New application requirement means tighter rules — and longer delays for some
In a significant change to the US visa application process, all non-immigrant visa applicants must now complete and submit the DS-160 form before booking their appointment. The updated regulation, announced by the US Department of State, aims to streamline applications, prevent misuse of the system, and give consular officers access to accurate information ahead of visa interviews.
Previously, many applicants booked appointment slots ahead of completing the DS-160, often leading to administrative errors, wasted slots, or delays in processing. Now, that flexibility is no longer an option.
“This change is meant to bring more order and efficiency to the system,” said Varun Singh, managing director at XIPHIAS Immigration. “By submitting the DS-160 in advance, applicants provide complete and verified information that consular officers can review well before the interview.”
Appointment scheduling system also updated
One key update is that the barcode number on the DS-160 confirmation page must now exactly match the one used to book the appointment. Any mismatch will invalidate the booking and force the applicant to reschedule their appointment through the official portal — www.ustraveldocs.com.
Consular staff are not authorised to correct mismatched DS-160 numbers on behalf of applicants, making it imperative that users double-check their details.
“It’s a small but crucial detail,” Singh noted. “Applicants must ensure their DS-160 confirmation number is consistent throughout the process. A mismatch could result in delays or losing your appointment altogether.”
Why were the rules changed?
The revised procedure was implemented for several reasons:
- Prevents appointment hoarding by allowing only completed applications to proceed to booking
- Reduces last-minute errors, which often led to rejected applications
- Improves data accuracy for consular officers reviewing cases
- Ensures interview slots are only accessed by serious applicants
This new process is part of the US government’s broader effort to reduce the backlog and increase transparency in visa processing.
Step-by-step: How to apply under the new rules
- Visit the Consular Electronic Application Centre (CEAC) website
- Complete and submit the DS-160 form
- Save the DS-160 confirmation page, which includes a barcode
- Log in to the visa appointment system using this same barcode
- Choose an interview date and pay the applicable visa fees
- Print all confirmation pages and gather necessary documents for your appointment
Applicants who should take special care
Certain categories of applicants are more likely to face issues if unaware of the updated policy:
- Applicants who pre-booked appointments before completing DS-160
- Individuals applying for expedited or emergency appointments
- Groups or families submitting multiple applications at once
Wait times still uncertain
Despite the changes being introduced to streamline processes, visa wait times remain variable.
“Procedural updates can only do so much,” said Singh. “The actual waiting period still depends on local embassy or consulate staffing, as well as demand in a particular region.”
Applicants are encouraged to check the US State Department’s official site for updates on local processing times.
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Recent changes to visa renewal rules
In February, the US also revised its policy regarding visa renewals. During the pandemic, many applicants were able to renew their visas via dropbox if their previous visa had expired within 48 months. That window has now been shortened to just 12 months.
This means that non-immigrant visa holders — such as H-1B professionals, F-1 students, and B1/B2 visitors — may now be required to attend an in-person interview, even if they’ve held a valid visa before.
“The policy shift, especially for F-1 students and H-1B workers, means more in-person interviews, longer queues, and added stress for time-sensitive travel,” said Siddharth Iyer, chief operating officer at OneStep Global.
As a result, visa seekers are advised to prepare for longer lead times, particularly in high-demand cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.
For now, the message is clear: complete your DS-160 early, double-check your confirmation number, and prepare to wait — the new system leaves no room for error.
