Barcode Rules Get Stricter
Beginning April 22, 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria will enforce stricter rules for visa applicants. Anyone applying for a U.S. visa in Abuja or Lagos must now make sure that the barcode number on their DS-160 form matches the one used to book their visa appointment. If the numbers don’t match, the applicant will not be allowed into the embassy for their interview.
Stick to the Same Location
The embassy also requires applicants to attend their interview at the same location selected on the DS-160 form. For example, if you choose Lagos when filling out the form, you must schedule your appointment in Lagos—not Abuja. The barcode on the DS-160 must begin with “AA00” and must not come from a reused or outdated application.
Mismatches Will Lead to Rejection
Those with incorrect barcodes or mismatched locations will be turned away. They’ll need to fix the problem and book a new appointment. If their visa fee has expired by then, they may have to pay again before rescheduling.
How to Fix a Mistake
The embassy advises applicants to check their DS-160 barcode at least two weeks before their interview date. If something is wrong, log into your AVITS account and submit a support ticket at least 10 days before your appointment. This will allow time to correct the barcode and avoid missing your interview.
DS-160 Form Basics
The DS-160 form is free to fill out and stays valid once submitted. However, if there’s a long delay without any progress, it may expire and need to be completed again. Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and must be paid separately.
Visa Types Affected
This new rule affects many visa categories. These include B1/B2 for business and tourism, K visas for spouses and fiancés, F-1 and M-1 for students, J-1 for exchange programs, and H-1B, L-1, O-1, and P visas for workers and professionals.
