DS-260 vs DS-160: What's the Difference?
TL;DR: The DS-160 is the online application for nonimmigrant (temporary) US visas, including tourist, student, work, and fiancé(e) K-1 visas. The DS-260 is the online application used only for immigrant (green card) visas processed through a US consulate abroad, such as family- or employment-based cases after National Visa Center (NVC) processing. Confusing the two is one of the most common consular-processing mistakes reported on immigration forums.
Claim
Applicants — especially K-1 fiancé(e) visa applicants — regularly mix up these two forms because K-1 is a nonimmigrant visa that leads to a green card, which makes people assume it uses the immigrant-visa form. It uses the DS-160.
Evidence
The Department of State's own DS-260 FAQ page distinguishes the two directly: DS-160 is the "Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application," while DS-260 is the "Immigrant Visa Electronic Application," filed through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) only after NVC has requested it, following an approved I-130, I-140, or other immigrant petition. Reddit's r/NationalVisaCenter and r/USCIS communities show recurring confusion specifically around K-1 cases, where posters confirm K-1 applicants use DS-160, not DS-260, even though the K-1 process ends in a green card via adjustment of status.
Comparison Table
| DS-160 | DS-260 | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa type | Nonimmigrant (temporary) | Immigrant (green card via consular processing) |
| Used for | B-1/B-2, F-1, H-1B, K-1 fiancé(e), most temporary visas | Family- and employment-based immigrant visas, DV lottery winners |
| Filed through | Standard DS-160 online portal | CEAC, only after NVC requests it |
| Triggered by | Applicant scheduling a visa interview | NVC after receiving an approved immigrant petition (I-130, I-140, etc.) |
| Confirmation | Barcode confirmation page for interview | Confirmation page for interview, plus supporting civil documents uploaded to CEAC |
Step-by-Step: Which Form Do I File?
- Identify your visa category. If it is a temporary/nonimmigrant visa (including K-1), you file DS-160.
- If you are the beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition (I-130 for family, I-140 for employment, or a DV lottery selectee), NVC will instruct you to file DS-260 once your case is documentarily complete.
- Do not file DS-260 on your own initiative — it is only accessible after NVC creates your case and sends instructions with your case number.
- Pay the correct fee — DS-160 has no separate State Department fee beyond the visa application fee; DS-260 immigrant visa cases involve separate NVC processing and affidavit-of-support fees.
- Bring your confirmation page to your interview regardless of which form you filed.
FAQ
Does a K-1 fiancé(e) visa applicant file DS-160 or DS-260? DS-160. K-1 is classified as a nonimmigrant visa even though it leads to adjustment of status and a green card after marriage.
Can I access the DS-260 before NVC contacts me? No. The DS-260 is only unlocked in CEAC after NVC has received your approved immigrant petition and created your case.
What happens if I fill out the wrong form? Consular staff generally will not proceed with an interview scheduled under the wrong form type; you would need to complete the correct application for your visa classification before the case can move forward.
By Pinal Dave
Last updated: 2026-08-06