It has been celebration galore for applicants of United States (US) Non-immigrant visa in Nigeria, following the commencement of the no-interview visa renewal regime by the U.S. Mission in Lagos.
The new visa application regime, unveiled at a briefing at the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, is a pilot project, which the mission plans to extend next month to its embassy in Abuja.
Under the new regime, possessors of US Visa will no longer have to undergo an interview to renew their visa.
“The number of qualified applicants who can apply using the new procedures will be limited initially.
“Applicants who meet the criteria may apply in Lagos until the service is extended to Abuja. Please note that only one member of the family unit is required to drop-off the application documents, children are not required to come drop-off in person,” a statement by the mission said.
It further explained that “the initiative is part of its continuous commitment to expand and innovate consular services despite the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The U.S. Mission will expand visa services to assist non-immigrant visa applicants in Nigeria who qualify to renew their visa.
“The number of qualified applicants who can apply using the new procedures will be limited initially,” the statement on the US Embassy read in part.
According to the mission ,the processing times for the program are expected to be up to two months and applicants will not be able to retrieve their passports during that time.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR “NO INTERVIEW VISA RENEWAL
- Conditions for qualification for the no-interview visa renewal include an application for a B1/B2, F, M, J (academic only), H, L or C1/D (combined only) visa.
- Visa must have been issued in Nigeria;
- Previous visa is in the same classification as current application;
- Previous visa was a full validity, multiple entry visa;
- Previous visa expired within the last 24 months or will expire in the next 3 months from the date of application;
- Possession of all your passports covering the entire period since receiving the previous visa and the passport with the most recent visa;
- Applicant has never been arrested or convicted of any crime or offense in the United States, even if you later received a waiver or pardon; and
- You have never worked without authorization or remained beyond your permitted time in the United States.
