On August 26, 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos officially transitioned to a new visa services provider. This change affects how U.S. visa applications are managed for Nigerians applying to travel to the United States.
In July 2024, the U.S. Embassy announced its planned transition to the new visa services provider, advising applicants with interviews scheduled before August 26, 2024, to continue using the old system.
Applicants with interviews on or after August 26, 2024, were instructed to visit the new visa services website from that date onward to create a new account.
In this article, we have curated a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the new website and apply for your U.S. visa.
What you should know
The new service provider is easy to navigate. Once you visit the landing page, you will see the nonimmigrant and immigrant visa tabs. These two tabs contain most information that you need to apply.
Under the “nonimmigrant” tab, intending travellers for business or pleasure can find an overview of the process: visa fees, visa types, and more. It’s important to note that Nigeria and Nigerians are not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), so a visa is required for your visit.
In the immigrant visa section, prospective immigrants can find an overview of the application process: visa types, prices, and other important information for spouses and family visas.
It is important to note that Nigerians are no longer eligible for the Diversity Visa Lottery. Only individuals born outside of Nigeria or with parents born outside of Nigeria are eligible for the Diversity Visa. If you were born in Nigeria to Nigerian-born parents, you are not eligible for the visa lottery.
A detailed step-by-step guide to the application process
A. Nonimmigrant U.S. Visa Application Process
The nonimmigrant visa is intended for those travelling to the United States for business, tourism, or other temporary purposes. Here’s how to navigate the new visa application process:
1. Determine Your Visa Type
- Identify the visa type that suits the purpose of your visit to the United States. The Visa Wizard on the U.S. government webpage can further assist in choosing the right visa type.
2. Submit Your Visa Application Form DS-160
- Complete the DS-160 form on the U.S. Government website. Each applicant, including minors, must have their own DS-160 form completed before starting the scheduling process. Enquiries about completing the DS-160 form should be directed to the DS-160 FAQs.
3. Create or Sign In to Your User Account
- After completing the DS-160 form, visit the new visa services website to create an account and continue the application process. If you already have an account, log in.
4. Complete your details and pay the MRV fee
- In your scheduling profile, click on “Create New” in “My Dashboard.” Select the country of application and visa type, enter your details, add dependents if applicable, select a delivery option (if available), and pay the visa fee.
5. Schedule your visa interview appointment
- Once the payment is confirmed, your account will display available appointments or the Interview Waiver Confirmation if you qualify for the mail-in procedure. You must select the most convenient appointment date and time, and confirm your scheduling.
6. Attend Your Visa Interview Appointment or Submit Your Application by Mail
- Gather the necessary documents based on your visa type and attend the visa interview as scheduled, or if eligible, submit your application by mail following the instructions provided in the Interview Waiver confirmation.
7. Retrieve Your Documents
- Once your visa is processed, you will receive your documents through the chosen delivery option. You can track the delivery status of your passport by logging into your user account on the website. Upon receiving your passport, please make sure all the information on the visa is correct.
If you find any errors, refer to the instructions on the FAQ page to address them.
B. Immigrant Visa Process
Immigrant visas are for those seeking to move to the United States permanently, whether for family, employment, or other reasons. Nigerian citizens and residents can apply for immigrant visas at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos.
1. Submit the Immigrant Visa Petition or Register for the Diversity Visa Program
- The petitioner submits the immigrant visa petition to USCIS. You can track the status of your petition on the USCIS website using your 13-digit receipt number. For the Diversity Visa Program, you should submit your application electronically on the E-DV website and use the Entrant Status Check to keep track of your application status.
2. NVC/KCC Case Processing
- After USCIS approves your petition, it is transferred to the National Visa Centre (NVC) for pre-processing. The Diversity Visa (DV) program is administered by the Kentucky Consular Centre (KCC). Follow the instructions provided by NVC or KCC carefully.
3. Prepare for the Interview
- Please follow the instructions from NVC or KCC to pay fees, gather the required documents, and schedule a medical examination with an approved physician. Make sure to have all the necessary documents, including medical reports, police reports, and affidavits of support, prepared and ready to present at the interview.
4. Register the Delivery Option
- After receiving an appointment letter or email from NVC, KCC, or the U.S. Consulate, register on the new website to confirm your appointment and register the delivery option for your documents.
Log in to your profile, confirm the appointment or reschedule it, enter your details, and select a delivery option.
5. Attend Your Visa Interview Appointment
- Attend the interview as scheduled. Petitioners are not permitted to accompany the beneficiary to the consulate for the interview. However, one family member with a valid ID may accompany minors or disabled beneficiaries. Translators are available for non-English speakers.
6. Retrieve Your Documents
- If your visa is granted, your passport and visa will be ready for pickup approximately 10 business days after the interview. Track the delivery status of your passport through your user account. Please verify the accuracy of the visa details once they are received.
If you need additional information on the visa application process, please refer to the FAQ page for updates.
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