The United States Mission in Nigeria has introduced new requirements for visa applications at its Abuja and Lagos embassies, effective from April 22, 2025. These updated guidelines, aimed at improving the visa application process, were announced in a statement shared by the U.S. Mission via its official social media platform on X.
The new requirements address the need for better accuracy and organization in the visa application process, with a special emphasis on the DS-160 visa application form and matching barcode numbers. Applicants are being urged to carefully follow the updated procedures to avoid delays or complications in securing their U.S. visa.
The most significant change under the new guidelines is the requirement for all visa applicants in Abuja and Lagos to bring the DS-160 visa application form with a matching confirmation/barcode number. The confirmation number, which begins with the letters “AA” followed by two zeroes, must match the one used when booking the visa interview appointment. This ensures that applicants have completed the necessary steps accurately before attending their scheduled interview.
The U.S. Mission emphasized that any discrepancies between the barcode number on the DS-160 form and the one used to make the appointment will result in the applicant being denied entry into the Consular Section and being unable to attend their visa interview. Therefore, it is crucial for applicants to ensure the accuracy of all their submitted information before their interview date.
As part of the new requirements, the U.S. Mission urges applicants to double-check their DS-160 forms at least two weeks before their scheduled visa interview. This is to ensure that the barcode number on the DS-160 form matches the one used to make the appointment. It’s important to note that applicants cannot reuse a DS-160 form from a previous application, so it’s essential to fill out a new form each time they apply.
The Mission also provided guidance on what to do if the barcode number on an applicant’s DS-160 form is incorrect. If such a situation arises, applicants are advised to log into their AVITS (Appointment and Visa Information Tracking System) account at least 10 days before their interview and create a support ticket to request the correction of the barcode number.
This proactive step will help minimize delays and ensure that applicants have the correct documentation in place before attending their visa interview. By addressing these potential issues early, the U.S. Mission hopes to streamline the application process and reduce unnecessary complications.
For those who are turned away from their appointment due to mismatched barcode numbers, the U.S. Mission outlined the steps to follow once the issue is corrected. After resolving the discrepancy, applicants will need to book a new appointment to continue their visa application process. To do this, they must log into their AVITS account, where they can schedule a new interview.
In cases where an applicant’s visa fee has expired due to rescheduling, they may need to pay the fee again before booking the new appointment. This ensures that the process remains fair and consistent for all applicants.
These new visa application requirements come at a time when the U.S. Mission in Nigeria is looking to improve the efficiency and transparency of the visa issuance process. With the increase in visa applications over the years, the need for stricter guidelines and clearer procedures has become necessary to manage the volume and prevent fraudulent applications.
The U.S. Mission is likely hoping that these changes will help address concerns related to applicants missing important details or submitting incorrect information. By ensuring that the DS-160 form and the appointment details are in alignment, the embassy can more effectively process applications and minimize delays.
The introduction of this stricter protocol will require visa applicants to be more diligent and organized, but it should ultimately lead to a smoother and more efficient experience for both the applicants and the embassy staff. The guidelines are also part of broader efforts to standardize visa processing in all U.S. embassies worldwide, making it easier for applicants to understand and follow the necessary procedures.
Applicants who are planning to apply for a U.S. visa should be aware of the following key steps to ensure they comply with the new requirements:
1. Complete the DS-160 Form: All visa applicants must complete a new DS-160 form and ensure that the barcode number on the form matches the one used to schedule their appointment.
2. Double-Check Information: Applicants should verify their information and barcode numbers at least two weeks before their interview to avoid any discrepancies.
3. Correcting Barcode Discrepancies: If there is an issue with the barcode, applicants must log into their AVITS account and request a correction at least 10 days before the interview.
4. Rescheduling Appointments: If applicants are turned away due to mismatched barcode numbers, they must correct the issue and book a new appointment through their AVITS account.
5. Pay the Visa Fee Again if Necessary: If applicants need to reschedule their appointment after the visa fee has expired, they will need to pay the fee again before booking a new appointment.
