The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced updated visa interview guidelines for applicants in Abuja and Lagos, set to take effect on April 22, 2025.
The changes primarily focus on the DS-160 visa application form, which is a vital document in the non-immigrant visa process. Applicants are now required to bring a DS-160 confirmation page with a barcode beginning with “AA00” to their interview.
A key point is that the barcode on the DS-160 confirmation page must match the one used to schedule the visa appointment. Any discrepancy will result in the applicant being denied entry to the embassy or consulate, and the appointment will be forfeited.
In a public advisory, the embassy urged applicants to double-check their DS-160 confirmation barcode at least two weeks before their scheduled interview. The embassy also made it clear that reusing old DS-160 forms from previous applications is no longer allowed.
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If applicants find a mismatch, they are required to log into their AVITS account no less than 10 days before the appointment and request a barcode correction. Additionally, appointments must be scheduled for the same city listed on the DS-160 form. Applicants showing up in the wrong city or with an incorrect barcode will need to rectify the issue and reschedule. If the visa fee has expired, they will be required to pay it again.
The embassy also reminded applicants that as of January 1, 2025, all visa applicants must make two separate visits to the US Consulate in Lagos as part of a new process overhaul.
These changes are intended to streamline operations and reduce fraud, with the embassy urging applicants to strictly follow the new procedures to avoid delays or disqualification.
GWG
