Form DS-260
Form DS-260 is the second step in the process called "Consular Processing." Consular processing occurs when the U.S. citizen or green card holder has already received the approval of the Form I-130 submitted to petition their foreign national relative. In this article, you'll learn how to complete the Form DS-260 then what to do after that, including how to prepare an Affidavit of Support and how to make a USCIS online account.
How to Complete Form DS-260
Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, is the required online application form for all U.S. immigrant visa applicants abroad. This form can be completed online through the National Visa Center's (NVC) website, called the "Consular Electronic Application Center" (CEAC). The DS-260 can be completed once you have paid the government fees on it.
It is very important that you complete this form with accurate and consistent information and even more importantly, with honesty. Once you have completed the form and submitted it, you must print the confirmation page because you will need to take it with you to the visa interview at the U.S. embassy.
Once the case is transferred to the NVC, the U.S. citizen or green card holder petitioner should receive a notice with the case number and the Invoice ID number through mail or email, depending on the notification method chosen. You will need these to access the NVC website and submit the DS-260 form.
How to Prepare an Affidavit of Support
You will be required to submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, along with your DS-260. I-864 verifies that the green card applicant has obtained the financial means for life in the U.S. through sponsorship. The I-864 must be completed by the U.S. citizen or green card holder petitioner who will sponsor the green card applicant.
The petitioner must make sure the most recent version of the form is downloaded from the USCIS website. Once completed, ensure that all required parts are completed, sign and date the I-864.
All the required information from the form must be completed and documents to support it must be uploaded as well. Some of the most common and important documents required from the petitioner are their Federal IRS tax transcript for the most recent year and all W-2 and/or 1099 forms for the most recent year.
How to find the USCIS online account number
Your USCIS Online Account Number is a 12-digit number that you can find on your USCIS account profile section, under your "Personal Information."
