Generally, getting U.S. Visas are not easy to come by, especially for a country like Nigeria. Any foreigner who wishes to visit or migrate to the US must, first of all, obtain either a nonimmigrant visa or the migrant visa.
The nonimmigrant visa is basically for those who intend to visa the country for a temporary business appointment whereas, an immigrant visa is strictly for those who want to permanently reside in the US, thus, this is the most difficult type of visa to obtain.
However, due to the flexibility of getting a nonimmigrant US visa, we will focus on the nonimmigrant visa and step by step on how to go about it.
Importantly, before applying for a visa appointment, you must have the following documents and information available:
A valid passport with a validity date at least six months gap from your intended period of stay in the United States.You must provide your proof of payment (usually a receipt from the GTBank)Your DS-160 confirmation pageTwo recent photographs, at least taken within the past 6 monthsA valid email address and phone number.
Note: as an applicant for the U.S. visa, you are expected to appear in person for a visa interview at the Embassy in Abuja or the Consulate General in Lagos. Below is the step by step guide on how to obtain a U.S. non-immigration visa:
Step 1
Identify your visa type. Each visa type has its qualifications and application items. You have to identify the visa type that applies to your situation.
Step 2
Once you have identified your visa type, you can go ahead to pay your fee. This fee must be paid in US Dollars or any other native currency. Remember to keep your payment receipt number to book your visa appointment.
Also bear in mind that the MRV receipts are nonrefundable and non-transferable payments.
Your reference number on the MRV receipt is confidential and should not be shared with anyone.
Please ensure that the receipt you apply with matches the receipt on your appointment confirmation letters, otherwise, you will be turned down on your interview day.
Step 3
The next step here is to complete the DS-160 form. Make sure you carefully read the Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 form. All your information must be accurately and correctly entered.
As soon as the form is submitted, you will not be able to make any corrections at all.
In case you are confused, please consult an immigration lawyer or translator for assistance. Remember, your DS-160 number is very important, as you can not complete your registration without your DS-160 number.
Step 4
At this point, you are almost set to schedule your appointment:
First of all, you will need to create a profile, just go to this link, (https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/?language=English&country=Nigeria)
Click on the New User.
Complete fill in all fields and create a password. Once you are registered, you will be able to see your dashboard, then go to the left-hand side, click on Schedule Appointment.
Hence while your appointment is being scheduled, you will need to provide the following:
Your passport numberThe receipt number from GTBank (which is your payment fee for your visa)The ten (10) digits barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page
While you go through the process you will be able to select your visa type, enter your personal data, including dependent, choose your letter delivery location, confirm visa payment and finally schedule your appointment.
Step 5
As soon as your appointment is granted, you will be invited at the US Embassy, try as much as you can to keep to time. And ensure to go through the page for the necessary documentation.
Step 6
Finally, when your visa is approved, it will be sent to you at the delivery location you choose while scheduling your appointment.
Interestingly, while the availability of the U.S. immigration visa remains unattainable due to public health situations, the department in charge of it is currently scheduling visa appointments while considering the following:
The U.S. Immigration Visa Unit schedules appointments for those adopted by the U.S. Citizens.Husbands, wifes and children of U.S. citizensApplicants who received invitation letters from U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. This also includes fiances of U.S citizens whose immigrant interviews were scheduled between March 22 and June 30 2020 but incidentally cancelled as a result of the pandemic. However, all the affected persons should have been contacted for a new interview date.Reissuance of expired immigrant visas that expired between March 2020 and August 2020The department is currently contacting all applicants who were affected by the various Presidential Declarations to finish up their immigrant visa processing.
Applicants who fall under any of the categories listed above are responsible for consistently checking the email addresses they provided during their visa application.
Like I said earlier, anyone who fails to attend their scheduled interview should expect delays before an interview can be rescheduled.
Currently, all immigrant visas to the U.S are handled for citizens and residents of Nigeria at the U.S Consulate in Lagos. Thus, the U.S Embassy in Abuja does not process immigrant visas.
Please be aware that creating an account online does not mean that you have completed your visa application. Rather, it helps the NVC with the information needed to return your passport and documents to you after your interview.
Once your documents are ready for pick up, an SMS and Email notification will be sent to the phone number and email you entered to the link. Therefore you are expected to provide accurate information to the portal and registration is free.
Fraud Alert and Warning
The Department of State, Office of Visa Services, advises the general public of an incessant increase in fraudulent newsletters and emails sent to applicants for Diversity Visa which is popularly known as Visa Lottery.
The Department observed that the scammers behind these fraudulent emails are posting as the U.S. government with the intention of extorting applicants.
Do not fall for them, you are advised to review the information, rules regulations, and procedures for the DV program so as to be aware of what to expect when to expect, and from whom to expect it.
