Avoid Costly Mistakes: US Embassy Tightens Visa Application Rules for Nigerians, Effective from April 22

Starting April 22, 2025, Nigerians seeking US visas will face stricter rules as the United States Embassy introduces new interview requirements aimed at reducing errors in the application process.

Unlike before, the embassy now insists that the barcode on your DS-160 form — the online application form — must exactly match the one used to book your interview appointment. If they don’t match, you will be denied entry to the visa interview center in either Lagos or Abuja.

“This is not a suggestion; it’s a rule,” the embassy warned. Applicants who show up with incorrect barcodes will not be allowed to attend their interview — and will have to book a new one altogether.

This means that simply printing out any DS-160 confirmation page won’t work anymore. The barcode must start with “AA” and be followed by two zeroes — and it must be the exact same one used to secure your interview date online.

Why It Matters
This new requirement is part of efforts by the US Mission to make visa processing smoother and reduce mistakes that slow down the system. However, it also means applicants must be more careful when filling out and submitting their DS-160 form.

If you realize there’s an issue with your barcode, the embassy advises that you log into your AVITS account at least 10 days before your scheduled interview to request a correction. And don’t try to reuse a DS-160 form from a past application — that will not be accepted.

Also Take Note:

• You must attend your interview at the location you selected on your DS-160 form.
• If you are turned away due to barcode issues, you must fix the problem and rebook your appointment.
• If your visa fee has expired by then, you’ll have to pay again.

The embassy suggests checking all details at least two weeks before your interview to avoid surprises.

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Since January, applicants have already been required to visit the Lagos consulate twice as part of the application process. These added steps show the embassy’s ongoing push to make the system more efficient — but it also puts the responsibility squarely on applicants to get it right the first time.

So, if you have a US visa appointment coming up, now’s the time to double-check your DS-160 barcode. A small mistake could cost you time, money, and a missed opportunity.