The United States Mission in Nigeria has waived visa interviews for those who are renewing their visas in the country.
The embassy said they expanded the visa services to assist non-immigrant visa applicants in the country to renew their visas without an interview.
The new application is scheduled to begin in February for the US Consulate in Lagos and shortly thereafter the US Embassy for Abuja will commence.
Before now, applicants for US visas are required to appear in person for a visa interview at the embassy in Abuja or consulate in Lagos whether as a fresh applicant or renewal. The applicant must schedule an appointment for the interview, online using their website.
According to the statement, the number of qualified applicants will be limited at first and those that meet the criteria can apply in Lagos until the service is extended to Abuja.
US mission added that only one member of the family unit is required to drop off the application documents, children are not required in person.
The embassy said the processing time of the application will take two months but hope to process most cases within few weeks.
The embassy stated that those eligible for visa renewal without interview are those whose application for B1/B2, F, M, J (academic only), H, L or C1/D(combined only) expired in the last 24months and must meet each of the following criteria.
• If they are issued a previous visa for Nigeria
• If your previous visa is the same classification as your current application
• If your previous visa is full validity, multiple entry visa
• If your previous visa expires within the last 24 months or will expire in the 3 months form the date of application.
• If you get all your passports that covers the entire period since you received the previous visa and the passport with the most recent visa.
• If they have never been arrested or convicted for any crime or offense in the United States, even if you later receive waiver or pardon.
• If they have worked without authorization or remain beyond your permitted time in the United States.
The embassy said those that met the criteria must first make payment for their visa fee online or pay in cash at the assigned bank before they apply to renew their visa.
