New U.S. Visa Interview Requirement Begins May 1: What Applicants Need to Know

Starting May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of State is implementing an important new requirement for all nonimmigrant visa applicants. To avoid delays, cancellations, or even missed appointments, it is critical that applicants understand the new DS-160 matching rule and take immediate steps to verify their information.

What’s Changing?

Under the new policy, all visa applicants must bring a DS-160 confirmation page (with a barcode number starting with “AA”) that exactly matches the one used to schedule their visa interview online. If there is a mismatch between the DS-160 barcode number on your form and the one linked to your appointment profile, you will not be permitted to attend your visa interview.

What You Should Do Immediately

Double-check your DS-160 barcode number.
Go to your DS-160 confirmation page and confirm that the barcode number (the one starting with “AA”) matches the barcode in your visa appointment profile. If it does not, you must update it right away to avoid any issues at your interview.

Deadline for Updating Expired Fee Records

If your visa fee was paid more than 365 days ago, and you’re unable to update your DS-160 number due to system limitations, the Department of State is giving you a grace period until May 31, 2025 to make the correction.

After this deadline, you will be required to repay the visa fee if the DS-160 barcode number in your profile is still incorrect or cannot be updated.

Submit DS-160 at Least Two Business Days Before Your Interview

To allow enough processing time, applicants must submit their DS-160 visa application at least two business days prior to the interview. This requirement ensures that the consular post can access your information in time for your scheduled appointment.

Why This Matters

This new policy is aimed at improving efficiency and reducing delays on the day of your interview. However, failing to follow the instructions could result in canceled interviews, unnecessary rescheduling, and additional costs.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure how to update your DS-160 number or have questions about the new policy, you can contact the appropriate U.S. visa call center for your country. Click here to find contact information for your region.

At Garvish Immigration Law Group, we help clients avoid costly errors in the visa process. If you have questions about your DS-160 form or need help preparing for your interview, our team is here to assist. Don’t let a barcode mismatch stand in the way of your travel plans reach out today and let us guide you through the process with care and precision.