The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced new guidelines for individuals applying for immigrant visas, specifically targeting those whose interviews are scheduled after January 1, 2025. These new rules will require applicants to make at least two visits to the Consulate General in Lagos during the visa application process.
In a recent update shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Embassy explained that these changes are designed to streamline the overall process, aiming to reduce delays and ensure that applicants are fully prepared for their visa interviews.
For those with interviews set after the aforementioned date, the process will involve a mandatory two-step visit to the Consulate General in Lagos. The Embassy clarified that the first of these visits will be an “In-Person Document Review.” During this visit, consular officers will review the applicant’s documents to verify that they are complete and meet all necessary requirements.
This review is a key part of the process, as it allows applicants to identify any missing paperwork or documents that could potentially delay their visa application. By addressing these issues in advance, applicants are more likely to avoid delays during the later stages of the application process.
The Embassy highlighted that this step is critical for ensuring applicants are fully prepared for their visa interviews. By catching any discrepancies or missing documents ahead of time, applicants can avoid having to reschedule or experience lengthy processing delays.
The second required visit will be an actual visa interview with a Consular Officer. The timing for this interview will be coordinated and scheduled by the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will reach out to applicants to provide specific details regarding their interview date.
A key point stressed by the Embassy is that if an applicant fails to complete the “In-Person Document Review” before their scheduled visa interview, they will not be able to proceed with the interview as planned. In such cases, applicants will be required to reschedule their appointment, which could cause significant delays in the processing of their visa applications.
This new procedure reflects the Embassy’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the visa issuance process while ensuring that all applicants are well-prepared and meet the necessary documentation requirements. By implementing these measures, the Embassy aims to prevent delays and reduce the chances of complications arising during the final stages of the visa process.
In summary, starting January 1, 2025, Nigerian applicants for U.S. immigrant visas will need to visit the Consulate General in Lagos twice—once for an in-person document review and again for their formal visa interview. This updated procedure is intended to streamline the process, reduce delays, and help applicants ensure their documents are in order before their interviews.
