The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced a significant overhaul of its immigrant visa application procedure, requiring Nigerian applicants to complete two mandatory in-person visits to the Lagos Consulate General starting January 1, 2025.

Under the new directive, applicants will now navigate a more structured visa application process designed to streamline documentation and reduce processing delays. The embassy outlined two critical stages for immigrant visa candidates:

First Visit: In-Person Document Review

Applicants must first undergo a comprehensive document verification with a consular staff member. This initial screening allows candidates to identify and retrieve any missing documentation before their formal visa interview, potentially preventing future application complications.

Second Visit: Formal Visa Interview

The second mandatory visit will be the actual visa interview, conducted by a Consular officer. The National Visa Center will schedule this critical appointment, with a clear warning that failure to complete the initial document review could result in interview rescheduling.

"This new process is designed to help applicants prepare thoroughly and prevent significant delays in immigrant visa processing," the embassy stated in its official announcement.

The changes reflect the embassy's commitment to improving administrative efficiency and reducing bureaucratic obstacles for Nigerian visa applicants. By implementing a two-step verification process, the US Embassy aims to create a more transparent and predictable immigration application experience.

Applicants are advised to carefully review the new requirements and ensure they have all necessary documentation before scheduling their visits to the Lagos Consulate General.