What are the most common mistakes that lead to a US visa refusal? In this article, we will tell you how to fill out the DS-160 form correctly, what points cause suspicion in the consulates, and why it is important to be honest and detailed. Tips for those who want to increase their chances of obtaining a US visa in 2025

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The DS-160 form is the first and extremely important step in obtaining a non-immigrant visa to the USA (tourist, student, work, etc.). It is on its basis that the consular officer draws conclusions about your purpose of travel, reliability and likelihood of returning home. One wrong point - and your application may be rejected, without even giving you a chance for an interview.

We have collected the top most common mistakes when filling out the DS-160 form and explained how to avoid them.

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What is the DS-160 form and why is it so important?

This is an online form that must be filled out by all applicants for a US visa, except for immigration categories. In it, you provide all personal, contact, professional, family, travel and biographical information.

The consular officer reads this very form before your interview, and it is it that creates the first impression of you.

What are the risks of errors in the DS-160?

- Visa refusal without explanation

- Waste of time and money for the consular fee

- Marking in the system as an “undesirable applicant” for the future

- Prohibition on filing for a certain period

Sometimes one incorrectly specified item can put an end to the planned trip.

The most common errors when filling out the DS-160 form

1. Not indicating all social networks

In the Social Media section, you must enter all the accounts that you have had in the last 5 years: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube - even if you rarely used them or the page is empty.

Deleting the account is not an option. American services have access to Big Data and quickly reveal hidden things.

Tip: indicate even secondary accounts or those that are already inactive.

2. Missing Phone Numbers and Email Addresses

All current email and phone numbers for the last 5 years should be listed in the DS-160. If you have changed your number or used multiple mailboxes, you must list them all.

3. No civil partner

If you live together but are not officially married, it is still considered a relationship. Ignoring this information looks like an attempt to hide something. On the contrary, having a partner can be additional evidence of your attachment to the country of residence.

4. Minimum information about your place of work

Do not simply write: “manager” or “client relations”. This looks formal and arouses suspicion. Be sure to indicate:

- the name and full address of the company;

- contact phone number;

- the name of the manager;

- your duties.

5. Overly formal or brief descriptions of professional activities

It is important to provide a detailed description of your work in the application, and not just the title of the position. For example:

“I work in an IT company as a Frontend Developer. I develop interfaces for web applications, interact with a team of designers and backend developers, optimize the performance of sites, test and implement updates.”

Such a description is much better than just “programmer” or “developer”.

6. Incomplete information about education or military service

It is worth indicating:

- name and address of the educational institution or unit

- specialty

- exact start and end dates

7. Hidden relatives in the USA

This is a classic fatal mistake. Many people deliberately do not mention relatives in America, because they are afraid that this will become a reason for rejection. In fact, hiding is worse than the truth. If it comes out, you may be rejected forever.

Important! If you are filling out the form for someone else, make sure you have complete and accurate information about the person. Even minor inaccuracies can be costly.

The DS-160 form is a document where honesty, detail, and consistency are key. Do not try to circumvent the system or hide anything.

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact visa experts who will help you avoid critical mistakes.

Get advice from Visit World immigration lawyers to fill out the DS-160 form without any problems.

Get advice right now — and save time, money, and nerves!

Reminder! Starting in April 2025, the US will officially check the social networks of visa applicants. We have already told you who the new rules apply to, what exactly the immigration service reviews, how the “Catch and Revoke” system works, and what you should do to avoid visa refusal.

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