The nonimmigrant visa application (DS-160) is now available electronically. All applicants are required to submit the application online, as we will no longer accept the old paper form (DS-156). Once you follow the instructions below the process should be fairly easy.

First, get your information ready. You will need your passport, work address and phone number, destination address, and destination phone number. If you have the information readily available, it makes the process quicker and easier. Next, go to the website https://ceac.state.gov/genniv. Find Bridgetown in the drop-down menu. Begin to fill in the information. Answer all questions carefully and truthfully. Your application will be automatically saved each time you click the “Next” button. If you need to stop your application before submitting it, you should record the Application ID displayed on the top right-hand corner. You will need this Application ID to continue your application at a later date. You will be able to retrieve your unsubmitted application for the next 30 days. To complete your application after 30 days, you can permanently save the application to a disk or to your hard drive. Also keep in mind that the application session will expire after 20 minutes of inactivity.

You can try to upload your photo, but if the photo is not accepted, do not worry. You can bypass the photo by following these steps: on your computer, go to My Documents -> My Pictures -> Sample Pictures, and select any photo (e.g. the water lilies or sunset). Then, select “Open” and “Upload Photo.” An error message will appear, along with an option to continue without the photo. Select that option and continue with your application. Make sure you bring 2”x2” photo that meets photo quality standards with you to the interview and we can upload it for you. Even if you were able to successfully upload a digital photo, we still recommend you bring a copy of the photo to your interview.

After you are sure you have completed the form, you are ready to submit it electronically. You will not physically sign the form. Your submission of the form is your signature, which means you attest to the veracity and completeness of the information submitted. Even if someone else helps you fill out the form, like a friend, relative, travel agent, or group leader, you are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the information in the application form. Inaccurate or incomplete information could lead to your visa application being denied, so please check all your information carefully before submitting your application.

Print out the page with the barcode and make sure you bring it with you to your interview. Please note that if your form is incorrect, we cannot change it for you. You will need to redo the entire form and return before you can be interviewed.