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A new US Visa rule has just been implemented at US embassies and consulates in several countries. The new rule applies to all those who are attending a US visa interview anytime after April 1.
A new US visa rule requires all visa applicants to bring a DS-160 visa application form with a confirmation or a barcode number starting with AA that matches the one used to make their appointment online.
The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, is for temporary travel to the United States. Form DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State website via the Internet.
This means, the new Form DS-160 rules will apply to visa categories including B1/B2, F-1, H-1B, J-1, amongst others.
Consular Officers use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, combined with a personal interview, determine an applicant’s eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa.
Visa applicants must submit a completed DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, for all nonimmigrant visa categories.
One will not be permitted to sit for the interview if the confirmation/barcode number on their DS-160 form does not correspond to the one they used to schedule their appointment. To continue with their visa application, they will need to schedule a new appointment if their barcode numbers do not match. Rescheduling interviews may cause delays in job start dates, university enrollments, and family reunions.
The DS-160 is a crucial visa application tool, generating a unique barcode number. However, many applicants submit new DS-160s after scheduling appointments, but fail to update their appointment profile with the new barcode.
One should, therefore, confirm that the barcode number on their DS-160 form corresponds to the one they used to make their appointment before their interview. A seamless interview procedure can be ensured by making sure their barcode numbers match.
