New Nonimmigrant Visa Form DS-160
Posted Aug 07, 2009
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The U.S. Department of State (DOS) is transitioning to a fully web-based nonimmigrant visa form. This form, DS-160, eventually will replace the forms currently used to apply for nonimmigrant visas at the U.S. consulates. As of this writing, the form is being used at twelve consular posts around the world. 
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Consulates Using the DS-160
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The new form is being implemented gradually. At this initial stage, it is used at the following consulates: Australia (Melbourne, Perth, Sydney); Bermuda (Hamilton); Canada (Montreal, Vancouver); Hong Kong; Ireland (Dublin); Libya (Tripoli); Mexico (Ciudad Juarez, Hermosillo, Matamoros, Monterrey, Nogales, and Nuevo Laredo), and Montenegro (Podgorica). Updated information on any expanded use of this form will be available on the DOS WebSite. According to the DOS, these consular posts process approximately ten percent of all nonimmigrant visa applications. The goal is to have the form available worldwide by the end of the 2009 calendar year. Expansion is currently limited, in part, by server capacity.
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Benefits of Using DS-160
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More information and FAQs for applicants is available on the DOS WebSite. This includes information on how to save the application and how to file as a family group. The DOS intends to add access to information in advance of the interview. This includes checking existing data bases, including the Petition Information Management Service (PIMS), Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and fraud-detection systems.
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Conclusion
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Each visa applicant should always check the website of the consulate where s/he will apply for a visa. These websites carry the most recent instructions regarding forms, procedures, and documents that must be presented at an interview. Using the correct forms and accessing the latest information is likely to save time, money, effort, and energy, as well as to increase the chance for a successful outcome in obtaining the visa.