US Embassy Implements New Visa Procedure for Nigerian Applicants
The United States Embassy in Nigeria has introduced a new visa application process for immigrant visa applicants, set to take effect on January 1, 2025.
According to the embassy, applicants with scheduled interviews will be required to visit the US Consulate General in Lagos at least twice during their application process. This update was shared via the embassy’s official X (formerly Twitter) page on Tuesday.
“For applicants with interviews scheduled after January 1, 2025, you are required to visit the Consulate General in Lagos at least twice during the immigrant visa process,” the embassy stated. “This new process is designed to help you prepare for your visa interview and reduce delays in processing.”
Details on the embassy’s website further clarified the new procedure. The first visit will be for an ‘In-Person Document Review’ with consular staff. This review ensures applicants have all necessary documents before their visa interview.
“This review allows applicants to address any missing documents ahead of their interview, helping to avoid delays in the application process,” the embassy explained.
The second visit will be the actual visa interview, scheduled by the National Visa Center (NVC). The embassy stressed the importance of completing the document review before the interview, warning that failure to do so would require applicants to reschedule their appointment.
“If you do not complete the In-Person Document Review before your visa interview, you will be required to reschedule your appointment,” the directive stated.
In related news, the US Embassy had announced in July 2024 that it would transition to a new visa services provider in Abuja and Lagos, effective August 26, 2024. This change was communicated through the embassy’s official website and verified social media channels.
