These mistakes show up in consular reviews again and again. Most are preventable with 10 minutes of careful review before submission.
01
Names don't match passport
Consequence: The officer sees mismatch between your DS-160 and your passport. Best case: delayed processing. Worst case: suspicion of misrepresentation.
Fix: Copy the name exactly from your passport, including order (surname vs given names), spelling, and capitalization. Don't use your married name if the passport still shows maiden name.
02
Prior refusals not disclosed
Consequence: Non-disclosure when the officer's system shows a prior refusal is treated as intentional misrepresentation. Section 6C1 is far worse than another 214(b).
Fix: Disclose every prior U.S. visa refusal, including 214(b), 221(g) that went to 214(b), and any other category. Briefly explain each in the text field.
03
Employment history has gaps or wrong dates
Consequence: Dates that don't align with tax records or employer verification trigger 221(g) for documentation review.
Fix: Double-check employment dates against your actual offer letters, pay stubs, or tax returns. Gap months are OK; just explain what you were doing (studying, unemployed, caring for family).
04
U.S. address is hotel or vague
Consequence: Officers sometimes question whether the trip is seriously planned if the U.S. address seems provisional.
Fix: Students: use the school address from the I-20. Workers: employer address. Visitors staying with family: the family member's home. Hotel is acceptable for tourism but be specific (name, city, dates).
05
Social media handles missing or fake
Consequence: Officers can cross-reference social media. A missing active account or a fake handle raises questions about honesty.
Fix: List every active account from the last 5 years honestly. If the handle is embarrassing, list it anyway. Not listing is worse than listing.
06
Photo doesn't meet specs
Consequence: The upload is rejected, or worse, the consulate flags it at the window. Either way: delay.
Fix: Use a U.S.-visa-specific photo service or the State Department's photo specs at travel.state.gov/photos. No glasses, plain background, square format, recent.
07
Family in the U.S. not disclosed
Consequence: The officer's system shows family ties you didn't disclose. Treated as misrepresentation even if unintentional.
Fix: Disclose every immediate relative (spouse, fiance, child, sibling) in the U.S. Status of the relative (citizen, resident, H-1B, etc.) goes in the notes. For parents, there's a separate section.
08
Confusing arrival date with visa issuance date
Consequence: The system flags the inconsistency, sometimes triggering a fresh submission requirement.
Fix: 'Intended date of arrival' = when you plan to fly to the U.S. on this visa. NOT the date the visa is issued. Approximate arrival dates are fine.
