Home / Forms Glossary
DS-260

Immigrant Visa Electronic Application

The consular-processing equivalent of Form I-485, filed by investors outside the United States through a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Typically filed by: Investor

Investors who are outside the United States, or who are not eligible for adjustment of status, pursue consular processing instead — which uses Form DS-260 rather than Form I-485.

Consular processing concludes with an immigrant visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, after which the investor enters the United States as a conditional permanent resident.

This is a general explainer, not legal advice, and does not describe the requirements of any specific case. Confirm current form editions, fees, and instructions directly at uscis.gov (or travel.state.gov for DS-260) before filing.