US Embassy Issues New Visa Directive Effective January 1

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced a new visa directive effective January 1, 2025.

The new directive as contained on the embassy’s X page yesterday, stated amongst others:

“For applicants with interviews scheduled after January 1, 2025, 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.”

The US embassy, had earlier in October provided updates on its website thus: Update on Mission Nigeria Visa Services. Stating amongst others: “On August 26, 2024, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria launched a transition to a new visa appointment system.

“Nigeria was one of the first countries in the world in which the U.S. Government launched this new system.  The goal is to make the process of obtaining visa appointments at our Embassy in Abuja and our Consulate in Lagos easier for applicants and more transparent for all our visa applicants in Nigeria.

“We are aware, however, of the challenges many visa applicants are facing as the new system is implemented.

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“Many of these issues have been resolved.  We are addressing the remaining challenges with the new system as swiftly as possible.

“We regret the frustration and inconvenience many of our applicants for visas have experienced as we worked through this transition.  We anticipate that all our applicants will soon see improved processing.

“As we complete the transition, for assistance with visa applications, online scheduling, or information about passport drop-off and delivery, please visit the Amentum Contact Center here .  You may also call the Amentum Contact Center by phone at +234 201 343 8900 or +1 734 418 2395 (from the U.S.), by email at nigeria@usvisaappt.com, or through the ChatBot on their website”.

The US embassy notice added that consular sections in both Abuja and in Lagos are committed to a high standard of customer service and continue to provide the full range of consular services “while we work to address the current challenges”.

As per the new visa directive, he embassy’s website, the first visit will involve an “In-Person Document Review” with a consular staff member.

“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.”

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The second visit, the embassy stated would be the visa interview itself, conducted by a Consular officer.

“If you do not complete the In-Person Document Review before your visa interview, you will be required to reschedule your appointment,” the embassy noted.

It said the changes were to enhance efficiency and reduce delays caused by incomplete documentation.