Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Online DS-1648 for A, G, and NATO Visas

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all fields in the online DS-1648 mandatory?: Only those marked "Optional" may be left blank. The application will not allow an applicant to submit a form with any mandatory fields left blank; in this instance, an error message will return the applicant to the field requiring data entry.
My passport does not contain my place of birth, a required field on the online DS-1648. What should I enter?: Enter your place of birth as contained in your birth certificate. Please also submit a copy of your birth certificate, and an English translation if the document is not in English, with the rest of your required documents. If a birth certificate is unavailable, submit other evidence to show your place of birth.
Do I need to complete the "Tour and Embassy Information" page if I do not work at an Embassy?: Yes. Please enter your sponsoring mission, organization, or U.S. military base information, because this is required for all A, G, and NATO visa applicants.
What do I enter for my tour/employment completion date if I used to enter D/S (duration of status) on the old DS-1648?: Choose a date 5-10 years from the day you are applying, as an indication to issue maximum validity allowed under reciprocity agreements with your country of nationality.
Why is the system saying the phone number I entered is invalid?: Check that you followed the example provided below the entry box, using dashes as part of the phone number (e.g., 555-555-5555).
What happens if I need to step away in the middle of data entry?: The DS-1648 will "time out" after approximately 10 minutes, resulting in a complete loss of data if the application has not been used during that time. Therefore, it is advisable to use the "Save" button in the bottom center of each page to avoid data loss if you need to step away from the application before completing it. Make sure you follow the instructions after clicking save to ensure the data is duplicated to your computer. You can then use the "Import Application Data" option on the "Getting Started" page to pull up the data you have already entered.
How do I get a digital photo that will successfully upload to this application?: Please refer to the detailed guidance in the photograph requirements and digital image requirements for specifications to bring to a photo lab, guidance for using a digital camera, and requirements for scanned images.
The confirmation page has an "X" in the box where the photo should be. What does that mean?: The photo upload failed. You will need to submit one 2x2 inch color photograph that meets requirements explained in the Photograph Requirements, stapled or glued to the online DS-1648 confirmation page ONLY if the confirmation page has an X in the box where the uploaded photo should appear. If the confirmation page includes a photo image, then the photo upload function has succeeded and no separate print photograph is required.
Why did the edits I made from the review page "edit" link not save?: In order for data changes made from the review page links to save, you must use the buttons at the bottom of each page to navigate, instead of the browser's back/forward buttons or the buttons along the left of the screen.
How is the applicant suppose to to electronically sign the form, if our mission or organization usually prepares applications for staff?: There are two main options - first, you can ask staff to come to your office to electronically sign the application so you can get them to the right place in the application and complete the remainder of the process yourself. Second, you can save the data entered and email the resulting data file, along with the photo, to the applicant with instructions regarding how to import the data, upload the photo, review the data, and then electronically sign; using this second approach, the applicant would complete the final steps of designating the location where the application is to be submitted and printing the confirmation.
What happens if I notice a mistake after I have printed the confirmation page?: Please make a note of the exact error in pen on the confirmation page to draw it to our attention.
What should I do if I selected the incorrect application location?: If you notice you selected the incorrect location before printing the confirmation page, please correct it. If you notice after printing the confirmation page, please create an application to the correct location for submission to avoid the risk of your application being rejected by our office.
What do I need to submit once I have completed my online DS-1648?: If the photo uploads correctly, we only need the DS-1648 confirmation page with a clear barcode featuring the embassy or organization seal (or diplomatic note), NOT a print-out of the "review entries" page; current passport (and previous passport, if it contains the previous visa); and most recent I-94. If submitting the application at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, applicants also need to include a diplomatic note. If the applicant is a foreign military member, then he/she needs to submit orders or a letter from the host command. If dependents are applying separate from the principal alien, please submit a copy of the principal alien's visa and I-94. If dependents were born in the United States and did not acquire U.S. citizenship, please include a letter to this effect from the Department of State's Office of Overseas Citizens Services. Finally, if uploading the photo failed, one 2x2 inch color photograph that meets the Photograph Requirements must be stapled or glued to the DS-1648 confirmation page ONLY if the confirmation page has an X in the box where the uploaded photo should appear. If the confirmation page includes a photo image, then the photo upload function has succeeded and no separate print photograph is required.
If I create a family application from the Thank You page, can I modify the data automatically completed by the system?: Yes. If one of the dependents has a different surname or nationality, for example, the applicant can alter those data on the application before submitting.

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