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?)
- Fees
- Where to file
- 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
#You must file this form together with the documents required when applying for Chief of Mission Approval, as described in the Form DS-3035 guide.
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?)
#Confirm the filing fee for this form by checking the official Department of State fee schedule.
First page of DS-157 form
Source: DS-157 PDF
Context and workflow
#Receipt Notice (a related form) is issued after submission.
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
- Initiating step in the visa application process for certain nonimmigrant categories.
- May be used in conjunction with other forms like DS-160 for a comprehensive application package.
- 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 primarily used by Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants. It is intended for individuals 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 may be used by the surviving spouse or child of someone who met the criteria for Afghan SIV eligibility. Applicants must file this form together with the documents required for Chief of Mission Approval to support their petition for classification as a special immigrant under section 203(b)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
When it is used
- When filing DS-157 alongside DS-160 (DS-157 supplements DS-160 for additional background information)
- When filing DS-157 alongside DS-156 (DS-157 often required alongside DS-156 at legacy posts)
- When filing DS-157 alongside DS-5535 (DS-5535 may serve a similar supplemental screening role)
- When filing DS-157 alongside I-134 (Financial support evidence for visa interview)
Failure prevention (What causes Form DS-157 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Failing to sign the form.
- Leaving required fields blank.
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Omitting necessary supporting documents for special eligibility cases.
- 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?)
#- List of all countries entered in the last ten years.
- Names and dates of birth for children under the age of 21.
- Information for current spouse, if any.
- Applicant identification information
- Supporting documentation inventory
- Eligibility or purpose details
- Declarations and signatures
- 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
- List of all countries entered in the last ten years
- Names and dates of birth for children under the age of 21
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
- Copy of your filed or approved DS-160 (DS-157 supplements DS-160 for additional background information)
- Copy of your filed or approved DS-156 (DS-157 often required alongside DS-156 at legacy posts)
Checklist (What is the Form DS-157 checklist?)
#- To begin, download the latest version of Form DS-157 along with its instructions 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
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.
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
Check the official DS-157 page to see if online filing is available for your category.
Submit application
Paper filing addresses vary by eligibility category and state of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct filing address.
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.
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 Afghan nationals who have worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government or ISAF.In this form: Used to determine eligibility for Afghan nationals seeking immigration benefits under the Afghan Allies Protection Act.
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.
- Weak application: An applicant submits the DS-157 without listing all countries visited in the last ten years, resulting in a request for additional information and processing delays.
- An applicant overseas completes DS-157 as part of the consular visa interview process
- A beneficiary of an approved petition uses DS-157 to apply for their immigration visa at the embassy
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
- It is sometimes misunderstood that providing all required documents guarantees approval; in fact, each application is subject to review and must meet eligibility criteria.
- 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.
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 applying for a Special Immigrant Visa, 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
#Next steps
#- Receipt Notice (a related form) is issued after submission.
- Application is reviewed by the Department of State.
- Additional information or documents may be requested.
- Decision is made regarding visa eligibility.
- If approved, visa issuance and travel arrangements can proceed.
Verification
#This guide is based on official Department of State instructions for DS-157 and is updated with changes to form editions or filing rules. Always confirm current requirements on the official Department of State website.
FAQs
What is DS-157?
Examine the official instructions carefully to ensure they are relevant 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.
Where do I verify the filing fee for DS-157?
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. Get a personalized plan with official sources and deadlines.
Get my plan