Hello, this is Matsui from IMS Legal Professional Corporation. In 2026 as well, we aim to provide you with useful and practical information regarding both U.S. and Japanese visas. We appreciate your continued support this year.
Last year, with the launch of the second Trump administration, there were various changes related to visa procedures. In principle, U.S. nonimmigrant visas require an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. While it is crucial to avoid situations where an applicant is unable to attend the interview due to procedural errors, the online application and interview appointment process can be quite complex. As a result, we frequently receive inquiries from individuals who went to their interview only to be turned away at the door due to procedural issues.
Today, taking into account the recent changes in interview appointment procedures, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) to help clarify the process. We hope you will find this information useful.
1. Can I attend the interview even if the DS-160 confirmation number does not match the number registered in the interview appointment system?
⇒ No. In such cases, you will not be allowed to attend the interview. The DS-160 confirmation number (the barcode number starting with “AA”) must exactly match the DS-160 confirmation number registered in the interview appointment system.
2. What should I do if the DS-160 confirmation number does not match the number in the interview appointment system?
⇒ If, for any reason, you are unable to submit the online application using the DS-160 confirmation number registered in the appointment system, you must first cancel the interview appointment and then rebook it using the correct DS-160 confirmation number. Please refer here for instructions on how to update the DS-160 confirmation number in the appointment system.
3. I realized there was a mistake after submitting the DS-160 online. Can I correct it?
⇒ Once a DS-160 has been submitted online, it cannot be modified. If corrections are necessary, you must cancel the interview appointment, create a new DS-160 to obtain a new confirmation number, and then rebook your interview using the new number.
4. By when should I submit the DS-160 online application?
⇒ Previously, there was no strict deadline, and as long as the application was completed before the interview, there was no issue. However, applicants are now required to complete the DS-160 at least two business days before the interview date—more precisely, by 7:00 a.m. two business days prior. Since the system occasionally malfunctions, we do not recommend submitting the DS-160 at the last minute. Please allow sufficient time. If the DS-160 is not submitted by the deadline, the interview appointment will be automatically canceled.
5. My interview appointment is scheduled in Tokyo, but I selected Osaka as the interview location on my DS-160. Can I still attend the interview in Tokyo?
⇒ No. You must either cancel the appointment and rebook it in Osaka, or create a new DS-160 listing Tokyo as the location and rebook your Tokyo interview using the new confirmation number.
6. How many times can I change my interview appointment?
⇒ Until the end of last year, applicants could change their appointment up to five times. However, as of this year, the limit has been reduced to two times, returning to the pre-COVID policy. During the pandemic, applicants were encouraged to reschedule if feeling unwell, so the number of allowed changes was temporarily increased to prevent infection. The system now blocks changes beyond the permitted number. However, if you pay the visa application fee again, you may schedule a new appointment.
7. Can I change my interview location?
⇒ Yes. For example, you may change your interview location from Tokyo to Osaka. However, the interview location listed on your DS-160 must match the appointment location. In some cases, you may need to create a new DS-160.
8. Are children exempt from interviews?
⇒ Until August of last year, children under 14 were exempt from interviews for all nonimmigrant visas. Currently, however, interviews are required for almost all nonimmigrant visas—even for infants. For example, children accompanying a parent under an L visa must attend the interview at the embassy or consulate, regardless of age.
9. I am Japanese but currently live overseas. Can I apply for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa in my country of residence without returning to Japan?
⇒ U.S. nonimmigrant visas can be applied for in either your country of nationality or your country of residence. However, if you are staying overseas under visa-free entry or a tourist visa, you will generally need to return to Japan to apply.
(The same applies to foreign nationals residing in Japan. Previously, applicants without a Japanese residence card could apply in Japan, but currently, only legal residents of Japan may apply for a U.S. visa in Japan. Please refer here.)
10. Do I need to make my social media accounts public for all U.S. nonimmigrant visa applications?
⇒ Currently, social media disclosure is required for H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J visas. This measure is intended to facilitate identity verification and admissibility screening under U.S. law. Public settings are not required for other visa types.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the U.S. nonimmigrant visa interview appointment process is quite complex. If you find it difficult to handle the booking process on your own, we recommend consulting IMS at an early stage.
Please note that this blog is based on information available at the time of writing. For the most up-to-date information, readers are responsible for confirming details through official government websites and other authoritative sources.
For more information, please contact us below ↓
https://imsvisa.support/en/contact/
