The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos have introduced a new visa service system in Nigeria, effective from August 26, 2024. This significant change aims to enhance the efficiency and convenience of visa processing for Nigerian applicants.
The new system, hosted on a revamped online platform, replaces the previous service provider and introduces several key updates. All visa fee payments will now be processed exclusively online through the new website, eliminating the previous option of cash payments at banks. This change is part of a broader effort to streamline the visa application process and improve user experience.
For those who had scheduled visa interviews before the transition, their appointments remain valid. Applicants must print their appointment confirmation letters before August 16, 2024, as the old website will be discontinued. Any interviews scheduled after the transition require applicants to create a new account on the updated platform to manage their appointments and access customer service.
The U.S. Embassy also emphasized the importance of attending scheduled interviews, especially during this transition period. Failure to attend may result in the need to reschedule through the new system, which could lead to delays.
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The new platform also introduces updated document drop-off and pickup locations, along with enhanced customer service features designed to provide more responsive support to applicants. These changes are expected to alleviate some of the challenges Nigerian applicants have faced, particularly in scheduling appointments amid high demand.
The Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, David Greene, reaffirmed the commitment to addressing the backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and improving the availability of visa appointments. Despite the challenges, officials have conducted over 150,000 interviews this year, including 30,000 with students.
The new visa services website encourages applicants to visit and familiarize themselves with the updated procedures to ensure a smooth application process.
