Electronic Visa Application (DS-160)
Non-Immigrant Visas
New Electronic Visa Application (DS-160)
U.S. Embassy Lusaka is joining embassies worldwide in implementing a new electronic non-immigrant visa application form called the DS-160. The DS-160 will be available to visa applicants in Zambia from 1 March 2010 and will be mandatory from 31 May, 2010. We encourage applicants to begin using the new form from March.
What is the DS-160? The DS-160 combines all current non-immigrant visa application forms into one electronic application.
What is different about the new form? Visa applicants in Zambia already fill out their form electronically. The difference with the DS-160 is that the form will also be submitted electronically. Applicants will only bring a confirmation sheet to the Embassy at the time of their interview. When filling out the form, save your work frequently and be sure to answer all mandatory questions carefully, correctly and completely.
Why is the form changing? The DS-160 has many advantages for visa applicants. Applicants can save their forms for future use, submit a photo digitally and use a family/group feature to avoid retyping certain information such as address and phone number. The DS-160 form will prompt applicants to answer required questions, reducing the likelihood that they will need to return to the Embassy due to incomplete paperwork. Customer surveys at embassies that have already begun to use the DS-160 show a high level of customer satisfaction with the new form.
Where can I find the new form? A link to the DS-160, along with complete step-by-step instructions, will be available on the visas page of the U.S. Embassy Web site http://www.zambia.usembassy.gov from 1 March 2010.
What if I do not have Internet access or cannot upload my photo? Applicants in Zambia have already been using the Internet to complete their visa application forms and schedule a visa interview appointment. The difference with the DS-160 is that it is also submitted electronically. A family member with Internet access may complete and submit the form for you online, but you will need to confirm that the statements are truthful when you come to the Embassy for your interview. Applicants who are unable to upload a photo may still bring a photo meeting the established requirements to the Embassy.
Remember, the DS-160 is for non-immigrant visa applications only. Those applying for immigrant visas should continue to use current forms. All applicants should continue to schedule their non-immigrant visa interviews online. Please contact us at consularlusaka@state.gov with any questions.