Nigerian visa applicants aiming to relocate to the United States face a new two-step process starting January 2025.
The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria says the measure will streamline immigration procedures and prevent frustrating delays caused by incomplete documentation.
The announcement, made on the embassy’s official X account, urges applicants to visit the Consulate General in Lagos twice before completing their visa applications. “This new process is designed to help you prepare for your visa interview and prevent significant delays,” the embassy stated.
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The first visit, termed an “In-Person Document Review,” allows consular officers to assess applicants’ documents for completeness. The review provides applicants with an opportunity to retrieve missing paperwork before the official visa interview.
“This proactive measure ensures smoother processing and avoids unnecessary delays,” the embassy explained. The second visit will involve the visa interview, scheduled by the National Visa Center (NVC).
Failure to complete the initial document review may result in applicants having to reschedule their interviews, the embassy warned. The initiative is expected to enhance efficiency, offering applicants peace of mind as they navigate the rigorous visa process.
