U.S. Mission Updates Visa Interview Requirements for Nigerian Applicants
The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced new guidelines for visa interviews, set to take effect from April 22, 2025.
In a statement released on Friday via the mission’s official website, the U.S. advised all visa applicants in Abuja and Lagos to present a DS-160 visa application form that includes a confirmation barcode number starting with “AA” followed by two zeroes (00). This barcode number must match the one used to schedule the applicant’s visa interview appointment online.
The mission emphasized that failure to ensure this match will result in applicants being denied entry to the Consular Section and unable to attend their interview.
“At least two weeks before your interview, please double-check that the barcode number on your DS-160 form matches the one you used to schedule your appointment,” the statement read.
Applicants were also reminded that the DS-160 form must not be reused from any previous application. In cases where the barcode is incorrect, individuals are required to log into their AVITS account at least 10 days before their scheduled interview to submit a support ticket for a correction.
Additionally, applicants must ensure that the interview location matches the one selected during the DS-160 application process.
These adjustments, the mission noted, are part of efforts to streamline and enhance the visa application process.
Additional Requirement from January 1
As part of a broader procedural update, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos previously introduced a rule requiring all visa applicants to visit the consulate twice during the application process—effective from January 1, 2025.
Key Points to Note:
- Starting April 22, 2025, bring a DS-160 form with a confirmation number beginning with AA00.
- The DS-160 barcode number must match the one used to schedule the appointment.
- Appointments must be booked at the same location selected on the DS-160 form.
- Incorrect barcode numbers will require rescheduling after correction via AVITS.
- Expired visa fee payments may require repayment before booking a new appointment.
These new requirements aim to ensure smoother and more efficient processing for all applicants.
