The United States has introduced new guidelines for all visa applicants in Nigeria starting from April 22, 2025. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos now require that all applicants bring a DS-160 visa application form with a matching barcode confirmation number when attending their visa interview. Below are the five important changes to the process:
- Matching DS-160 Confirmation Number Applicants must ensure their DS-160 visa application form includes a barcode number (beginning with "AA00") that matches the one used to schedule the visa appointment. If the barcode does not match, applicants will not be allowed into the Consular Section or to attend their interview.
- Correct Appointment Location Visa applicants must attend their interview at the same location (either Abuja or Lagos) where they selected when submitting the DS-160 form. Failing to appear at the correct location will result in being turned away.
- Double-Check Your DS-160 Applicants are advised to verify their DS-160 barcode number at least two weeks before their interview to ensure it aligns with the appointment confirmation. Reusing a DS-160 form from a previous application is not permitted.
- Fixing an Incorrect DS-160 Barcode If there’s an error with the barcode, applicants should log into their AVITS account at least 10 days before their interview and create a support ticket to request a correction.
- Rescheduling After Rejection If an applicant is turned away due to a mismatched barcode, they must correct the issue and rebook a new appointment. If the previous visa fee has expired, a new fee will need to be paid before rebooking.
These new requirements are part of the U.S. Embassy's effort to streamline the visa application process and ensure the accuracy of applicants' information.
