There is no ongoing maintenance — this is just how the website normally operates. I was logged out over 100 times before I could complete the form. One possible explanation I received was that the site gets overloaded with users, so it’s best to try during off-peak hours. In reality, though, all you can do is log in again every time it kicks you out.
Here are some tips that helped me and may help you save your progress more efficiently:
1. Save your answers in a Word document:
Write and store all your answers in a separate document. That way, you can simply copy and paste them into the form each time you log in.
2. Fill out the DS-260 form with minimal answers at first (don’t submit):
Start by entering just enough information to allow the system to save each section and continue. For example:
For the question asking for all addresses since you were a minor, just enter one address temporarily.
Do the same for your education and work history — provide minimal input at first, save it and move on to the next category.
This allows the form to save partial data, so you won’t have to start from scratch each time you log in.
3. Navigate using the tabs on the left side of the page:
Instead of clicking the “Next” button to move through each section, use the tabs on the left to jump directly to the part you want to work on. For example, if you were logged out while filling out the Family section, don’t click through all the previous pages — just click the “Family” tab to go straight there. This saves time and reduces the chances of being logged out again.
4. Avoid using the “Next” button to return to where you left off after being logged out (This only applies when you have filled out the whole form and you have incomplete sections)
Save constantly — every step counts:
Make sure to save your progress every time you enter new information. For example, in the Social Media section, if you have Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, enter one platform, save, then add the next one and save again.
It takes patience, but stay persistent — you’ll get through it.