Double Visits Now Required for Immigrant Visa Applicants
The United States Embassy in Nigeria has recently updated its immigration visa procedures, which will take effect starting January 1, 2025. Under the new guidelines, individuals applying for an immigrant visa will need to make two separate visits to the Consulate General in Lagos.
First Visit for Document Review
The embassy announced via its X platform that “For applicants with interviews scheduled after January 1, 2025, applicants are required to visit the Consulate General in Lagos at least twice during the immigrant visa process.” The first visit is dedicated to an “In-Person Document Review” where applicants meet with consular staff to ensure all required paperwork is in order. This step is crucial to prevent delays by allowing applicants to correct any documentation issues before the actual interview.
Second Visit for Visa Interview
Following the document review, the second visit will be for the visa interview itself, coordinated by the National Visa Center (NVC). The embassy has made it clear that failing to attend the document review will necessitate rescheduling the interview, potentially causing further delays.
Aim to Streamline Process and Reduce Delays
The embassy stated, “This new process is designed to help you prepare for your visa interview and to prevent significant delays in processing your immigrant visa.” The initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance the efficiency of the visa application process.
Recent Changes in Visa Service Providers
In addition to these procedural changes, the embassy has also transitioned to a new visa services provider for its operations in Abuja and Lagos, effective from August 26, 2024. This move is intended to improve the overall service experience for visa applicants.
