US Updates Immigrant Visa Processing Requirements for Nigerians

The United States has updated its immigrant visa processing requirements for Nigerians, with the new rules set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Under this policy, all visa applicants will be required to visit the Consulate General in Lagos twice during their application process. This requirement applies to those whose interviews are scheduled on or after this date.

The directive was announced on the US embassy’s X handle on Tuesday. According to the embassy, the updated process aims to assist applicants in preparing for their visa interviews and to minimise delays in processing immigrant visas.

“Your first visit to the US Consulate in Lagos is for an In-Person Document Review with a consular staff member to ensure you are prepared for your visa interview,” the embassy explained on its website. “This mandatory review will give you an opportunity to retrieve any missing documents ahead of your visa interview to avoid delays in processing your application.

“You do not need to schedule an appointment for the In-Person Document Review. The Consular Section will notify you via email of the document review appointment date which will be approximately two to four weeks ahead of your visa interview.”

The second visit will involve the visa interview with a consular officer. “The visa interview will occur on the date and time scheduled for you by the National Visa Center (NVC),” the statement said. “If you do not complete In-Person Document Review before your visa interview, you will be required to reschedule your appointment.”

The embassy urged applicants to comply with the revised steps to ensure a smoother visa processing experience.

Faridah Abdulkadiri

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