The DS-260 form should be filled out by individuals who are seeking an immigrant visa to the United States. Here are some general guidelines on who should complete the DS-260 form:
- Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Winners: If you have been selected as a winner of the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, you and your eligible family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) should each complete a separate DS-260 form. This form is part of the process to apply for an immigrant visa based on your DV selection.
- Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens: If you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21, and you are applying for an immigrant visa based on this relationship, you should complete the DS-260 form. Each immediate relative applying for the visa, including derivative beneficiaries, should submit a separate DS-260 form.
- Family Preference Immigrants: If you are applying for an immigrant visa under a family preference category, such as a married son or daughter of a U.S. citizen, or a sibling of a U.S. citizen, you should complete the DS-260 form. Again, each applicant should fill out a separate DS-260 form.
- Employment-Based Immigrants: If you are seeking an immigrant visa based on employment, such as through a job offer or a work-related category, you should complete the DS-260 form. Each principal applicant and their eligible family members should submit their own DS-260 form.
- Other Immigrant Visa Categories: The DS-260 form may be required for individuals applying for other immigrant visa categories, such as special immigrant visas, diversity visas for countries other than the DV Lottery, or certain humanitarian or refugee-based visas. In these cases, the specific instructions provided by the National Visa Center (NVC) or the U.S. embassy/consulate handling your case should be followed.
It’s important to note that the DS-260 form is typically filled out by the principal applicant, who is the primary beneficiary of the immigrant visa. However, eligible family members who are also seeking visas should complete their own DS-260 forms as well.
It’s recommended to carefully review the instructions provided by the NVC or the U.S. embassy/consulate handling your case to determine if the DS-260 form is required for your specific immigrant visa application. These instructions will outline the specific requirements and procedures for completing and submitting the DS-260 form.
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