The embassy of the United States of America in Nigeria has announced a no-interview student visa renewal for Nigerians studying in the U.S.
In a statement by Press Office, the Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Lagos, Nigeria, the country said only students physically present in Nigeria would qualify for this procedure.
According to the statement: “If you are currently studying in the United States on an F1 or academic J1 visa, you may be eligible to renew your student visa without an interview when you return to Nigeria over the winter break.
“To qualify for this procedure, you must be physically in Nigeria, renewing a student visa that is still valid or has expired within the past 24 months and are renewing your visa either to: (a) continue participation in the same major course of study even if at a different institution; or (b) attend the same institution even if in a different major course of study.”
By scheduling a no-interview student visa renewal appointment, students would be able to drop off their passport at a DHL location in Lagos, on a date and time they schedule using the Consulate’s online booking system, the embassy said.
It added: “To schedule a no-interview student visa renewal appointment, go to www.ustraveldocs.com/ng and follow the instructions.
“On the day and time of your scheduled appointment, visit a designated DHL facility to drop off your application with the following documents: A printout of your submission letter (printed from www.ustraveldocs.com/ng), A DS-160 completed in the last six months, An approved I-20, A receipt for your I-901 SEVIS fee, Your passport containing the expired student visa (if that passport has expired, a current valid passport must be included), A passport photograph taken in the last six months meeting these requirements.”
The embassy, however, said applicants who do not meet those criteria should visit and schedule a regular appointment at www.ustraveldocs.com/ng.
“If someone in your family or group does not meet the qualifications above, they must schedule a regular appointment. Each applicant must meet the qualifications individually,” it said.