By Adenike Lawal
On December 11, 2024, the United States Embassy in Nigeria announced a major change to its visa application process, set to take effect on January 1, 2025.
The new directive mandates that all visa applicants with scheduled interviews must visit the Consulate General in Lagos at least twice during their application process.
The embassy shared the update via its official social media channels, stating, “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.”
The embassy emphasized that the new procedure aims to better prepare applicants for their interviews and reduce delays in visa processing.
According to further details provided on the embassy’s website, the first visit will involve an ‘In-Person Document Review’ with a consular staff member.
This initial review ensures applicants have all the necessary documents in order for their upcoming interviews, helping to identify and address any missing paperwork in advance and reduce delays.
The second visit will consist of the visa interview with a Consular Officer, which will be scheduled by the National Visa Center (NVC).
It is important that applicants complete the In-Person Document Review before attending their interview; failure to do so will result in the rescheduling of the interview.
This update follows a previous announcement in July 2024, in which the embassy revealed a transition to a new visa services provider for its consulates in Abuja and Lagos, effective August 26, 2024.
This change was communicated through the embassy’s official website and verified social media accounts.
