USA VISA Interview New Policy Implemented for May 2025 – DS-160 Barcode Number Must Match Appointment Details

Engr Asifa KarimMay 4, 2025

Attention all international travelers planning a U.S. visa interview! The U.S. Department of State has rolled out a critical update affecting the nonimmigrant visa application process globally. As of May 2, 2025, all U.S. embassies and consulates are strictly enforcing a new policy: the barcode number on your DS-160 confirmation page must exactly match the barcode number associated with your scheduled visa interview appointment.

This mandatory requirement applies to all nonimmigrant visa categories – including student (F, M), tourist (B1/B2), business, work visas, and others – regardless of your nationality or the location where you are applying.

What Does This Mean For Your Visa Interview?

The implications of this change are significant:

Mandatory Match: From May 2, 2025, onwards, when you arrive for your visa interview, officials will verify that your DS-160 confirmation barcode (the unique number usually beginning with “AA”) matches the one recorded in the appointment system.
No Entry if Mismatched: If the numbers do not match, you will not be permitted to proceed with your visa interview on that day.
Rescheduling Required: You will be required to correct the DS-160 confirmation number in your online profile and then reschedule your visa interview appointment for a later date. This could lead to significant delays in your travel plans.

⚠️ Critical Deadline Approaching for May 19th Interviews and Beyond! ⚠️

There is an urgent deadline for applicants with upcoming interviews:

If your visa interview is scheduled for May 19, 2025, or any date thereafter, you must ensure your correct DS-160 barcode number is updated in your online appointment profile no later than May 14, 2025.
Why the deadline? After May 14, 2025, the current appointment system will become “read-only” as U.S. embassies transition to a new scheduling platform. You will likely be unable to make updates after this date until the transition is complete.

How to Check and Correct Your DS-160 Barcode Number?

It is crucial to verify your information now. Here’s how to update your DS-160 barcode if necessary:

Go to the official U.S. visa appointment scheduling website: https://ais.usvisa-info.com (or the specific scheduling site used for your country).
Log in to your account using your credentials.
Navigate to the “Applicant Summary Page.”
Locate your appointment details. You should see an option to edit your information, often represented by a gear icon (⚙️) or an “Edit” button. Click this and select the option to edit applicant details.
Carefully enter the correct and most recent DS-160 Confirmation Number (from the confirmation page you print after submitting the DS-160 form). Double-check for accuracy.
Click “Save” to update your profile.

Pro-Tip: Even if you believe your number is correct, it’s wise to log in and verify it before the May 14th deadline (if applicable) or well ahead of your interview date.

Why is the U.S. Making This Change?

The DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form is the cornerstone of your visa application, containing essential personal, travel, security, and background information. Ensuring the barcode linked to your appointment accurately corresponds to the submitted form helps:

Streamline Security: Facilitates faster and more accurate security checks.
Reduce Errors: Minimizes administrative mistakes and processing delays.
Enhance Efficiency: Improves the overall workflow and operational effectiveness at busy U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.

Don’t Delay – Check Your Details Today!

This policy is already in effect. To avoid being turned away from your interview and facing rescheduling delays, please log in to your visa appointment profile and confirm your DS-160 barcode number matches your most recently submitted form as soon as possible.