Nigerian students studying in the US on an F1 or J1 academic visa can now renew their visas without an interview.
The US mission in Nigeria announced the development on Wednesday.
“To qualify for this procedure, you must be physically in Nigeria, renewing a student visa that is still valid or has expired within the last 24 months,” he said.
He added that students must renew their visa to continue participating in the same major course of study, even if they are at a different institution; or attend the same institution even if you are on a different major course of study.
“By scheduling a student visa renewal appointment without an interview, you will be able to drop off your passport at a DHL location in Lagos, on the date and time you schedule using the Consulate’s online booking system,” the US said.
Students’ passport will be returned to them within two weeks of their appointment date and any required follow-up interviews will be given priority.
How to schedule an interview
To schedule a student visa renewal appointment without an interview, students were asked to go to www.ustraveldocs.com/ng and follow the instructions.
Per the US, on the day and time of the student’s scheduled appointment, students must visit a designated DHL facility to drop off their application.
The following documents must accompany the application; a printed copy of the cover letter (printed from www.ustraveldocs.com/ng); aDS-160 completed within the last six months; an approved I-20; and an I-901 SEVIS fee receipt.
Others include, a passport containing the expired student visa (if that passport has expired, a current valid passport must be included) and a passport photograph taken within the last six months that meets these requirements.
Additionally, individuals, including dependents, who do not qualify for the visa without interview must schedule a regular appointment at www.ustraveldocs.com/ng.
“Each applicant must meet the requirements individually,” said the US.
However, applicants who have been scheduled for an appointment but qualify for the student without interview may cancel their appointments and reapply.
“During the rescheduling process, you will be asked questions to confirm eligibility for the student renewal program and you will be provided with instructions on how to submit the application through the document delivery center,” it added.
Applicants who do not qualify for a student visa renewal without an interview are advised not to cancel their appointment.
How to remove an ineligible dependent
To remove a dependent who does not qualify for a student renewal from their profiles, applicants were asked to follow these steps:
1. Log in to the lead applicant’s profile
2. Click New Schedule Appointment
3. Follow the steps until you reach Step 6.
4. In Step 6, verify the dependent information and click “x” to remove the dependent from the primary applicants profile.
