How to retrieve DS 160 form after submission

To get a temporary visa to the USA, you need to complete the DS-160 form.

The form is also known as the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form.

It is detailed, and once submitted, it can be retrieved – perhaps, you want to review your information, print a confirmation page, or use it for your visa interview.

You can retrieve the form through the Consular Electronic Application Center portal.

How to retrieve DS 160 form after submission

To retrieve your DS 160 form:

• Simply go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) portal where you originally filled and submitted the DS-160 form.
• The link to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) portal is: https://ceac.state.gov/ceac/
• On the portal, locate the NONIMMIGRANT VISA section, and click “DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application” (it’s the first option you’ll see in this section).
• 
• Upon clicking the “DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application“, you’ll be redirected to the DS-160 main page.
• Here, you need to log into your account with your details.
• To log in, select your location.
• When you do that, the page will reload.
• Next, enter the security captcha code shown on the page and click the “Retrieve an Application” button at the bottom.
• On the next page, put your DS-160 Application ID (the unique identifier you received when you initially filled out the form). You need it to access your submitted application.
• Click “Retrieve Application” to view your profile. From here, you can review your submitted information, print the confirmation page, or use the information as a reference for your visa interview.

While you can retrieve the DS 160 form, you can’t directly make changes to it, especially if it’s been more than 30 days since you submitted it.

This is because, after 30 days of submitting your form, it’ll be locked.

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The authorities do this to ensure you don’t change the information you submitted.

However, if you notice you made a mistake in your form and need to correct it, you have two options.

1. Start a new DS-160 form
   • • If you need to correct errors or add new details, you can fill out a brand-new DS-160 form.
     • Use the same application ID and save the confirmation page for this new submission.
     • When you go to your visa interview, bring the confirmation page of the new DS-160 form.
2. Contact the Embassy or Consulate:
   • • If the mistake is minor or if you’re unsure, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where your appointment is scheduled.
     • They’ll guide you on what to do.

I made a mistake in my DS 160 form, what do I do?

If you made a mistake in your DS 160 form, you can correct it, however, it depends on how severe is the mistake.

If you made minor mistakes that can’t affect the outcome of your application like a typo in an old job’s address or slight errors in your past U.S. travel dates.

You can fix them, but they won’t cause problems if you don’t.

But, if you make major mistakes – which can affect the outcome of your application, you must correct them.

Read also: Can I travel on the day my Schengen visa expires?

Mistakes in your name or date of birth, or information that will determine whether you qualify for a visa or not, are major mistakes and must be corrected before a decision is made on your application.

How do I correct a mistake on my DS 160 after L have submitted it?

To correct a mistake, you can retrieve and edit your form through the CEAC portal if you applied within the last 30 days or upload a saved copy of your application and update it if your application was submitted more than 30 days ago.

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How to correct a DS-160 form submitted less than 30 days ago

If you submitted your DS-160 within the last 30 days and want to make corrections to it:

• Go to the CEAC portal and select “Retrieve an Application.”
• Enter your DS-160 application ID number and click “Retrieve Application.”
• Select “Create an Application” in the dialogue box and answer security questions to access your form.
• Make your corrections, review the details, and then electronically sign and submit the form.
• Print the new confirmation page and come with the printout during your interview.

How to correct a DS-160 submitted over 30 days ago

If it’s been more than 30 days since you submitted your DS-160 form, you’ll need a saved copy of your application to correct any mistake in the form:

1. Upload your saved DS-160 file on the CEAC website by selecting “Upload an Application” and choosing the file from your device.
2. Make the necessary corrections and submit the updated form.
3. Print the new confirmation page with the updated barcode.

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If you didn’t save the original DS-160, you’ll need to fill out a brand-new application.

How do I access the DS-160 confirmation page?

After you submit the DS-160, you can retrieve and access the confirmation page rather than the full application.

To retrieve your DS-160 confirmation page:

1. Go to the CEAC website again.
2. Enter your Application ID (you already know what your Application ID is).
3. Answer the security question they’ll ask you.
4. You’ll then see an option to view or print your DS-160 confirmation page.

Even though you can retrieve this page, I prefer to save a digital copy of this page or print it out to avoid retrieving it repeatedly.

How to retrieve your application ID if you forget it.

If you don’t remember your Application ID, you can look it up by checking your email inbox.

When you initially completed and submitted the DS-160, the authorities sent you a confirmation email, this email contains your Application ID.

How to check the DS 160 form after submission

If you want to check your DS-160 form after submitting it, go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website and choose “Retrieve an Application.” enter your application ID and answer the security question to see your form.

Is it possible to edit DS-160 after submission?

You can edit your DS-160 form after submitting it, especially if it’s been less than 30 days.

If it’s been more than 30 days since you submitted it, you can still edit it by uploading a saved copy of your original form.

To do this, go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) portal, click on “Upload an Application,” select your saved file, and make your changes.

Read also: Can I leave on the day my visa expires?

If you didn’t save a copy, you have to start a new DS-160 form from scratch.

It’s important you know that consular officers cannot make corrections for you.

If you want to edit your DS-160 form after submitting it, you must do it yourself.

If you made a minor mistake (like a small spelling error) in your form, you don’t have to edit it, the officer can ignore it if it does not affect the outcome of your application.

To make editing your form easier, always save a copy of your DS-160 form, and keep your Application ID safe.

If you need any help, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate near you.