What is the DS-260 Form for Green Cards and the DS-261 for Agent Selection?

Introduction

If you’re planning to immigrate to the United States for permanent residency, you’ll need to complete two key forms: the DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application and the DS-261 Choice of Address and Agent. 

These forms are required for certain types of immigrant visas and are submitted online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). The online process makes it more convenient, especially for applicants submitting their documents from outside the U.S.

What is the DS-260?

Form DS-260, the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application is for individuals applying for a family-based immigrant visa or marriage-based green card from outside the U.S. It is submitted to the U.S. Consulate, Embassy, and the National Visa Center (NVC). While similar to Form I-864, which is used for applicants within the U.S., DS-260 applies specifically to those completing the process abroad.

What is the DS-261?

Form DS-261 is the Choice of Address and Agent. Its main purpose is to provide NVC with details on how to communicate with you during your visa application process. This form gathers all your contact information, ensuring you are communicated with at any point in the process. Unlike the DS-260, which contains extensive personal information, the DS-261 is more straightforward.

How to file Form DS-260?

For the successful application of the form, the most important thing is to make sure that you pay the required fees and that all the information is provided accurately. Below are the main steps:

1. Access the DS-260: The application form DS-260 begins as soon as you pay the processing fees. Once the fees are paid, you can access the form through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website by logging in with your case number and invoice number. 
2. Provide the Required Information:  After getting access to the DS-260 form, you will be presented with several pages requiring information regarding your background, including details about your name, past address, education history, family background, etc.
3. National Visa Center Review: After you submit the information, NVC examines your application. If they find all the required information is complete and correct, they forward your case to the United States embassy or consulate where you are applying. Afterward, the interview is scheduled.
4. Medical examination: Before attending your interview, you must complete a medical examination with a USCIS-approved doctor. The medical exam ensures that you meet the health standards required for U.S. immigration.
5. Interview: Once you have completed all the requirements for submitting the DS-260 forms, you are asked to attend an interview at the U.S. Consulate. If the consular officer is satisfied, they will approve your visa, and your passport will be stamped. 

What are the documents required for DS-260?

The applicant will need to submit the following forms:

• Nationality proof (passport and birth certificate)
• Marriage certificate
• Termination documents for prior marriages, if applicable
• Military records, if applicable
• A police certificate showing past infractions or the absence thereof

The sponsoring spouse must provide the following:

• Proof of financial support
• Termination documents from prior marriages, if any
• Proof of domicile, i.e. you must provide evidence of proof that you live in the US.

What are the documents required for the DS-260 Interview?

The following are the documents that are required to be possessed at the time you visit the United States embassy or consulate:

• Valid passport 
• Two passport-size photos 
• Appointment letter from NVC Scheduling your appointment for an interview
• DS-260 confirmation page 
• All supporting documents you uploaded to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website (this may include your birth certificate, marriage certificate, police clearance certificates, etc.)

If your documents were originally in a language other than English, you should bring both the original and the translated copies to the interview. 

What happens during and after the interview?

During the visa interview, a consular officer will ask questions about your background, relationship with your sponsoring spouse (for marriage-based green cards), and other relevant information. This interview is done to verify the information you provide in your application.

After the interview, the officer can approve or deny the application. You might receive a decision immediately, or the embassy or consulate may require more time to review your case before making a final determination.

What are the processing times for Form DS-260?

Form DS-260 processing time varies depending upon the volume of applications in the USCIS. On average, the NVC processes most cases within three months. You must file your DS-260 form as soon as possible, as the entire green card application process can take between 27 and 46 months.  

What are the processing times for Form DS-261?

Form DS-261 can take up to three weeks for the NVC to process.

What not to miss while filing Form DS-260?

To ensure a smooth and successful DS-260 application, it’s crucial to answer every required question accurately and carefully. Here are key points to keep in mind for filing it correctly:

1. You should fill every required box and do not leave blanks.
2. If you are not fluent in English, you must seek the help of a professional to complete the form correctly. 
3. While filling out the form, there is a function that if you leave out for too long, the system can time out, so save your progress often.
4. You should avoid changing your address after submitting the form since your green card may take months to arrive, and it is delivered to the address you submitted.
5. You must review all information before submission, as you cannot change once the form is submitted.

How to Complete Form DS-261?

The following are the steps to complete Form DS-261:

1. Visit the CEAC Website
2. You will then have to access the DS-261 Form, which is visible under the “Immigrant Visa” action. Click on the link to start the process.
3. Thereafter, you will need to create an account on the CEAC website, where you will need to fill in your National Visa Center (NVC) case number.
4. Once logged in, you can begin filling out the form with information such as your preferred mailing address, phone number, and email.
5. Click the “Submit” button on”e you “and fill in the information.

What is the processing cost for DS-260? 

The processing fees for DS-261 are to be paid after NVC  processes your application, wherein a total of $445 is paid, which is $ 325 for the State Department’s application processing fee and $120  for the financial support form fee.

What is the processing cost for DS-261?

There are no particular costs associated with DS-261, it is included in the overall cost of the DS-260 form wherein soon after the submission of the application of DS-261 you’ll need to pay the immigrant visa application processing fee, which is $325 per applicant.

What is the difference Between DS-260 and DS-261?

Form DS-260 and Form DS-261 are important for the immigration process application, but they serve different purposes. DS-260 is a comprehensive form that asks for detailed information about the applicant’s personal, family, and employment details. DS-261 is used primarily to gather current contact information and designate an agent to communicate with the U.S. government on your behalf. 

Conclusion

Forms DS-260 and DS-261 are essential for the U.S. immigration process for individuals applying for visas while residing outside the United States. Both forms must be completed and submitted online via the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). All information entered in these forms must be accurate and complete, as errors or omissions could lead to delays or issues in the processing of the application.