100% free software
The public core has no subscription or per-user license fee. Budget separately for government fees, any professional help, and optional self-hosting.
FILLVISA OS VS DS160.IO
An open-source ds160.io alternative. 100% free.
Beautiful forms. Your own hosting. Open code.
Prepare your DS-160 with a focused, browser-based experience and code you can inspect. Fillvisa OS is free software you can host yourself, with supported USCIS form workflows alongside DS-160 preparation.
100% free software Self-hostable AGPL-3.0
IS FILLVISA OS A DS160.IO ALTERNATIVE?
Free DS-160 tools.
Open-source freedom.
Fillvisa OS is a free, self-hostable ds160.io alternative for supported DS-160 preparation, licensed under AGPL-3.0. Its workflow includes a bookmarklet to help transfer answers to the official CEAC website.
ds160.io also advertises free filing for individuals. The distinction is how you want to work: a self-hostable open-source tool or a hosted filing service. Fillvisa OS documentation · ds160.io individual offering
A FREE STARTING POINT
Prepare your forms.
Keep control of your tools.
If you want to work through supported forms yourself, Fillvisa OS gives you an approachable interface and an open-source foundation without a preparation software fee.
A focused form experience
Work through readable questions and clear sections, then review the result. Try a sample before deciding whether the experience suits your application.
A copy you can inspect
Explore the source or deploy it yourself under AGPL-3.0. You can try the public demo without first setting up a server.
Choose the help you need, too. A form interface is only one part of preparation. Decide how you will confirm requirements, organize evidence, and review your work. Our design perspective is not a measured usability comparison.
COMPARE THE CURRENT OFFER
Fillvisa OS vs. ds160.io pricing
Free individual filing is available from ds160.io, too. Choose based on deployment, workflow, and the help you need rather than assuming every alternative charges a filing fee.
| Option | Price | What you are choosing |
|---|---|---|
| Fillvisa OS | $0 software license | Self-hostable tools for supported forms. |
| ds160.io individual filing | Free | Hosted DS-160 filing. |
| ds160.io Expert review | $89 per form | Optional specialist review. |
| ds160.io Full service | $249 per form | Optional specialist assistance with the application. |
| ds160.io business use | Confirm current business terms | Separate workspace billing and service scope. |
Sources: current individual plans and business billing terms. The pricing URL redirected to the individual offering when reviewed; older indexed prices differ. Confirm your selected offer before purchase.
Software and government fees are separate. Fillvisa OS does not include hosting, maintenance, or professional assistance. Budget for the official application process whichever tool you use.
UNDERSTAND THE CEAC WORKFLOW
Prepare your answers.
Review the official form.
The two products approach data entry differently. Try your chosen workflow with sample information before relying on it for an application.
Prepare in Fillvisa OS
Work through the supported DS-160 sections and check your answers. Confirm the capabilities of the release you use.
Use the CEAC helper
The Fillvisa OS repository describes a bookmarklet that helps autofill CEAC. This is not a promise of an unattended filing service.
Complete the official steps
Review the populated form, handle required official interactions, and retain the official confirmation. A local draft or exported file is not proof of submission.
How ds160.io differs: its submission guide describes hosted automation that enters answers in the official portal and lets you retrieve the application result. Check its current instructions for required applicant participation.
Sources: Fillvisa OS workflow and ds160.io submission guide.
DEPLOYMENT, WORKFLOW, AND SUPPORT
Compare beyond the price.
Free access and open-source rights are different benefits. Consider who runs the software, where progress is saved, and how answers reach the official form.
| Need | Fillvisa OS | ds160.io |
|---|---|---|
| DS-160 preparation | Supported browser-based workflow. | Hosted questionnaire and filing workflow. |
| CEAC assistance | Bookmarklet helps autofill the official site. | Hosted automation described in its submission guide. |
| Source and hosting | Public AGPL-3.0 code; self-hostable. | Hosted service; no equivalent self-hostable open-source edition identified. |
| Other forms | Supported USCIS PDF workflows; check your release. | Reviewed documentation focuses on DS-160. |
| Saved work | Local browser progress; no automatic device sync. | Account-based saved forms described in its guides. |
| Team operations | No equivalent shared workspace promised. | Documentation covers teams, client intake, and review. |
| Customization | Adapt the source under its license. | Business documentation covers custom domains and white-label email. |
| Professional assistance | Arrange separately. | Optional specialist packages advertised. |
| Migration | No direct ds160.io import promised. | Verify exports and retain application records. |
Sources: Fillvisa OS, ds160.io documentation, filing guide, and individual plans.
FILLVISA OS MAY FIT WHEN
You want a tool you can run yourself.
- You value public source code and self-hosting.
- You want supported USCIS forms alongside DS-160.
- You can manage local progress and backups.
- You are comfortable completing the official workflow.
DS160.IO MAY FIT WHEN
You prefer a managed filing workflow.
