Form DS-260 Preparation
Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, is the online application used by many applicants seeking an immigrant visa through consular processing.
Global Apostille Group provides administrative assistance entering client-provided information into the DS-260 and organizing supporting documents for review.
Visa Fees & Processing Time
Immigrant visa fees and processing times depend on the visa category, case status, National Visa Center review, visa availability, and the U.S. embassy or consulate handling the interview.
$325
The current immigrant visa application processing fee for immediate-relative and family-preference applicants is $325 per applicant.
$345
The current immigrant visa application processing fee for employment-based applicants is $345 per applicant.
$205
Certain other immigrant visa categories are currently subject to a $205 application processing fee. The correct amount depends on the visa classification.
There is no single DS-260 processing timeframe. After the required fees, DS-260, financial documents, and civil documents are submitted, the National Visa Center reviews the case. Interview scheduling then depends on the specific embassy or consulate, visa category, documentary completion date, and visa availability.
Documents That May Be Required
Required documents vary according to visa category, country, applicant history, and case circumstances. The examples below are subject to review.
Passport
Passport biographic information and a valid travel document are generally needed for the immigrant visa application.
Birth & Civil Records
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce records, death certificates, or other civil-status documents may be required depending on the applicant.
Police Certificates
Police or criminal-history certificates may be required from certain countries where the applicant has lived, subject to Department of State rules.
Petitioner Information
Petition approval information, petitioner details, case numbers, and other records associated with the immigrant visa case may be required.
Financial Sponsorship Documents
Affidavit of Support forms and supporting financial evidence may be required in applicable family-based and certain other cases.
Additional Case-Specific Records
Military records, court records, prior immigration documents, employment documents, translations, or other evidence may be necessary depending on the case.
Applicants should follow the Department of State's country-specific civil-document guidance and any instructions provided by the National Visa Center or interviewing U.S. embassy or consulate.
Form DS-260 FAQs
Common questions about administrative preparation of the DS-260 Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application.
What is Form DS-260?
Form DS-260 is the online immigrant visa and alien registration application used by many people applying for permanent residence through consular processing outside the United States.
Is there one standard DS-260 filing fee?
No. The immigrant visa application processing fee depends on the visa category. Current Department of State fees include $325 for immediate-relative and family-preference cases, $345 for employment-based cases, and $205 for certain other immigrant visa categories.
How long does DS-260 processing take?
There is no single processing time. The case must move through documentary review and then interview scheduling. Timing varies based on the visa category, National Visa Center workload, visa availability, and the U.S. embassy or consulate handling the interview.
Do I complete the DS-260 online?
Yes. The DS-260 is completed electronically through the Department of State's Consular Electronic Application Center after the case reaches the appropriate processing stage.
Can you help me enter my information into the DS-260?
Yes. We provide administrative assistance entering information supplied by the client into the DS-260 and organizing the information needed for the application. The client is responsible for reviewing the completed information for accuracy.
Can you tell me how to answer a question about my immigration history?
We can explain what information a question is asking for in an administrative sense, but we do not provide legal advice or determine how immigration law applies to a client's circumstances. Questions involving prior immigration violations, arrests, inadmissibility, misrepresentation, prior denials, or other legal issues should be reviewed with a licensed immigration attorney.
When will my immigrant visa interview be scheduled?
Interview scheduling depends on when the case becomes documentarily complete, visa availability where applicable, and appointment capacity at the assigned U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State publishes a scheduling-status tool for many immigrant visa posts.
Does Global Apostille Group provide legal advice?
No. Global Apostille Group is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal representation. Our service is limited to administrative form preparation using information and documents supplied by the client.