The United States Embassy in Nigeria has introduced a new requirement for visa applicants with interviews scheduled after January 1, 2025.
Applicants will now be required to visit the Consulate General in Lagos at least twice during the immigration visa process.
The embassy shared the update on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, stating that the new procedure aims to streamline the application process and reduce delays.
The first visit involves an “In-Person Document Review” with a consular officer, where applicants will ensure all necessary documentation is in order prior to their visa interview.
This step helps avoid last-minute delays by allowing applicants to retrieve any missing documents in advance.
The second visit, scheduled by the National Visa Center (NVC), is the actual visa interview with a consular officer. Applicants who fail to complete the initial document review will need to reschedule their appointment.
The Embassy stated, “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 interview and to prevent significant delays in processing your immigrant visa.
“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.
“The second interview, on the other hand, is with a Consular Officer. The date for this interview will be scheduled for applicants by the National Visa Center (NVC).
“If you do not complete the In-Person Document Review before your visa interview, you will be required to reschedule your appointment.”
The embassy clarified that these changes are designed to enhance efficiency and minimize processing delays, particularly those caused by incomplete documentation.
This new process underscores the embassy’s commitment to improving the overall experience for visa applicants.
