The DS-260 application is for immigrant investors, who are abroad at the time their I-526 petition for conditional permanent residence is approved, that wish to apply for the removal of their conditions and become a lawful permanent resident. When the applicant is legally in the United States, Form I-485 is required to remove these conditions.
This immigration form is to be filed electronically with the National Visa Center. EB-5 visa holders can process their forms at the same time as their family members; otherwise, they must process and arrive in the United States first as the principal before family members can follow to join within no more than six months.
Frequently Asked Questions for the DS-260
Q: Where can I find the DS-260 online?
A: Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website and click on “Submit Visa Application and Civil Documents” or visit the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will be applying. You can preview a sample DS-260 application before beginning. If you have any further questions about this process, contact the National Visa Center (NVC).
Q: What do I need to complete and submit forms online?
A: Immigrant Visa applicants must have:
- Internet access,
- NVC case number
- Invoice I.D. number
Q: Can I answer the questions in my native language?
A: No. Any application submitted in a language other than English could be rejected. All answers must be written in English only, except where specific exceptions are given.
Q: Do I need to completely fill out all fields of the application?
A: Most of the fields on the DS-260 application are required. You can, however, leave any fields that are marked as “Optional” blank or select “Does Not Apply” if the option is given on the question and it does not apply for you. All of the other fields are mandatory, and you will not be allowed to continue on the application until they are filled in. Your DS-260 application could be ultimately rejected as well if you don’t fill out mandatory fields.
Q: Do I need to bring my DS-260 application with me to the interview?
A: The interviewing officer will have full access to your application, so you do not need to bring your application with you to your interview.
Q: Can I step away from the application mid-way through?
A: At any time during the process, you can step away from a partially completed form by clicking “Save” at the bottom of every page. You can then click on “Sign Out” if you wish to completely step away, but just make sure to save it first. The DS-260 has a timeout feature, should your application go idle for approximately 20 minutes, that will log you off. Be careful though because any data that you entered after clicking “Save” will be lost. Again, make sure to save the application if you intend on taking any breaks.
Q: How do I access my saved DS-260?
A: Your saved application can be accessed by logging into the CEAC website and selecting View/Edit from the IV and Alien Registration section of the Immigrant Visa – Summary Information screen. You will then be provided with a list of all applicants in your case along with the status of each application. To continue updating an incomplete application, simply click on the “Edit” button to the right of the application’s status.
Q: How do I submit my completed application?
A: Submit your application by clicking the “Sign and Submit Application” button on the “Sign and Submit” page.
Q: Can I view my DS-260 after filing?
A: No, you will be not be able to access your DS-260 after filing it without the assistance of NVC or the U.S. Embassy or Consulate from which you plan to apply.