New Form DS-158 for F, M, J Applicants
Posted Aug 09, 2002

As of July 25, 2002, a new form, DS-158 (Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant) is required for all applicants for F, M and J visas at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. F and M visas are for academic and vocational students, respectively. J visas are for exchange visitors. [Note that this is a Department of State form, as indicated by the "DS" designation; not an INS form.]

The Form is to be submitted together with the usual nonimmigrant visa application forms: the DS-156 (for all applicants) and the DS-157 (for male applicants ages 16 to 45). All of these forms are available through the U.S. Department of State's Visa Services WebSite. Scroll down that page to the section on Visa Applications to find links to the forms.

Form DS-158 consists of two pages of biographic data including work experience details, similar to a job application. The information requested includes: job title, employer's name, dates of employment and job duties for the present job as well as three previous jobs. The applicant is required to list the full names, addresses, and telephone numbers for his/her children, parents, siblings, and any spouse. The applicant must also provide names of at least two contacts in his or her country of residence (with addresses and telephone numbers), who can verify information about the applicant.

It is unclear at this point exactly how this Form will be used. Obviously, the information would facilitate a background investigation of the applicant, should the U.S. Department of State determine that an investigation is necessary in a particular case. Whether such investigations will be conducted routinely on all applicants, or only on those who may meet certain criteria, is not known at this time.