Here are important changes to the interview procedure that will take effect in April 2025, so if you’re applying for a U.S. visa in 2025, be aware that you may have to reschedule or face delays if you don’t meet these new requirements. According to a statement released by the U.S. Department of State, All visa applicants must ensure that the barcode number on their DS-160 visa application form corresponds to the one they used to schedule their visa appointment.
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What Are The Updates to the USA Visa Interview?
Visa applicants were formerly able to submit a DS-160 form even if they made small changes or revisions after making an appointment. However, this will no longer be permitted as of March 18, 2025.
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What’s new is this:
- Your visa interview appointment must be scheduled using the same barcode number as the one on your DS-160 visa application form.
- You will not be permitted to enter the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for your interview if the barcode numbers do not match.
- Candidates must reschedule their appointment using a DS-160 form with the right barcode number if there is a discrepancy.
All foreign applicants for U.S. visas, including those seeking visiting, student, work, and immigrant visas, are affected by this change.
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How Can You Prevent Visa Process Delays in the USA?
Take these actions to guarantee a seamless visa interview:
- Before your visa interview, confirm your DS-160 barcode number. The number on your appointment confirmation must correspond with this one.
- Print the appropriate DS-160 form, then bring it to the interview.
- If your barcode number does not match, use the official U.S. Visa Appointment website to reschedule your visa appointment immediately.
What If Your Barcode Does Not Match?
You will not be allowed to enter the Embassy or Consulate if your DS-160 barcode number does not match the one that was used to schedule your visa interview. The only option is to reschedule your appointment, which may cause major delays, particularly in places with a limited number of visa interview slots.
What Does This Mean for New Visa Applicants?
A mismatched barcode could result in weeks or even months of delays, as some nations already have lengthy wait times for visa interviews. In addition to increasing applicants’ responsibilities to verify accuracy before their interview, the new rule aims to expedite the visa application process and minimize errors.
Therefore, you should verify your DS-160 barcode number now to prevent needless delays. You could avoid having to postpone your vacation plans and reschedule your visa interview by taking a few minutes to double-check.
Ref: https://zw.usembassy.gov/requirements-for-u-s-visa-interviews/.
