The US Embassy has introduced stricter necessities for Nigerian visa candidates in Abuja and Lagos, efficient April 22, 2025.
Beneath the brand new tips, in a press release launched on Friday by the U.S. Embassy, all candidates should be certain that the barcode quantity on their DS-160 visa software type matches the one used to e-book their visa appointment.
This replace was introduced by the U.S. Embassy to streamline processing and keep away from mismatches that usually delay or invalidate interview periods.
In response to the Embassy, the DS-160 barcode quantity should start with “AA” adopted by two zeroes. Candidates are additionally required to make their appointment in the identical location they chose whereas finishing the DS-160 type.
Mismatched barcodes will result in denied entry
Candidates whose DS-160 barcode numbers don’t match these used for reserving their appointments will likely be denied entry to the Consular Part and won’t be allowed to attend their visa interviews.
The Embassy suggested all candidates to double-check the barcode quantity on their DS-160 kinds no less than two weeks earlier than their scheduled interview. DS-160 kinds utilized in earlier functions can’t be reused.
For candidates who uncover an incorrect barcode quantity, the Embassy recommends logging into their AVITS account no less than 10 days previous to the appointment to submit a help ticket for barcode correction.
Those that are turned away as a result of barcode mismatches should e-book a brand new appointment after correcting the difficulty. If the visa price has expired, candidates could also be required to pay a brand new price earlier than rescheduling.
The U.S. Embassy emphasised that compliance with this up to date coverage is important to make sure clean and well timed visa processing.
What it is best to know
The DS-160 type is legitimate for 30 days from the date you start filling it out, so long as it stays unsubmitted. As soon as submitted, the shape stays legitimate all through your visa software course of. Nonetheless, if no motion is taken for an prolonged interval, it could expire and require resubmission.
There isn’t a price to file the DS-160 type itself. Nonetheless, you will have to pay a visa processing price based mostly on the kind of visa you’re making use of for. This price varies and may be discovered on the U.S. Division of State web site.
The DS-160 type is required for a variety of nonimmigrant U.S. visa varieties, together with B1/B2 Customer Visas – For short-term journey to the U.S. for enterprise (B-1), tourism or medical therapy (B-2), or each (B-1/B-2).
Okay Visas – For fiancés, spouses, and youngsters of U.S. residents.
F-1 and M-1 Visas – For tutorial and vocational college students.
J-1 Visas – For cultural and academic alternate guests.
H-1B Visas – For professionals in specialty occupations.
L-1 Visas – For intracompany transferees.
O-1 Visas – For people with extraordinary talents or achievements.
P Visas – For athletes, artists, and entertainers.
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