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US Visa Rule Changes :Submit DS-160 First to Save Your Spot
The US Department of State has introduced a major change to the visa application process. From now on, applicants must fill out and submit the DS-160 form before they can book a visa interview appointment.
Earlier, people could book an appointment first and then complete the DS-160 form. But this often caused confusion and delays. Some booked appointments without finishing the form, which wasted time and blocked slots for genuine applicants. The new rule is meant to avoid such issues and make the process smoother for everyone.
What’s the New Process?
The DS-160 is an online form that all non-immigrant visa applicants must complete. This includes people going to the US for tourism, work, or study. Now, applicants must follow this order:
- Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
- Fill out and submit the DS-160 form.
- Save the confirmation page with the barcode.
- Use the barcode to log into the visa appointment system.
- Select an interview date and pay the visa fee.
- Print all confirmation pages and gather required documents for the interview.
Why This Change?
According to officials, the main reason is to stop people from blocking appointment slots without completing their forms. This new rule ensures that only serious applicants book interviews.
Mr. Vasil, an expert at the prominent Visa Consulting firm THE VISA GUY, commented on the change, highlighting its significance as more than just a simple policy revision.
“This is more than a system update — it’s a mindset shift,”
- Vasil explained.
“Now, applicants must complete the heart of the process — the DS-160 — before even thinking of booking. It brings order to what used to be a rushed and cluttered experience. It means those who reach the appointment stage are truly ready. And that’s a win for everyone — the traveller and the system.”
He also highlighted the benefits for US embassies and consulates. “For the US government, this change cuts down on speculative bookings and ensures only serious applicants move forward. Embassies now get a cleaner queue, fewer no-shows, and better time management — all of which translate to faster processing and more reliable scheduling,” he added.
US Visa Consultants advise all applicants to double-check their documents and follow the updated steps carefully.
While the new process may feel like extra work at first, it aims to make the visa system faster and fairer. Applicants are encouraged to plan early, follow the correct steps, and stay updated through the official US embassy or consulate websites.
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