New interview criteria for Nigerian applicants for visas have been released by the US Embassy. The updated requirement have been slate to take effect from April 22.
A DS-160 visa application form with a confirmation barcode that starts with “AA” and ends with two zeroes must be presented by all candidates attending interviews in Abuja and Lagos, the US consulate said in a statement released on Friday.
The barcode that was used to make the online appointment for the interview must match.
The embassy emphasized that non-presentation of matching barcode information will lead to disqualification from the interview and refusal of entrance to the consular department.
“Starting April 22, 2025, all visa applicants in Abuja and Lagos must bring a DS-160 visa application form with a confirmation/barcode number (starting with AA and followed by 00 – two zeroes) that matches the one used to make their appointment online. You also must make your appointment in the location you selected when filling out your DS-160.
“Matching Barcode Numbers: If the confirmation/barcode number on your DS-160 form does not match the one you used to book your appointment, you will not be allowed to enter the Consular Section or attend your visa interview,”
The statement also made it clear that previously used DS-160 forms cannot be reused, and applicants are strongly encouraged to confirm the alignment at least two weeks prior to their appointment adding that if there is a discrepancy, they must log into their AVITS account and submit a correction request no later than ten days prior to the interview.
“At least two weeks before your interview, please double-check that the barcode number on your DS-160 form matches the one you used to schedule your appointment.
“You cannot reuse a DS-160 from a previous application.
“If your DS-160 barcode is incorrect, you must log into your AVITS account at least 10 days before your appointment to create a support ticket requesting correction of your barcode number.”
Additionally, the US mission reminded applicants to ensure that their visa appointment is scheduled at the location indicated in their DS-160 form.
“If you are turned away from your appointment because your barcode numbers do not match, once you correct the problem, you will need to book a new appointment to proceed with your visa application. You may book a new appointment by logging into your AVITS account at If your visa fee has expired, you may have to pay a new fee before booking,” it added.
These adjustments are a part of continuous initiatives to decrease administrative errors and expedite the visa application process.
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