United States has updated its immigrant visa processing requirements for Nigerian applicants.
Beginning January 1, 2025, all individuals applying for visas will be required to attend two visits to the Consulate General in Lagos as part of the application process.
This new policy will affect those who have interviews scheduled on or after this date.
The announcement was made on the embassy’s X handle on Tuesday.
The US embassy said the new process was designed to help applicants prepare for their visa interview and to prevent significant delays in processing their immigrant visas.
“Your first visit to the U.S. 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 is for the visa interview with a consular officer, the embassy added.
“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 US embassy asked that applicants adhere to the revised steps for effective visa processing.
