DS-260 for Nurses

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DS-260 for Nurses is a critical form required for immigrant visa applicants before the visa interview. It collects detailed information on the applicant’s background, employment history, and family. Nurses applying for U.S. visas must understand the process to ensure timely and accurate submission.

Starting the DS-260 for Nurses
  • Begin After NVC Fee Bill: The DS-260 can be filled out once the NVC Fee Bill is issued.
  • P3AU (Packet 3 Application Update): If the applicant’s Priority Date is later than the Dates for Filing in the Visa Bulletin, the NVC will issue a P3AU instead of the Fee Bill. This document explains why the DS-260 cannot yet be completed and instructs the applicant to wait for the Fee Bill.
Fees and Processing Time
  • Fee: $325(USD) per applicant, payable through a U.S. bank.
    The fee above is as of OCT 2024.
  • Processing: 3-4 days after payment, the form becomes available.
  • Platform: Complete the form through the CEAC system.
What Happens After Submission
  1. Download Confirmation: Nurses should download the DS-260 confirmation for their embassy interview.
  2. DQ Email (Documentarily Qualified): Typically received within 1-3 months after submission, though delays may occur due to NVC’s workload. 
    (DQ means that the DS-260 and supporting documents have been submitted, and the embassy interview will be scheduled based on the Priority Date)
  3. Interview Eligibility: Determined by the Priority Date and Final Action Date in the Visa Bulletin, the U.S. embassy will send an email to the nurse directly to inform that the nurse is eligible to take the interview and ask for 1) schedule the interview or 2) attend the scheduled interview. In the case of 2), the embassy would randomly schedule the interview for the nurse. (Emails for Interviews can sometimes be missed or sent to spam folders)
Documents Required
  1. US Visa Photo
  2. Passport valid for at least six months
  3. Various supporting documents + English translations
  4. Police Certificates: From any country where the applicant has lived for over 1 year since turning 16.
Additional Information
  • Previous U.S. Travel and Visa Issuance History: The DS-260 form checks the applicant’s previous U.S. travel history, any previously issued U.S. visas, and any periods of U.S. residency.
  • Criminal Records in the U.S.: U.S. criminal records are checked and can affect the visa issuance process. If the applicant has a criminal record, their visa may be denied.
  • Previous Unlawful U.S. Stay and Overstay Verification: The NVC checks the applicant’s U.S. stay history, including any periods of unlawful stay (overstay). This data is verified through records shared by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and any overstay or unlawful stay in the U.S. can negatively impact the visa application.

For current processing timelines, check the NVC’s timeframes.

The whole journey

for receiving EB-3 visa

1. Schedule A and PERM

PERM is the first step where the employer proves no qualified U.S. workers are available.

2. I-140

I-140, the second step, is a petition to USCIS to classify a foreign worker as eligible.

3. DS-260

The DS-260 form is an online immigrant visa application for consular

4. Visa Interview

The final step to determine the applicant's visa eligibility.

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