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Call Us Today

630-392-8101 | 630-392-8101
info@kasturilaw.com

The DS-160 form is the first critical step when applying for a non-immigrant visa to the United States. This online form, officially known as the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, collects biographical, travel, and security information that U.S. consular officers rely on to make visa decisions.

It might seem like just paperwork, but how you complete the DS-160 can make or break your immigration case.

At Kasturi Law, LLC, our immigration and naturalization attorney helps individuals and families across Illinois carefully prepare their DS-160 applications to avoid costly mistakes. Unfortunately, minor inconsistencies or omissions can lead to delays, denials, or long-term complications in your immigration record.

DS-160 Answers Can Hurt Your Immigration Case

Why Accuracy on the DS-160 Matters

The DS-160 is not just a form—it’s a legal document. The information you submit is reviewed by the Department of State and cross-checked with other federal databases, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Customs and Border Protection.

Any discrepancies between your DS-160 and other immigration filings could raise red flags about your credibility or intent.

When the consular officer conducts your visa interview, they already have your DS-160 responses. Inconsistent answers—or unclear explanations—can result in additional questioning, delays, or outright denial.

Common DS-160 Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Case

Filling out the DS-160 may seem straightforward, but minor errors or omissions can have serious consequences. Many applicants unintentionally make mistakes that raise red flags with consular officers or create inconsistencies in their immigration records.

Here are some of the most common DS-160 pitfalls that could damage your chances of visa approval:

  • Incomplete Employment or Travel History

Leaving out a previous job, country visited, or overstaying a visa may seem harmless, but it can signal dishonesty or concealment to the officer.

  • Misreporting Immigration History

Applicants often make mistakes when disclosing previous visa refusals, overstays, or removal proceedings. Failing to acknowledge past issues—even if unintentional—can lead to a finding of misrepresentation.

  • Conflicting Information Across Applications

If your DS-160 lists different details than your past visa applications or current I-130 or I-485 forms, you may be seen as providing inconsistent or untruthful information.

  • Inaccurate Intentions

The DS-160 asks about your purpose for entering the U.S. Answering incorrectly—or without the proper visa strategy—can create problems, especially if your actual plans suggest immigrant intent.

Consequences of Incomplete or Inconsistent DS-160 Answers

Errors or inconsistencies can lead to:

  • Visa denial under INA Section 214(b) for failing to prove non-immigrant intent.
  • Administrative processing delays.
  • Permanent ineligibility due to fraud or misrepresentation.
  • Complications with future immigration petitions or green card applications.

How Legal Guidance Can Help

Having a knowledgeable immigration attorney review or complete your DS-160 can help ensure your answers are complete, consistent, and strategically sound. At Kasturi Law, LLC, we don’t just fill out forms—we examine your immigration history, help you explain sensitive issues clearly, and prepare you for the visa interview so there are no surprises.

Applying for a Visa? Let’s Make Sure Your DS-160 Supports Your Case

At Kasturi Law, LLC, we help Illinois clients navigate every step of the non-immigrant visa process, starting with a well-prepared DS-160. If you’re concerned about past immigration issues, inconsistencies, or how to answer specific questions, we’re here to help you get it right the first time.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your immigration future during an in-person meeting, a phone call, or a Zoom session. You can also schedule a consultation directly using our online calendar, choosing between 30-minute or 60-minute timeframes.

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