U.S. Introduces New Visa Guidelines for Nigerian Immigrant Applicants

The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced updates to the visa application process for Nigerians intending to relocate to the U.S.

Effective from January 1, 2025, immigrant visa applicants will now be required to visit the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos twice during their application process. This directive applies to individuals with interviews scheduled after the start date, according to a statement released on the U.S. Mission’s X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, December 10.

Attention Immigrant Visa Applicants!

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… pic.twitter.com/OicpkkFI7t

— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) December 10, 2024

The U.S. Department of State explained that this change aims to enhance the efficiency of the visa application process and minimize delays.

New Immigrant Visa Application Process

Under the updated guidelines, applicants must make two visits to the Consulate in Lagos:

1. In-Person Document Review
   During the first visit, applicants will meet with a consular staff member for an in-person review of their documents. This step ensures all required documents are in order before the visa interview, helping to prevent delays.The mission emphasized that this review is mandatory and provides applicants the opportunity to address any missing documents ahead of their interview. The Consular Section will notify applicants via email about their document review appointment, typically scheduled two to four weeks before the visa interview. Notably, applicants do not need to schedule this review themselves.
2. Visa Interview
   The second visit will involve the actual visa interview with a Consular Officer. The interview date and time will be set by the National Visa Center (NVC). Applicants who fail to complete the document review beforehand will need to reschedule their visa interview.

Applicants must bring essential documents to the in-person document review, including a valid passport, birth certificates, medical records, and police certificates for individuals aged 16 and above. Other necessary steps include creating an online account, completing a medical examination, following the pre-interview checklist, and arranging document pickup in Lagos or Abuja.

Broader Immigration Developments

This update coincides with broader immigration discussions in the U.S., as former President Donald Trump has reiterated his intention to end birthright citizenship. This policy, rooted in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, grants citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil regardless of their parents’ origin.

Trump has also pledged to issue multiple executive orders targeting immigration, energy policies, and the economy. He expressed plans to deport undocumented immigrants, including those with family ties to U.S. citizens, stating, “We must keep families together, even if it means sending everyone back.”