US Embassy issues new directive for visa applicants in Nigeria

The United States Embassy has introduced a new requirement for visa applicants with interviews scheduled from January 1, 2025, onward.

Applicants are now required to make at least two visits to the Consulate General in Lagos as part of the immigration visa process.

The embassy disclosed this directive in a post shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) page on Tuesday. This adjustment aims to streamline the visa application process and ensure compliance with updated protocols.

Applicants are advised to follow instructions carefully and plan accordingly to meet the new requirements.

For further details, the embassy recommends monitoring their official communication channels.

It reads: “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 information on the embassy’s website, the first visit will include an “In-Person Document Review” with a consular officer.

“This review ensures that applicants are prepared for their visa interviews. The review allows applicants to retrieve any missing documents ahead of their visa interviews, helping to avoid delays in application processing,” the embassy explained.

“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.”

The embassy stated that these changes are intended to improve efficiency and minimize delays caused by incomplete documentation.