In a significant update to the immigration visa process, the United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced that, starting January 1, 2025, Nigerian applicants will be required to visit the Consulate General in Lagos twice as part of their visa application procedure.
The change, which was revealed through the embassy’s official social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), is designed to improve the efficiency of the visa process and reduce delays.
“For applicants with interviews scheduled after January 1, 2025, visits to the Consulate General in Lagos are mandatory at least twice during the immigrant visa process,” the embassy stated in a post.
The embassy clarified that these visits would not only prepare applicants for their visa interviews but also ensure that their documentation is complete. This new system aims to eliminate any unnecessary delays in the processing of immigrant visas, which have been a source of frustration for many applicants in the past.
First Visit: In-Person Document Review
As part of the updated process, the first visit will be dedicated to an “In-Person Document Review” with a consular staff member. This review is designed to ensure that all necessary documents are in order before the visa interview.
“The review allows applicants to retrieve any missing documents ahead of their visa interviews, helping to avoid delays in application processing,” the embassy explained in a statement.
This step will give applicants the opportunity to check for any missing or incorrect documents, which could have delayed their visa approval in the past. The embassy emphasized that the goal is to streamline the process and ensure that all applicants are fully prepared before their actual interview.
Second Visit: The Visa Interview
The second visit, which is the actual visa interview, will be scheduled by the National Visa Center (NVC). This will be the meeting where consular officers will determine whether an applicant is eligible for a U.S. visa.
The embassy warned that if applicants do not complete the In-Person Document Review before their visa interview, they will have to reschedule their appointment.
“If you do not complete the In-Person Document Review before your visa interview, you will be required to reschedule your appointment,” the embassy noted in its announcement.
This policy highlights the embassy’s commitment to ensuring that only well-prepared applicants are interviewed, minimizing the chance of delays or unnecessary rescheduling due to incomplete paperwork.
Why the Change?
The embassy’s decision to implement these new requirements comes as part of an ongoing effort to improve the efficiency of the visa process. With many Nigerians seeking to travel to the U.S. for education, business, or family reunification, the embassy has faced pressure to reduce the backlog and long waiting times that have plagued the visa application process in recent years.
In its announcement, the embassy explained that the new process would “help applicants prepare for their visa interview” while also “preventing significant delays in processing your immigrant visa.”
The changes are expected to reduce the number of incomplete applications and ensure that all applicants are fully ready for their interview, which will lead to faster processing times for those who meet the requirements.
What It Means for Applicants
For Nigerians planning to apply for U.S. visas, this new process means that they will need to plan for an additional trip to the Consulate General in Lagos. This could mean more time and resources spent on the application process, but it also offers a chance for applicants to avoid common mistakes that might otherwise delay their visa approval.
For many Nigerians, especially those applying for family or employment-based immigration visas, the process of obtaining a U.S. visa can be stressful and time-consuming. The introduction of the In-Person Document Review is expected to help by allowing applicants to ensure that their documents are complete before they face the stress of a visa interview.
A New Visa Services Provider
In a related development, the U.S. Embassy also announced earlier this year that it would be transitioning to a new visa services provider for its Abuja and Lagos consulates. The embassy revealed this change on August 26, 2024, as part of its ongoing effort to improve the visa application process.
This new provider is expected to bring further improvements in the efficiency and quality of visa processing services, as it will be handling all aspects of the application process, including appointment scheduling, document submission, and payment.
The shift to a new visa services provider is expected to streamline the process and reduce bottlenecks, giving applicants a more seamless experience when applying for a U.S. visa.
What Nigerians Think About the Changes
The U.S. Embassy’s update has been met with mixed reactions from Nigerian visa applicants. While some welcome the added clarity and preparation that comes with the In-Person Document Review, others are concerned about the extra travel and costs associated with the new requirements.
“I think it’s a good idea to ensure that all the documents are in order before the interview,” said Adebayo Adeoye, a Lagos-based professional who plans to apply for a U.S. visa in 2025. “But I am worried about the additional time and money it will take to visit the consulate twice.”
Other applicants expressed frustration with the added burden on applicants, noting that it could make the already complex visa process even more difficult for those living far from Lagos.
“The new rule might be helpful for people in Lagos, but for those of us who live far from the city, it’s going to be an extra hassle,” said Sarah Okeke, a student from Enugu who is planning to apply for a student visa. “It will be costly and time-consuming.”
Despite these concerns, the U.S. Embassy has emphasized that the new process is meant to make the visa application experience smoother for all applicants in the long run.
