On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form DS-157?)
- Context and workflow
- Failure prevention (What causes Form DS-157 rejections?)
- What it asks for (What does Form DS-157 ask for?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form DS-157?)
- Checklist (What is the Form DS-157 checklist?)
- Where to file
- Fees
- Form sections (What sections does Form DS-157 have?)
- Key terms
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form DS-157?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form DS-157?)
- Edge cases and variations
- Scenarios
- Key differentiators
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Quick summary
#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-157?)
#By providing detailed personal and employment information, applicants help the Department of State conduct necessary security screenings and determine eligibility for entry into the United States, as described in the U.S. Entry Restrictions guide. For related guidance, see the U.S. Port of Entry Guide page.
First page of DS-157 form
Source: DS-157 PDF
Context and workflow
#You will receive a Receipt Notice, which is a related form, confirming that your form has been submitted.
Why this matters
- Small mismatches inside DS-157 (or between DS-157 and supporting evidence) can force rework later in processing.
- Inconsistencies often trigger returns or follow-up requests because they create uncertainty in the case record.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Processing time for DS-157 varies by location — always check the official Department of State processing time tool.
- Initiating the visa application process for certain nonimmigrant categories.
- Providing detailed background information to support the main visa application form.
- Facilitating the Department of State's decision-making process.
- DS-157 is commonly filed alongside Form DS-160, Form DS-156, Form I-134.
Who uses it
Form DS-157 is a supplemental nonimmigrant visa application used by certain applicants, particularly those seeking special immigrant classification under the Afghan Allies Protection Act. It is intended for applicants who are citizens or nationals of Afghanistan and were employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government or the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan after October 7, 2001, for at least one year. Additionally, the form is applicable to the surviving spouse or child of someone who met the criteria for special immigrant classification under the Afghan Allies Protection Act. This form must be submitted alongside the documents necessary for applying for Chief of Mission Approval.
When it is used
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Failure prevention (What causes Form DS-157 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Submitting an unsigned form.
- Leaving fields blank without explanation.
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Not listing all countries visited in the past ten years.
- To avoid incomplete or inconsistent information across form: Use exact passport and document details; review all answers before submission.
- To avoid missing business ownership or trade documentation: Include proof of ownership, trade/investment volume, and treaty country nationality.
- To avoid business does not meet treaty trader or investor criteria: Verify qualifying criteria before applying; consult immigration attorney if uncertain.
- To avoid information inconsistent with ds-160: DS-156E must match DS-160 and passport exactly; discrepancies cause denial.
What it asks for (What does Form DS-157 ask for?)
#- Biographical details including full name, date of birth, and place of birth.
- Employment history including last five employers and job details.
- Travel history for the past ten years.
- Information about current and past passports
- Biographical and identity details
- Your full legal name as it appears on official documents
- Documentation related to: We must receive a complete and signed DS-157 petition and all documents required for Chief of Mission Approval, includin
- Documentation related to: Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence
Sources for this section
What you need (What do you need for Form DS-157?)
#- Proof of current immigration status
- Government-issued photo identification
- Passport-style photographs meeting specifications
- Documentation of employment history, including details of the last five employers
- Complete travel history for the past ten years
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Checklist (What is the Form DS-157 checklist?)
#- To ensure you have the most up-to-date version, download Form DS-157 and its accompanying instructions directly from the official Department of State website.
- Review the official DS-157 instructions before filing
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of DS-157
- Confirm the form is signed and dated in all required fields
- Sign, date, and submit DS-157 with all required supporting evidence
Sources for this section
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
Sign the form either by hand or electronically.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official Department of State website before submitting. For related guidance, see Nonimmigrant Visa Application (legacy – replaced.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form ds-157. | See official schedule |
Can the Form DS-157 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 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
Department of State fee schedule
Fees change; always verify on Department of State.
Form sections (What sections does Form DS-157 have?)
#Personal Information
Extended biographical details.
- Full name in native alphabet
- All other names used
- National identification number
- Religious affiliation
Travel History
Countries visited.
- All countries visited in the past 10 years
- Dates of each visit
- Purpose of travel
Previous Visa Applications
Prior US visa history.
