If you have a U.S. visa interview coming up in 2025 — stop what you’re doing and double-check your DS-160 form right now. A new rule has just been enforced at U.S. embassies and consulates across several countries, and it’s already catching applicants off-guard.
The New Rule That Could Cost You Your Visa Interview
The U.S. Department of State has silently rolled out a strict new requirement for all nonimmigrant visa applicants (B1/B2, F-1, H-1B, J-1, etc.):
The barcode number on your DS-160 confirmation page MUST match the one in your appointment profile.
That 10-character alphanumeric barcode printed on your DS-160 confirmation page? If it doesn’t match what you submitted when booking your visa appointment on the CGI Federal/US Travel Docs website, you could be turned away at the gates of the consulate — no questions asked.
Real Cases of Denied Entry Are Surfacing
Visa centers have begun refusing entry to applicants whose DS-160 barcode numbers don’t match their appointment records. In many cases, applicants are told to reschedule their interviews, sometimes weeks later — delaying job start dates, university enrollments, and family reunions.
According to consular staff in India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and parts of Latin America, this new enforcement is meant to crack down on last-minute DS-160 replacements that don’t get properly updated in the system — often leading to administrative chaos during interviews.
Why It’s Happening?
The DS-160 is a vital part of your visa application. When you fill it out online, it generates a unique barcode number used to track your information. However, many applicants submit new DS-160s after scheduling appointments (to correct errors, update travel details, or change locations), but fail to update the appointment profile with the new barcode.
In 2025, there’s no room for error. If the barcode doesn’t match, you’re out of luck.
What You Must Do to Avoid Rejection?
If you’ve already scheduled your visa interview, take these steps immediately:
- Locate your DS-160 confirmation page (PDF or printed).
- Check the barcode number — it should look something like AA00B1C2D3.
- Log into your appointment profile at ustraveldocs.com or ceac.state.gov.
- Ensure the DS-160 number you entered matches exactly.
- If you submitted a new DS-160 after booking your appointment, update your profile with the new barcode number.
- Bring the correct, updated DS-160 confirmation page to your interview.
Failure to do this could mean losing your appointment, being sent home at the door, and having to wait weeks for a new slot.
Who’s Affected?
This rule affects every U.S. visa applicant attending an in-person interview — especially those applying for:
- B1/B2 Visitor Visas
- F-1 Student Visas
- J-1 Exchange Visas
- H-1B and other work visas
- Dependent (F-2, H-4, etc.) visas.
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