New US Visa Interview Policy Update Effective March 18, 2025: What You Need to Know

By
Ellis Ferdinand
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New US Visa Interview Policy Update Effective March 18, 2025: What You Need to Know
New US Visa Interview Policy Update Effective March 18, 2025: What You Need to Know

Ferdinand | EducationGhana |  March 27 | New US Visa Interview Policy Update Effective March 18, 2025: What You Need to Know

 

Starting March 18, 2025, U.S. visa applicants must ensure their DS-160 barcode matches their appointment details. Learn about the new policy, how to avoid delays, and what to bring to your interview.

 

Stricter DS-160 Form Rules Introduced for US Visa Applicants

Starting March 18, 2025, all applicants for a U.S. visa must comply with a new mandatory requirement regarding their DS-160 visa application form. This update is aimed at streamlining the visa interview process at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. Failure to meet the requirement could result in appointment delays or rescheduling, impacting travel plans.

 

Key Changes in the US Visa Interview Process

 

The U.S. Department of State has announced that:

✅ All visa applicants must ensure that their DS-160 barcode number matches the one used to book their appointment.

❌ If the barcode number does not match, applicants will be denied entry to their scheduled visa interview.

🔄 Those with mismatched barcodes must reschedule their appointment before proceeding with their application.

 

Who Must Follow This New Policy?

This global rule applies to all U.S. visa categories, including:

  • Tourist and visitor visas (B1/B2)
  • Student visas (F, J, M)
  • Work visas (H, L, O, P, etc.)
  • Immigrant visas (Green Card applicants)

No exceptions will be made, meaning every applicant must double-check their DS-160 form details before their interview.

 

Steps to Avoid US Visa Interview Issues

To prevent unnecessary delays, applicants should carefully follow these steps:

1️⃣ Verify Your DS-160 Barcode – Before booking your interview, confirm that your DS-160 barcode matches the one linked to your appointment.

2️⃣ Print the Correct DS-160 Form – Bring a hard copy of your verified DS-160 form to your visa interview.

3️⃣ Reschedule Immediately if There’s a Mismatch – If you realize the barcode does not match, reschedule your appointment through the official U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service before your interview date.

 

Consequences of a Mismatched DS-160 Barcode

A barcode mismatch can result in serious delays and impact travel schedules:

  • ❌ You will not be allowed to enter the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for your visa interview.
  • ⏳ Rescheduling will be mandatory, leading to delays in visa processing.
  • 📅 In high-demand locations, rescheduling can take weeks or months, affecting travel and study/work plans.
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US Visa Interview Requirements: What to Bring

Applicants must present original or certified copies of essential documents at their U.S. visa interview. Missing any of these may result in visa denial or additional processing time.

Here’s a checklist of documents required for your U.S. visa interview:

✅ Appointment Letter – The official confirmation from the National Visa Center (NVC).

✅ Valid Passport – Must be unexpired and valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.

✅ Photographs – Two identical color passport photos that meet official U.S. visa requirements.

✅ DS-260 Confirmation Page – A printed copy of your DS-260 visa application submission confirmation.

✅ Supporting Documents – Original or certified copies of all civil documents previously uploaded to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).

📌 After the interview, original documents will be returned, but the embassy may keep photocopies for processing.

For a full list of interview questions and additional requirements, visit the official U.S. visa website.

 

Why This Policy Change Matters

The new visa application rule is designed to:

✔️ Improve processing accuracy by ensuring all applicant information is correctly linked.
✔️ Reduce administrative errors, preventing common visa processing delays.
✔️ Enhance efficiency, making the interview process smoother and faster.

 

 

Final Advice for US Visa Applicants

To avoid disruptions, all applicants should:

🔎 Check their DS-160 barcode number before scheduling their interview.
📄 Print and bring the correct DS-160 form to their interview.
⏳ Reschedule promptly if any barcode issues arise.

Applying for a U.S. visa can be complex, but complying with this new rule will help avoid delays and travel disruptions.

🔹 Plan ahead and ensure your DS-160 barcode matches to secure a smooth visa interview experience!

 

 

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