- Previous US visa applications
- Refusals, revocations, or denials
- Dates and locations
Key terms
#- Special Immigrant Visa (SIV)
- A visa for certain foreign nationals who have provided faithful and valuable service to the U.S. government.In this form: Used for Afghan nationals who worked for the U.S. government or ISAF in Afghanistan.
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. |
| Missing business ownership or trade documentation | RFE | Include proof of ownership, trade/investment volume, and treaty country nationality. |
| Business does not meet treaty trader or investor criteria | Rejection | Verify qualifying criteria before applying; consult immigration attorney if uncertain. |
| Information inconsistent with DS-160 | Rejection | DS-156E must match DS-160 and passport exactly; discrepancies cause denial. |
Examples (What are examples for Form DS-157?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form DS-157?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Requirements may differ based on your specific situation
- Some applicants assume that listing only recent travel is sufficient, but the form requires a complete travel history for the past ten years
- [object Object]
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update DS-157, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#A male visa applicant from a country requiring DS-157 completes the supplemental form with full details of previous visa refusals and travel to sensitive regions.
Supplement accepted with main application. Consulate reviews at interview; visa issued after standard processing.
DS-157 is required for certain nationalities and all males 16-45. Provide complete and consistent information.
An applicant lists a previous visa refusal on DS-157 but the refusal reason does not match consular records.
Inconsistency flagged at interview. Case delayed for verification.
Be accurate about prior refusals. Consulates have access to previous application records.
A traveler omits a 2-day visit to a country on DS-157 thinking it was too short to matter.
Omission discovered during background check. Administrative processing extended.
List every country you have visited, regardless of duration. Complete disclosure avoids delays.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application: DS-157 is specifically for Afghan nationals seeking special immigrant classification, whereas DS-160 is a general nonimmigrant visa application.
- Unlike Form DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application: Filed together: DS-157 supplements DS-160 for additional background information
- Unlike Form DS-156: Nonimmigrant Visa Application (legacy – replaced by DS-160): Filed together: DS-157 often required alongside DS-156 at legacy posts
- Unlike Form DS-5535: Supplemental Form for Visa Applications: DS-5535 may serve a similar supplemental screening role
Why it matters
#The form must be signed to be approved as a petition for special immigrant status.
Why it matters: Unsigned forms cannot be approved, leading to delays in processing.
Applicants must list all countries visited in the past ten years.
Why it matters: Incomplete travel history can result in processing delays or denials.
Employment history must include the last five employers.
Why it matters: Incomplete employment information can affect eligibility assessment.
Next steps
#- Receive a Receipt Notice (a related form) confirming the form submission.
- Attend any required interviews or provide additional documentation if requested.
- Await the Department of State's decision on the visa application.
- If approved, proceed with travel plans to the United States.
- If denied, consider reviewing the reasons and exploring other visa options.
Verification
#This guide is based on official Department of State instructions for DS-157 and is updated with any changes in form editions or filing procedures. Always confirm current requirements on the official Department of State website.
FAQs
What are common misconceptions about DS-157?
People think they can omit certain travel details because they seem irrelevant, but actually all travel history is important for assessing visa eligibility.
What is DS-157?
Examine the official instructions carefully to ascertain their relevance to your specific circumstances.
Where can I get DS-157 and its instructions?
Always verify you are using the most recent form version before filing.
What supporting documents do I need for DS-157?
We must receive a complete and signed DS-157 petition and all documents required for Chief of Mission Approval, including all supporting documentation, as identified at https://travel Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
What are common reasons DS-157 gets rejected?
Common reasons DS-157 is rejected include missing or incorrect signatures, using an outdated form edition, incomplete required fields, incorrect fee payment, missing required supporting documents, and photographs that do not meet official specifications. Carefully review the instructions and checklist before submitting.
What does DS-157 do and who needs it?
DS-157 is used to authorize a specific immigration benefit as defined by Department of State. Whether you need to submit this depends on your visa category, nationality, and individual circumstances. Check the official Department of State website for the most current eligibility criteria and requirements for your situation.
When will DS-157 be processed and what is the workflow?
Processing timing for DS-157 varies depending on the filing category, processing location, and current application volume. Standard processing can range from a few weeks to several months. Before submitting, check the official Department of State processing times tool for the most current estimates. After filing, monitor your case status and consider whether expedited options are available.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. Use Find My Visa to get a personalized checklist with official sources and deadlines.
Find my visa