US Announces New Visa Interview Requirements for Applicants

The United States Embassy has announced a new visa interview requirement for Nigerian applicants to take effect from April 22,2025.

The new prerequisites is meant to streamline the visa application, and cut down errors that may lead to entry denial or disqualification in interviews.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

1. DS-160 Form (with Conforming Barcode): An applicant can print the DS-160 and doesn’t need to bring a photocopy but every applicant must present a DS200 form with conforming barcode that starts in “AA” followed by two zeros – for example AA002QC5ED. The barcode has to match the one scanned at time of booking online.

2. Checking Your DS-160 Barcode, Verification of your barcode: Applicants should check their appointment and with time advance minimum 2 weeks the information on their DS – 160 schedule oscillators up in order to avoid problems.

3. No Old DS-160 Forms Reuse – Do not use old DS-160 forms for prior applications. If there is a discrepancy, applicants will need to go into their AVITS account at least 10 days prior to the interview and submit an amendment.

4. Location of the Appointment: The appointments need to be arranged at location identical as stated in Ds-160 form.

Non compliance will result in: *MSG* 2.

Applicants found to have this discrepancy in their barcode will be turned away at the Consular Section and lose their appointment.

Mismatched Barcode Applicants are referred to RESCHEDULE APPOINTMENT after they have taken responsible on themselves for the errors.

* If visa fee has already expired, the payment must be paid again.

The new visa regime would see candidates visiting the US Consulate General Lagos on two occasions as part of further requirements in their processing.

ESSENTIAL DATES

April 22, 2025: Interview Requirements Changed

Before the Interview: – At least 10 business days prior to interview date — Enable Invitee Login on applicant’s AVITS account for a chance at correction shall DS-160 not be accurate.

Do not submit your DS-160 barcode until the applicants are within at least 2 weeks of their interview date; and then ONLY if the barcode is printed with appointment information.

US Embassy: New Requirements must be Followed by the Applicants (If applicable) with No Obstacle on their way to experience a visa Interview process.