The Department of State and the National Visa Center (NVC) have recently made significant changes with respect to immigrant visa application process via consular processing. Beginning September 3, 2013, immigrant visa applicants (with the exception of Diversity Visa Lottery and Cuban Family Reunification Parole applicants) are now required to apply online using a new electronic Form DS-260 (Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration) instead of the previous paper Form DS-230. Visa applicants can also choose their legal representatives by submitting an online Form DS-261 (Choice of Address and Agent). Both forms can be accessed at https://ceac.state.gov/ceac/. Detailed information pertaining to the new electronic process can be obtained on the Department of State’s website.
Some key changes between the old Form DS-230 and the new Form DS-260 are as follows:
- DS-230 requests only those previous addresses that were longer than 6 months since the age of 16, whereas DS-260 requests ALL addresses, no matter the length, since the age of 16;
- DS-230 requests the month and the year with respect to your past residence and employment, whereas DS-260 requests the exact dates; and
- DS-230 requests dates of ALL previous visits to the U.S., whereas DS-260 requests visits during the last 5 years.
Applicants should make sure that all the dates correspond with the information provided in the immigrant petition submitted including Forms I-130 and G-325A.