The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced critical changes to its visa interview protocols for Nigerian travelers seeking to enter the U.S. These modifications, impacting both the Abuja and Lagos consular sections, are designed to enhance the efficiency and integrity of the visa application process.

Effective April 22, all visa applicants scheduled for interviews at either the Abuja or Lagos consulates must meticulously adhere to a new requirement concerning their DS-160 visa application form. Specifically, applicants are now mandated to present a DS-160 form that features a confirmation or barcode number commencing with the prefix “AA” followed by two zeroes. This barcode is of paramount importance, as it must precisely correspond with the number employed during the online appointment scheduling process.

The U.S. Mission has explicitly cautioned that any discrepancy between the barcode number on the DS-160 form and the one used to secure the appointment will result in immediate denial of entry into the consular section, thereby precluding the visa interview. This stringent measure underscores the necessity for applicants to exercise utmost vigilance in ensuring the accuracy of their application details.

To mitigate potential complications, the Mission strongly advises applicants to verify the congruence of their DS-160 barcode number with their appointment details at least two weeks prior to their scheduled interview. Furthermore, the Mission has emphasized that DS-160 forms from previous applications are not reusable and will not be accepted.

In the event that an applicant discovers an incorrect DS-160 barcode number, they are instructed to promptly log into their AVITS account no later than ten days before their appointment. Through this platform, applicants can create a support ticket specifically requesting a correction to their barcode number. This proactive approach is crucial for resolving any discrepancies and ensuring a smooth interview process.

Moreover, the U.S. Mission has reiterated the importance of aligning the appointment location with the location selected during the completion of the DS-160 application. Any inconsistencies in this regard may also lead to complications during the interview process.

The U.S. Mission has characterized these revisions as integral to ongoing efforts aimed at streamlining and optimizing the visa processing experience for Nigerian applicants. These measures are intended to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure the integrity of the visa application system.

Additionally, it's important to note that, as of January 1, all visa applicants are required to visit the Consulate General in Lagos twice as part of the application procedure. This additional step is part of a broader effort to enhance security and data verification.