Companies that initiate or conduct business relations with the U.S. are confronted with a number of forms. Instead of customs declaration or tax forms, this page focuses on the main U.S. visa application forms. Here you will find all relevant information about the forms you need to apply for U.S. visas. We are happy to assist you in filling in the visa forms and preparing the application documentation. Contact us now!
There are visa forms and documents that you will encounter again and again when applying for a U.S. visa. However, applicants must be aware that, depending on the visa category, very different forms and documents must be filled out and attached to the visa application in addition to the usual visa forms.
We therefore provide an overview of the essential visa forms – including notes and tips on how to fill them in – as well as the possibility to download the original forms from the US authorities.
The so-called "DS" forms are issued by the US Department of State (DOS). These include the DS-160, the most frequently used form for general US visa applications.
| Form | Purpose |
| DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | The DS-160 online form must be completed by all nonimmigrant visa applicants |
| DS-156E Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader / Investor Application | The DS-156E form is used for e-registrations of US companies and E-1 and E-2 visas based on e-registration |
| DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status | The DS-2019 form is required for J-1 visas and, unlike the other forms, cannot be downloaded |
| DS-7002 Training / Internship Placement Plan | The DS-7002 form is the training or internship placement plan |
| DS-260 Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application | The DS-260 online form must be completed by all immigrant visa applicants |
| DS-5535 Questionnaire for Visa Applicants | If information from visa applicants is missing, it is obtained via DS-5535 questionnaire |
| I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status | Educational institutions in the USA issue the I-20 form for study and non-academic study programs |
Click here to download the DS forms.
USCIS application forms are usually identified by the letter "I".
| Form | Purpose |
| I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker | If you apply for a work visa through the USCIS, you cannot get around the I-129 form |
| I-129S Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition | The I-129S form is used as part of the L-Blanket visa application |
| I-797 Notice of Action | The I-797 is a notice from the USCIS |
| I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification | The I-9 is the verification of the identity and work permit of U.S. employees |
You can download all relevant forms from the website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS; formerly BCIS/INS).
| Form | Purpose |
| I-94 Arrival / Departure Record | The I-94 entry form documents the entry and exit of visa holders |
You can download here the application form for the social security number in the United States.
For information on driving licenses, visit the official websites of the driving license authorities in each of the 50 states. On the following page, the Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV) are listed.
