New U.S. Visa Rule Could Derail Travel Plans in 2025

If you’re planning to apply for a U.S. visa in 2025, brace yourself for a major policy shift that could make or break your travel plans. The U.S. Department of State has unveiled significant changes to the visa interview process, set to take effect in April 2025. This sweeping reform impacts all visa categories, including student, work, tourist, and immigrant visas.

Stricter DS-160 Barcode Requirement One of the most critical modifications is the strict enforcement of barcode verification on the DS-160 visa application form. According to the new guidelines, applicants must ensure that the barcode number on their DS-160 matches the one used to schedule their visa appointment. Failure to comply with this requirement will lead to immediate denial of entry into the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for their visa interview.

Previously, applicants could make modifications to their DS-160 form even after securing an interview appointment. However, as of March 18, 2025, this will no longer be permitted. Under the new rules:

• The visa appointment must be scheduled using the same barcode number on the DS-160 form.
• If the barcode numbers do not match, applicants will be refused entry to the Embassy or Consulate.
• To correct a mismatch, applicants must reschedule their appointment using a DS-160 form with the correct barcode number.

Increased Scrutiny and Responsibility on Applicants While these measures are designed to streamline the visa process and minimize errors, they place a heavier burden on applicants to ensure accuracy from the outset. Mistakes that may have previously been rectified with minor adjustments could now result in serious delays, affecting travel, work, and study plans.

How to Avoid Delays and Denials To navigate these stricter requirements, visa applicants must take proactive steps, including:

• Double-checking that the DS-160 barcode number matches the one used to schedule the interview.
• Printing and bringing the correct DS-160 confirmation page to the interview.
• Rescheduling immediately via the official U.S. Visa Appointment website if any barcode mismatch is detected.

Consequences of a Barcode Mismatch A mismatched barcode is not a trivial issue. In countries with already lengthy visa interview wait times, this error could push appointments back by weeks or even months. This could lead to students missing enrollment deadlines, workers losing job opportunities, and tourists having to rethink their travel plans.

With these new requirements looming, prospective U.S. visa applicants are urged to be meticulous in their applications. Ensuring that all details match precisely could mean the difference between a smooth approval process and a frustrating delay.

NAPS COMMENDS OPAY DIGITAL SERVICES FOR ITS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP INITIATIVE

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) acknowledges and commends Opay Digital Services for its significant commitment to the educational advancement of Nigerian students through the Opay Scholarship Program.

The leadership of NAPS, under the stewardship of Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, has been actively engaged in discussions with Opay Digital Services to facilitate meaningful collaborations that benefit polytechnic students across Nigeria. These deliberations have now yielded a remarkable milestone as Opay Digital Services has entered into a strategic partnership with polytechnics across the nation. The scholarship initiative, which officially kicks off today at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, marks the beginning of a nationwide rollout aimed at empowering polytechnic students for the next ten years.

This scholarship program is designed to alleviate financial burdens that hinder students from pursuing higher education, aligning with NAPS’ commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and student empowerment. The initiative will provide financial support to deserving students, ensuring that economic constraints do not hinder their academic and professional growth.

Key Benefits of the Opay Scholarship Program:

Access to quality education and financial assistance for students with demonstrated need.

Promotion of inclusivity by ensuring equal opportunities for all eligible students.

Enhancement of employability and future career success for scholarship recipients.

Encouragement of academic excellence and holistic student development.

Reduction of financial burdens associated with tuition fees and educational expenses.

Support for students in their career aspirations through funding for internships, research opportunities, and professional development activities.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be an undergraduate student enrolled in a tertiary institution.

Open to students from all departments and academic levels.

Must have an active Opay account.

Scholarship Structure:

Each beneficiary will receive ₦300,000 per academic session.

20 students from each tertiary institution will be selected.

The scholarship will be extended to institutions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

During a stakeholder meeting at Kwara State Polytechnic, NAPS President, Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, commended Opay Digital Services for its leadership in the fintech sector and its dedication to student welfare. He also urged the Federal Government to support Opay’s initiative, as it aligns with the government’s Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) policy. Additionally, he called on other fintech companies to emulate Opay’s commitment to education.

The Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic also lauded the initiative and encouraged Opay to consider further investments in student development, including projects such as Opay Farm, Opay ICT Center, Opay Library, and Opay Sports Festival, among others.

Mr. Itoro, the Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Opay Digital Services, expressed his appreciation for the positive reception and collaboration from NAPS and polytechnic institutions nationwide, affirming Opay’s commitment to supporting Nigerian students.

NAPS remains dedicated to fostering impactful initiatives that elevate the educational and professional prospects of polytechnic students nationwide. We urge all students to remain engaged and supportive while rejecting misinformation or deceptive promises from external influences.

Our commitment remains unwavering—until all polytechnic students in Nigeria stand out in all aspects, Aluta Continua!

Co-Signed:
Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide
National President, NAPS

Comrade Jimoh Ibrahim
Public Relations Officer, NAPS

LASUSTECH Mass COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT EARNS FULL ARCON ACCREDITATION

Lagos, Nigeria – The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has granted the Department of Mass Communication at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) a five-year full accreditation to run advertising-related courses. This milestone achievement is a testament to the department’s commitment to excellence and its positioning for global competitiveness.

The accreditation exercise, conducted in January 2025, underscores the department’s adherence to industry standards and best practices. With this accreditation, students of the department will no longer need to write the ARCON professional examination before applying for membership in the noble council.

According to Dr. Steven Anu’ Adesemoye, Head of Department, Mass Communication, “This accreditation is a significant milestone for us, and we’re thrilled to have met ARCON’s rigorous standards. Our students will greatly benefit from this, as they’ll have a competitive edge in the industry.”

The department’s accreditation status places it at a greater advantage in marketing communication training, providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for the ever-dynamic media and communication workspace.

“As we continue to reculture and position ourselves for global competitiveness, this accreditation serves as a validation of our efforts,” said Adesemoye.
“We’re committed to providing our students with a world-class education that equips them for success”

The department is open to mutual collaborations, seeking to leverage partnerships with industry stakeholders to enhance its curriculum and provide students with practical, real-world experience.

“We’re excited to collaborate with industry partners to further enrich our curriculum and provide our students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the industry,” added Dr. Adesemoye.

With this accreditation, LASUSTECH’s Mass Communication Department solidifies its position as a leading institution for media and communication education in Nigeria, offering students a globally recognised qualification that opens doors to exciting career opportunities.

The Dean, College of Applied Social Sciences (CASS), Professor Olamuyiwa Olamade felicitate the department for the academic feat, “The College extends heartfelt congratulations to the Department of Mass Communication and expresses its gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for meeting our accreditation requirements, leading to this significant achievement.”

Public Relations and Advertising, Unit,
Department, Mass Communication