March 30, 2004

Electronic DS-156 No Longer Required at Consular Posts, Revalidation Unit

Sources have indicated the DOS Visa Office no longer requires applicants to submit the bar-coded version of the DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application form at consular posts or the DOS Visa Revalidation Unit.

However, the bar-coded version is still preferred, as it allows posts and the revalidation office to track cases more efficiently.It is also advisable to use the most current version of the form, which is February 2003.

The electronic form of DS-156 is available at http://evisaforms.state.gov. It must be noted that certain consulates still require the electronic version of DS-156. If possible, it is advisable to continue using the bar-coded version of the form.

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