APPLYING FOR A B-1 OR B-2 VISA, READ THIS?
Let me give you some instructions and tips for completing Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) for a B-1 or B-2 visa.
This is the beginning of your journey to the U.S., so read this.
1. Be consistent: make sure that the information provided in a new application is NOT different from the information provided in previous applications. The embassy has visibility into your records.
2. While preparing a new application (completing form DS-160), make sure you have copies of your previous applications in front of you, so that you can compare the information you are providing on your new application to the old ones. How is this different from the first tip? Here, I am asking you NOT to trust your memory (no, I am not calling you a stupid person), but our memories do fail us. Have the original documents right in front of you, so you can be certain that you are providing some accurate information.
3. Dates are very important. Don’t screw up dates. For instance, if you separated from your ex-wife on May 10, 2009, but your final (official) divorce date was on May 30, 2009, then the latter should be your official divorce date. There are other instances where dates are very important. Provide the correct dates. You might think of it as an omission, but it has a name at law: misrepresentation of a material fact. This might, subsequently, pose a serious admissibility question. You do not want that.
4. Preserve all the records used to prepare the application, including a copy of Form DS-160. Why is this very important? When you get to the U.S., you might have to deal with another agency, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and you don’t want to submit inconsistent information to the USCIS, which has the authority to request for your records from the U.S. Department of State, the statutory agency in charge of embassies and consulates. A lot of people are now facing serious immigration issues because of the inconsistencies in their DS-160 forms and Forms I-130, Petition for Alien Relative/I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence. They now have to rehabilitate those inconsistencies, and, in most cases, they usually need a lawyer.
5. On Form DS-160, “Item 28. Social Media: Do you have a social media presence?” Do not lie. They will find out. Only a few people do NOT have a social media presence, and you are likely not one of them. There is a dropdown menu that allows you to provide your username, handle, and screenname. Provide that for ALL the social media platforms that you have/control (control: you are in charge of those accounts). If you have not used any of the social media platforms in the last 5 years, choose the “none” option. DO NOT PROVIDE YOUR PASSWORDS. But you should act on a presumption that a reviewing officer might check out those pages.
This list is not exhaustive. If you need more help and insights, the firm has a Consular Practice that provides services for those seeking nonimmigrant and immigrant visas to the U.S. You can also schedule a paid appointment with our attorney:
Akintunde F. Adeyemo, Esq.
Attorney, Counselor & Solicitor
734-318-7053 (Call, Text, Including WhatsApp)
Email address: info@akinalaw.com
Website: www.akinalaw.com
The information in this article is for general information purposes only. Nothing in this post should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
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