- Unlike Form DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application: Alternative option: DS-160 is the current replacement for DS-156
- Unlike Form DS-157: Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application: Filed together: DS-157 supplemental form often required with DS-156
- Unlike Form DS-156E: Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader/Investor Application (E-1/E-2): Filed together: DS-156E required for E-1/E-2 treaty trader/investor applications
What happens after you submit
#- Receipt Notice (a related form) confirming submission.
- Schedule and attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Provide biometric information if required.
- Receive a decision on the visa application.
- If approved, receive the visa and prepare for travel.
Verification
#This guide is based on official Department of State instructions for the DS-156 and is updated with changes in form editions or filing rules. Always confirm current requirements on the official Department of State website.
Resources
#Free United States planning tools
#Itemize the government fees that go alongside Form DS-156.
United States eligibility checker
See which United States visas your profile fits before you finalize Form DS-156.
United States processing times
Get the typical wait time for the visa associated with Form DS-156.
United States interview practice
Practice United States interview questions if your filing route includes one.