The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced new requirements for visa applicants in Abuja and Lagos, aimed at tightening the application process and reducing administrative delays. The updated rules will take effect from Monday, April 22, 2025.
In a statement issued on Friday, the embassy outlined that all visa applicants must ensure the barcode number on their DS-160 form matches exactly with the one used to schedule their visa appointment. Failure to comply will result in applicants being denied access to the Consular Section on the day of their interview.
The DS-160 barcode must begin with the prefix “AA” followed by two zeroes. Applicants are also required to book their interview at the same consular location—Abuja or Lagos—that they selected while completing their DS-160 form.
“The updated procedure is designed to streamline visa processing and eliminate common mismatches that often lead to cancelled or rescheduled interviews,” the Embassy said.
Applicants presenting mismatched DS-160 barcodes at the interview venue will be turned away and required to rebook their appointments. The Embassy strongly advised applicants to verify their barcode information at least two weeks before their interview date.
Furthermore, DS-160 forms used in past applications are not valid for reuse. Should an applicant notice a discrepancy, they are advised to log into their AVITS account no later than 10 days prior to the appointment to submit a support ticket requesting a correction.
Applicants who are turned away due to incorrect barcodes must correct the error and reschedule their appointment. If their visa fee has expired in the meantime, they may be required to pay a new fee to proceed.
The embassy reiterated that adherence to these updated guidelines is crucial for ensuring a smooth and timely visa application experience.
The DS-160 form is mandatory for most non-immigrant U.S. visas, and it must be submitted before an appointment can be scheduled. Once submitted, the DS-160 form remains valid throughout the visa application process.
Applicants may be required to start a new DS-160 if they fail to act within a reasonable period or if the barcode mismatches. Also, there is no fee for the DS-160 form itself, but visa processing fees vary depending on visa type.
The DS-160 is required for various visa categories, including: B1/B2 (Business/Tourism), F and M (Student Visas), J (Exchange Visitors), H, L, O, and P (Work Visas and Talent-Based Entry), and K Visas (for spouses and fiancés of US citizens)
