US Embassy sets new visa interview standards for Nigerians
US Embassy in Nigeria Implements New Visa Interview Procedures Starting April 22 The United States (US) Embassy has announced significant changes to the visa interview process for Nigerian applicants, effective April 22, 2025. This new requirement mandates that all individuals attending interviews in Abuja and Lagos present a properly completed DS-160 visa application form. The form must contain a confirmation barcode that begins with “AA” and is followed by two zeroes.
According to a statement released by the U.S. mission on Friday, applicants are reminded that the barcode on the DS-160 form must match the one associated with their scheduled interview appointment made online. Failure to provide aligned barcode details will result in denied entry to the consular section and exclusion from the interview process.
“Starting April 22, 2025, all visa applicants in Abuja and Lagos must present a DS-160 with a confirmation barcode that begins with ‘AA’ and two zeroes,” the embassy stated. “It is also important that you schedule your appointment in the same location you indicated when filling out your DS-160 form. If there is a mismatch, you will not be permitted to enter the Consular Section or attend your visa interview.”
The embassy encourages applicants to verify that their barcode matches at least two weeks prior to their appointment. Additionally, previously submitted DS-160 forms are not acceptable for reuse. In instances where a mismatch occurs, applicants are directed to log into their AVITS account a minimum of ten days before their interview to request a correction.
“In order to avoid complications, please confirm that the barcode number on your DS-160 form aligns with the one used for your appointment at least two weeks beforehand,” the statement read. “You cannot use a DS-160 form from a previous application. If you discover an error with your DS-160 barcode, promptly access your AVITS account to submit a support ticket at least ten days before your appointment.”
The U.S. mission further emphasized that applicants must ensure their visa appointments are scheduled for the correct location according to their DS-160 form. Individuals who are turned away due to a barcode mismatch will need to correct the issue and book a new appointment. If their visa fee has expired, they may be required to pay a new fee prior to rescheduling.
These updates are part of the U.S. Embassy’s ongoing efforts to enhance visa processing efficiency and minimize administrative errors. Since the beginning of this year, all visa applicants have also been required to make two visits to the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos as part of the application process.
