In November 2009, the Department of State announced that it would deploy the Form DS-160 web-based nonimmigrant visa application form worldwide by April 30, 2010. The Form DS-160 application form combines all information previously collected on the Form DS-156, Form DS-157, and Form DS-158 for appropriate applicants, and the Form DS-3052.

As the United States Consulates in Vancouver and Montreal were part of the initial pilot program, they have already been using Form DS-160 for some time. During the pilot program period, the web-based Form DS-160 was prone to timeouts and other technical difficulties.

Following the announcement that Form DS-160 would be deployed worldwide, many consular posts have now adopted the new Form DS-160. Unfortunately, this has resulted in even more technical problems.

At the present time, the online Form DS-160 is essentially unusable. Most (if not all) visa applicants are unable to complete their Form DS-160 online. Unfortunately, use of Form DS-160 is mandatory at consular posts that have adopted it and they will not issue a visa without one.

In response to this problem, the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association Department of State Liaison Committee has been in contact with the Visa Office regarding the Form DS-160 problem and has urged that all consulates immediately resume accepting the old visa application forms until the problem is solved. However, there is no word yet on what DOS will do to resolve this issue.