A DS-260 form (PDF) is an online application form used to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa. It is a mandatory requirement for all applicants who wish to permanently reside in the United States.
The DS-260 form is significant as it initiates the process of obtaining a green card, granting the applicant permanent residency in the U.S. It replaced the paper-based application form DS-230 in 2010, simplifying the application process and reducing processing times.