Evaluate its hosted automation and account-based experience. Firms can also assess its documented intake, team, and branding tools.
A self-hosted form tool does not automatically recreate those business services.
SELF-HOSTABLE. AGPL-3.0 LICENSED.
Your copy. Your deployment. Public source.
Fillvisa OS is a static frontend. The open-source core does not require a backend. Start with the repository instructions and verify your deployment before using it for real work.
01 / GET THE CODE
Start with the project.
Choose a repository release, review its included forms and documentation, and keep a record of the version you deploy.
View the repository →02 / HOST YOUR COPY
Serve the static files.
Use a static web server and test the form workflow, asset loading, downloads, and saved progress. Your deployment remains your responsibility.
Read setup documentation →03 / UNDERSTAND THE LICENSE
Built on AGPL-3.0.
Review the license before adapting, distributing, or operating a modified version for others. The repository’s license text is the authoritative reference.
Read the license →Control comes with responsibility. Plan updates, access controls, device security, and backups. Self-hosting a static frontend does not create a shared client database or cloud sync. Source availability alone is not a security certification.
BEFORE YOU CHANGE TOOLS
Keep your application organized from the start.
Try Fillvisa OS on a sample before moving work in progress. Confirm form coverage, CEAC interactions, and how you will preserve progress.
List the forms and help you need
Identify the documents and outputs you plan to prepare. Separate software needs from filing guidance, customer support, and professional help you may want.
Check coverage in your release
Use the directory and repository to verify each supported form. Test the actual output with fictional data, including repeated fields or extra sections.
Preserve your existing work
If you have started with ds160.io, confirm how to retain your answers and documents. There is no promised one-click import into Fillvisa OS.
Plan storage and review
Local browser progress does not automatically follow you to another device. Check export and backup options, keep your documents organized, and decide who will review the completed work.
Check any existing service commitment
Before changing a paid service or business workspace, review its terms and the assistance you would lose. Verify your alternative process end to end and follow the relevant official filing instructions.
DIRECT ANSWERS
Fillvisa OS vs. ds160.io: frequently asked questions
Is Fillvisa OS a free ds160.io alternative?
Yes, for supported DS-160 preparation. Fillvisa OS is free, self-hostable software under AGPL-3.0, with a CEAC autofill helper and supported USCIS workflows.
Is ds160.io free for individuals?
Its current individual offering advertises free filing. Optional specialist services cost extra. Confirm the current offer, because older indexed pricing differs.
What does Fillvisa OS cost?
The software license is free, with no subscription or per-user charge. Hosting, maintenance, government fees, and professional help are separate.
Is free software the same as open-source software?
No. Free access describes price. An open-source license also grants rights to inspect, adapt, and redistribute code under its terms. Fillvisa OS uses AGPL-3.0.
How does Fillvisa OS work with CEAC?
Its repository describes a DS-160 bookmarklet that helps autofill the official CEAC website. Review the populated answers and complete the required official steps.
Does Fillvisa OS file the DS-160 unattended?
No unattended filing service is promised. Treat Fillvisa OS as preparation software with an autofill helper, and verify the official submission and confirmation.
Can I self-host Fillvisa OS?
Yes. Follow the repository instructions to serve the static frontend. Plan updates, device security, access controls, and backups.
Does Fillvisa OS include specialist review?
No specialist review package is included. Arrange qualified help separately if you need it.
Can an agency replace its shared workspace with Fillvisa OS?
Evaluate the full workflow first. The open-source core does not promise equivalent team management, client intake links, white-label email, or hosted filing operations.
Can I import ds160.io applications?
No direct import is promised. Preserve answers, files, and official confirmation records, then test any available transfer process before moving work.
Does either tool guarantee visa approval?
Fillvisa OS does not guarantee approval. ds160.io terms also disclaim guaranteed visa outcomes. Software validation does not establish eligibility or replace careful review.
Is this a Fillvisa Plus comparison?
No. This page covers Fillvisa OS, the free, self-hostable AGPL-3.0 edition. Paid hosted Fillvisa products are separate.
Sources & comparison methodology
Published by Fillvisa. First-party sources reviewed October 29, 2026. This comparison covers product capabilities and responsibilities, not application eligibility.
- Fillvisa OS repository
- AGPL-3.0 license
- ds160.io current individual offering
- ds160.io documentation
- ds160.io submission workflow
- ds160.io terms
The current individual landing page is used for individual pricing. Older indexed pricing and some retrieved guide text describe a payment step; confirm the live offer and account terms. We have not audited security, tested direct migration, or conducted a controlled usability study.
ds160.io is a trademark of its respective owner. Fillvisa is not affiliated with or endorsed by ds160.io.
FREE TO USE. OPEN TO EXPLORE.
Make the workflow your own.
Get Fillvisa OS. Inspect the code. Host your copy.
100% free software, licensed under AGPL-3.0.