The United States Mission in Nigeria has continuously refined its visa processes and criteria, issuing fresh guidelines and requirements aimed at enhancing the efficiency, security, and integrity of the application process for Nigerians on Visa Application. These updates, which affect both non-immigrant and immigrant categories, underscore the mutual commitment of both nations to facilitate safe, lawful travel while maintaining global security standards.
A crucial update to the non-immigrant visa interview process requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure entry into the Consular Section.
The DS-160 Barcode Requirement effective April 22, 2025, dictates that all visa applicants in both Abuja and Lagos must ensure that the confirmation or barcode number on their printed DS-160 visa application form exactly matches the one used to book their appointment online via the new Amentum Visa Information and Tracking System, AVITS.
If the barcode numbers do not match, the applicant will not be allowed to enter the Consular Section or attend the interview, leading directly to the necessity of rescheduling. Applicants are strongly advised to double-check this match at least two weeks before their interview date. If a mismatch is identified, a support ticket must be created via the AVITS account at least 10 days before the appointment to request a correction, and it is critical to note that a DS-160 form from a previous, unsuccessful application cannot be reused for a new appointment.
The U.S. Department of State announced an update to its reciprocal non-immigrant visa, NIV, policy for Nigerian citizens, effective July 8, 2025.
The New Validity Period means that most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens are now single-entry visas with a three-month validity period. This change applies immediately to all newly issued visas, though visas issued prior to this date retain their original status and validity.
The U.S. government emphasizes that visa reciprocity is a continuous process subject to review and change, and the Basis for Change is anchored in global technical and security benchmarks, covering areas such as the issuance of secure travel documents, effective visa overstay management, and the sharing of relevant security or criminal record information to protect public safety.
For immigrant visa applicants at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, a new two-step procedure was implemented starting January 1, 2025.
READ ALSO:10 Things to Learn From Behind The Scenes by Funke Akindele
The First Visit is an In-Person Document Review. Applicants are now mandated to attend this session with a consular staff member. This mandatory visit, which does not require a separate scheduling appointment, typically occurs approximately two to four weeks ahead of the main interview. The purpose is to ensure all original documents, including the pre-interview checklist items, are complete and correct, mitigating delays.
The Second Visit is for the Visa Interview. This is the final interview with a Consular Officer, conducted on the date and time scheduled by the National Visa Center, NVC. Failure to complete the document review beforehand will necessitate a rescheduling of the official interview.
The Embassy strongly encourages all applicants to ensure their documentation is complete and truthful, stressing that Visa Overstay and providing inaccurate information or misusing a visa undermines the mutual trust between the two nations.
Regarding application benefits, the Interview Waiver Expansion makes the Non-Immigrant Visa Interview Waiver, Drop Box, eligibility period 48 months for certain visa categories, allowing renewals without a mandatory interview for eligible applicants.
Finally, for non-immigrant visas, applicants must present comprehensive supporting documents, such as evidence of employment, strong financial stability via bank statements, and property ownership, as Proof of Ties that clearly demonstrate strong ties to Nigeria and a definitive intent to return.
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the U.S. Embassy continue to collaborate to educate the public on these changes, urging Nigerians to seek accurate information directly from official U.S. Mission Nigeria channels to ensure full compliance with all visa laws and regulations.
- Health Emergency, Senate President Akpabio Flown to London for Treatment
- NYSC Opens Remobilisation Portal for Absconded Corps Members: See Date
- Dangote Fires Back at NMDPRA, Submits $5M New Evidence Against Agency Boss
- Elon Musk Sets New Wealth Record, Surpasses $600 Billion Net Worth
- Soaring House Rents Keeping Us Single, Sokoto Women Cry Out
Discover more from Songbux
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.