By Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria has issued a new directive for immigrant visa applicants in the country, effective from January 1, 2025.
In the directive posted on its social media page, the Mission stated that 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.
“Kindly note that this information is specific to immigrant visa applicants only,” the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria said.
The Mission explained that the first visit would involve an In-Person Document Review with a consular staff member to ensure the applicant is fully prepared for the visa interview.
“This mandatory review will give you an opportunity to retrieve any missing documents ahead of your visa interview to avoid delays in processing your application.
“You do not need to schedule an appointment for the In-Person Document Review. The Consular Section will notify you via email of the document review appointment date, which will be approximately two to four weeks ahead of your visa interview,” the Mission stated.
The second visit, according to the directive, will be for the visa interview with a Consular Officer. This will occur on the date and time scheduled for the applicant 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 Mission added.