U.S. Embassies Tighten Visa Interview Rules – DS-160 Barcode Must Match Appointment Details Starting May 2, 2025

In a major update affecting nonimmigrant visa applicants worldwide, the U.S. Department of State has announced that effective May 2, 2025, all U.S. embassies and consulates will strictly require that the DS-160 barcode number matches exactly with the information used to schedule a visa interview appointment.

This change will impact all travelers applying for U.S. visas – students, tourists, business visitors, and others – regardless of their nationality or location.

What This Means for US Visa Applicants?

From May 2 onward, if your DS-160 confirmation barcode (the number beginning with “AA”) does not match the information linked to your scheduled interview, you will not be allowed to proceed with your visa interview.

Instead, you will have to reschedule your appointment after correcting the DS-160 confirmation number in your profile.

⚠️ Important: If your interview is scheduled for May 19, 2025, or later, you must update your DS-160 information no later than May 14, 2025. After that, the appointment system will become read-only as the U.S. embassies transition to a new scheduling platform.

How to Correct Your DS-160 Barcode Before Your Interview?

To update your DS-160 barcode if needed:

1. 1. Visit https://ais.usvisa-info.com
   2. Log in to your account.
   3. On the “Applicant Summary Page,” click the gear icon and select “Edit.”
   4. Enter the correct DS-160 confirmation number.
   5. Click “Save” to update your information.

It is highly advised to double-check your DS-160 confirmation number well before your interview date to avoid last-minute complications.

Why This Change Matters?

The DS-160 form is a crucial part of the U.S. visa process, containing all the personal, travel, and background information of the applicant. Ensuring that the barcode on the form matches the appointment details helps streamline security checks, reduce administrative errors, and enhance the efficiency of U.S. embassy operations globally.

References

• https://tr.usembassy.gov/new-ds-160-barcode-policy/
• https://ge.usembassy.gov/attention-correct-ds-160-barcodes-are-required-for-all-appointments/
• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-online-nonimmigrant-visa-application/ds-160-faqs.html
• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-online-nonimmigrant-visa-application.html.