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The DS-160 is a six-page form that the visa officer will have in front of them before you even walk into the interview room. Every section matters, but the work information section carries particular weight — especially if you are applying for a B1, L1, or H1B visa. Getting this section right is not difficult, but it does require preparation before you open the form. Here is what you need to know.
Tip 1: Gather your entire work history before you start filling the form
A mistake I see all the time is that people open the DS-160 and only then realise it asks for not just your current job, but all your previous jobs as well. At that point you are scrambling to look up old employer details, dates, and phone numbers while the form is open. This creates two problems: you are more likely to make errors, and the system may time out and log you out while you are searching. If that happens, you have to go through the whole login process again — security question, application ID, the works.
The fix is simple: prepare your complete work history before you touch the form. Start from your very first job and work your way up to your current role. Have every detail ready — employer name, address, phone number, your designation, dates of employment, and salary. Once everything is in front of you, filling the form becomes quick and straightforward.
Tip 2: Your current work information needs extra care — especially these two fields
For most visa types — and particularly for a B1 visa — the outcome of your application is largely dependent on your current work information. So fill this section carefully and make sure everything is accurate and up to date.
Two fields in particular trip people up:
Work phone number
Many applicants leave the work phone number blank. Please do not do this. Fill in your work phone number — even if it is a landline number. Leaving it empty looks careless and raises unnecessary questions.
Annual salary
There is a lot of confusion about what figure to enter here. My advice is straightforward: enter the salary that is actually being credited to your bank account. Whatever amount lands in your account — that is the number you put in the DS-160. Keep it consistent with your financial documents.
Tip 3: Write a strong answer in the 'Briefly describe your duties' field
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Book a Mock InterviewThe DS-160 asks you to briefly describe your duties — and this short paragraph matters more than most people realise. For visas like L1 and B1, the purpose of your visit to the US is directly linked to your current job, so how you describe your role needs to reflect that connection clearly.
I recommend including three things in your answer:
1. Your years of experience and current designation
Mention how many years of work experience you have and state your current job title. This establishes your professional standing right away.
2. Your area of work and current role
Describe what you actually do — your domain, your responsibilities, and the scope of your role. Be specific rather than vague.
3. Link your current role to your purpose of visit
This is the part most people forget. You need to connect what you do currently to why you are going to the US. If the officer can see a clear, logical link between your job and the purpose of your trip, your profile becomes far more credible. Covering all three of these points makes the answer comprehensive and leaves the officer with no gaps to question.
Tip 4: List every full-time job — do not skip any
You must list all the jobs you have held, right from your first one to your current position. I see two common reasons why people skip jobs: the role was a long time ago and they think it is not relevant, or the stint was very short and they would rather not draw attention to it. Neither is a good reason to leave it out.
Being honest and complete is always the better approach. If a gap or a short tenure comes up through another source later, it creates a far bigger problem than simply listing it in the first place.
One question I get asked often: do you need to include internships and part-time jobs? You can skip those. Stick to your full-time, regular employment. Internships and part-time positions do not need to be listed.
Before you start: get your information ready
If you want to make this process as smooth as possible, the single best thing you can do is prepare all your work details in one place before you open the DS-160. I have a free PDF template available at shachimall.com/DS160-work that covers all the questions in the work section — you can fill it in beforehand and then transfer your answers straight into the form. It saves time, prevents errors, and keeps the session from timing out on you.
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