U.S Visa Application for Nigerians: Step by Step Guide

Last updated on August 14th, 2021 at 07:19 am

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The United States of America is the dream of thousands of people in various other places in the world. And in this post we’ll guide you how to apply for U.S Visa in Nigeria.

The country is such an exciting place with exciting places and features. There are a lot of interesting places for tourists to explore, and there are numerous opportunities for those who desire settling there.

This article will guide you on how to get a U.S Tourist Visa without much hassles. Those dreams you’ve been having to explore some of the most iconic landscapes in America just got a whole lot easier.

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Recalled that InfomediaNG told you about how some Nigerians use U.S vistors’ visa to enter Canada, which may not be absolutely right though.

First of all, note that Nigerian passport holders need a tourist visa to visit USA. The exciting thing is that the process is pretty straightforward.

The first step in the US Visa Application process is submitting your application online through the US Department of State Consular Electronic Application Center.

Travellers are required to complete the US Visa Application and then go for an interview at the US Embassy in Abuja or United States Consulate General in Lagos.

Before starting the whole process, wisdom demands that you confirm your eligibility before anything else. It is also advisable that you submit your application at least three months in advance in advance of flight departure.

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Types Of U.S Visas

The two most common Nonimmigrant Visas (Visitor Visas) for the USA are the:

– Tourism (B-2) visa

– Business (B-1) visa

Validity of U.S Visa

If you are able to get the B-2 Visitor Visa, you will be enabled to stay in the United States for up to six months at a time. Note that the validity of this visa is usually about two years.

Travellers should ensure they have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of return.

Although things vary depending on various factors, be ready to wait for up to two months to get an appointment. Nevertheless, the processing time for the application is normally between 5 to 15 days.

U.S Visa Fees

Currently, for your application fee (business and tourist visas), have a budget of about ₦57,680.00. Note that it is non-refundable.

You can pay in cash at any GTBank branch nationwide, or online if you are an account holder at GTBank.

It is necessary to present one’s passport when making payment at the bank. Don’t forget to receive a receipt from the bank too, as this will be demanded when you attend the interview.

U.S Visa Requirements

• Travellers should ensure they have an original Nigerian passport that has two blank pages for visa and entry stamps and is valid for at least six months beyond your return date.

• Previous passports (for travel history).

• Barcoded DS-160 form confirmation page.

• Appointment confirmation page.

• Two colour photos that meet the US Visa photo requirements.

• Application fee payment receipt.

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• Proof of funds (i.e. bank statements, payslips, proof of assets and investments etc.)

• Supporting documents such as invitation letters, letter of employment, provisional flight bookings and travel itinerary etc.

Where To Apply For A US Visa In Nigeria

Travellers can carry out their applications online through the US Department of State website.

Although the application is online, travellers are required to attend the visa interview in person at the embassy or consulate general.

U.S Embassy in Abuja

Address: Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive

Central District Area, Abuja, Nigeria

Website: ng.usembassy.gov

Telephone: (234) 9 461 4000

Email: Consularabuja@state.gov

Hours: Monday to Friday 8 AM – 4 PM

United States Consulate General in Lagos

Address: 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Nigeria

Website: ng.usembassy.gov

Telephone: (234) 1 460 3600

Email: LagosNIV@state.gov

Hours: Monday to Thursday 7 AM – 4 PM

Friday 7 AM – 1 PM

Courier service / Document Drop-Off Locations

If the application eventually sailed through, an applicant can choose any of two options to get their passport back: Either to pick-up from a DHL office, or from VFS collection office.

How to apply for a U.S Visa?

• Travellers should ensure they first take photographs that meet the US Visa photo requirements before they start the application process. A digital photograph will be uploaded with your application.

• Proceed to complete the DS-160 form and submit the visa application online through the US Department of State website. Print out the barcoded confirmation page.

• Then Pay the non-refundable processing fee online or over the counter at a bank.

• Schedule an appointment online or through a call centre (234) 1 440 6218.

Also Read:  Can a Nigerian Abroad With Expired Passport Travel to Nigeria?

When making an appointment, the following documents are needed:

– Your passport number.

– Your fee payment receipt purchase date.

– The 10-digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page.

• Attend your US Visa Application appointment at the US Embassy in Abuja or US Consulate General in Lagos.

If the visa is approved, one’s passport with the visa will be delivered to the pick-up location that was specified when an appointment was scheduled.

Printing And Photographs

You can easily get photocopy and photography services at the following locations:

Lagos

• Kodak Express

Address: Palms Shopping Mall, 1 Bisway Street,

Maroko, Lagos

Telephone: (234) 803 473 3069

• Exact Office Nigeria

Address: 1 Balogun Street, Off Awolowo Avenue,

Ikeja, Lagos

Telephone: (234) 815 814 7738

Abuja

• Fotogold Studio Limited

Address: Plot 10, Lagos Crescent,

Garki, Abuja

Telephone: (234) 803 705 3201

• Photo Works Lab

Address: Suite C86, Murg Shopping Mall, Akwa Street,

Area 10, Garki, Abuja

Telephone: (234) 809 812 9319

• Clin Cyber Cafe & Business Center

Address: Suite CDS2, Ground Floor, 354 Mike Akhigbe Way,

Jabi, Abuja

Telephone: (234) 703 196 2009

Please note that all information in this article was correct at the time of writing and they might change at any time without prior notice.

And if you have any question regarding U.S Visa application in Nigeria, don’t hesitate to ask us.

Author

  • Opeyemi Quadri

    Ope is a finance writer and researcher with 10+ years of experience in content creation. His interests cut across decentralized finance, investment, foreign exchange, government policies and politics.

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