US Embassy Announces New Policy for Nigerian Visa Applicants

NIGERIA- The US Embassy in Nigeria has evaluated its immigration visa processes for immigrants beginning on January 1, 2025.

During the interview process, candidates will now make at least two trips to the Consulate General in Lagos, the embassy said.

The directive was issued on the company's official X website on Tuesday.

It read, “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.

“This new process is designed to help you prepare for your visa interview and to prevent significant delays in processing your immigrant visa.”

According to the embassy's website, the first visit to the US Consulate in Lagos will be for an 'In-Person Document Review' with a consular staff member, which ensures that applicants are prepared for their visa interviews.

It continued, “The review allows applicants to retrieve any missing documents ahead of their visa interviews, helping to avoid delays in application processing.

“The second interview, on the other hand, is with a Consular Officer. The date for this interview will be scheduled for applicants by the National Visa Center (NVC).

“If you do not complete the In-Person Document Review before your visa interview, you will be required to reschedule your appointment.”

Recall that in July 2024, the embassy stated that operations in its Abuja and Lagos consulates would be handled by a new visa services contractor beginning August 26, 2024.

The decision was announced on the American Embassy's official website and verified social media channels.