US Embassy Introduces New Visa Application Process for Nigerians

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced a significant change in its immigration visa processes, effective January 1, 2025. Applicants with scheduled interviews will now be required to visit the Consulate General in Lagos at least twice during the process.

The new process is designed to facilitate smoother visa interviews and prevent delays in processing immigrant visas. Here’s a breakdown of the new requirements:

In-Person Document Review: Applicants will first visit the US Consulate in Lagos for an in-person document review with a consular staff member. This review ensures applicants are prepared for their visa interviews and allows them to retrieve any missing documents ahead of time.

Second Interview with a Consular Officer: The second visit will be for an interview with a Consular Officer, scheduled by the National Visa Center (NVC).
Rescheduling Requirement: Failure to complete the In-Person Document Review before the visa interview will require applicants to reschedule their appointment.

This development comes after the embassy announced in July 2024 that its operations in Abuja and Lagos consulates would be handled by a new visa services provider, effective August 26, 2024.

The new process may impact Nigerian applicants seeking immigrant visas to the United States. It is essential for applicants to carefully review the requirements and timelines to ensure a smooth application process.