If you’re planning on applying for a U.S. visa in Nigeria or you know someone, here are some important updates you need to know.
The U.S. Embassy/Consulate in Nigeria is changing its visa services provider, which means all nonimmigrant and immigrant visa applications will be suspended starting August 16, 2024.
If you already have an appointment scheduled after that date, don’t worry—your appointment is still valid and you may not have to do anything else but wait till your interview date.
Key Dates to Remember
For those who need to pay visa fees:
- The last day to pay visa fees in cash at GTB Bank is August 8, 2024.
- GTB account holders can pay online until August 15, 2024.
When it comes to dropping off documents at DHL locations:
- For premium locations like Isolo-Lagos, Ibadan, Akure, Enugu, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, and Benin, the last day to drop off documents is August 21, 2024, and the last day to pick them up is September 16, 2024.
- For regular locations in Abuja, Surulere, Victoria Island, and Lagos, the last day to drop off documents is August 23, 2024, and the last day to pick them up is September 18, 2024.
Starting August 16, 2024, you won’t be able to use the ustraveldocs.com website or customer service to book visa appointments in Nigeria anymore. Make sure to check the U.S. Embassy website regularly for updates and detailed information.
Important Update About MRV Fees
If you paid your Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee before October 1, 2022, it expired on September 30, 2023. There are no extensions, so you’ll need to pay again if you didn’t schedule an appointment or submit an interview waiver application by then.
If you paid after October 1, 2022, you need to schedule your appointment within a year of paying. The interview itself can be later, but the appointment must be in the system within that year.
If you paid before October 1, 2022, don’t change your appointment dates after October 1, 2023, or you’ll lose both your slot and your fee, and you’ll have to start over with a new payment and application.
Update on Premium Delivery Location Prices
Starting March 20, 2024, the prices for DHL premium delivery locations will increase:
- Isolo: N11,000 (Eleven thousand Naira)
- Port Harcourt: N20,000 (Twenty thousand Naira)
- Benin: N20,000 (Twenty thousand Naira)
- Kaduna: N20,000 (Twenty thousand Naira)
- Ibadan: N20,000 (Twenty thousand Naira)
- Akure: N20,000 (Twenty thousand Naira)
- Enugu: N20,000 (Twenty thousand Naira)
Stay on top of these changes and plan accordingly to avoid any issues with your visa application! Remember, MRV fees are non-refundable and non-transferable and also, keep your receipt reference number private.
Make sure the receipt number you use to schedule your appointment matches the one on your appointment confirmation letter, or you might be turned away on the day of your interview.