Changes to US Visa Interviews: What Nigerian Applicants Need to Know
The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced new visa interview requirements for Nigerian applicants, thenewsnaija Reports.
These requirements, set to take effect from April 22, 2025, are part of ongoing efforts to streamline visa processing and reduce administrative errors.
All applicants attending interviews in Abuja and Lagos must present a DS-160 visa application form featuring a confirmation barcode beginning with “AA” followed by two zeroes. The barcode number on the DS-160 form must match the one used to schedule the interview appointment online. Failure to present matching barcode information will result in denial of entry to the consular section and disqualification from the interview.
Applicants are advised to verify the alignment of their barcode numbers at least two weeks before their appointment. In the event of a mismatch, applicants must log into their AVITS account no later than ten days before the interview to submit a correction request.
Applicants must also ensure that their visa appointment is scheduled at the location indicated in their DS-160 form. If turned away due to barcode mismatch, applicants will need to book a new appointment after correcting the issue. If the visa fee has expired, a new fee may need to be paid before booking.
The US Embassy notes that previously used DS-160 forms cannot be reused, and applicants must use the correct form with the matching barcode number. These changes aim to improve the efficiency of the visa application process and reduce errors.
