If you are a foreign national and wish to visit the US as a nonimmigrant, you must file Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application at a US Consulate or Embassy. Earlier Form DS-156 was being used and this form has been replaced by Form DS-160. Anyone who is not a US citizen or a US permanent resident who wants to visit the US or enter into the country using a nonimmigrant visa must gain permission prior to their visit. As a part of this process, any foreign national applying for a nonimmigrant visa to enter the US, must file Form DS-160.
Form DS-160 serves several purposes. First, it allows the US to evaluate, keep track of, and process anyone who wishes to visit the US on a nonimmigrant visa. Second, USCIS form DS-160 allows consular officials to determine whether someone wishing to enter the US is qualified to do so. Third, this form allows the US to secure its borders and to keep its citizens safer by providing an additional means of barring people who are ineligible or dangerous, from entering the US.
If you are a foreign national hoping to enter the US, it is important to file this form correctly and on time. You can visit to the government web site to get the latest version of Form DS-160 and to get filing instructions for the form. This form must be submitted electronically. You will need to ensure that you do this well in advance of your travel dates, since you may not be able to enter the US without correctly filing this form. Keep copies of the forms and information you have sent in with Form DS-160 in case there is a delay.
It is important to note that Form DS-156 has been replaced by Form DS-160.