Nigerian scholars pursuing studies in the US on an F1 or academic J1 visa who wish to travel back to Nigeria during the holiday or winter recess may have the chance to renew their student visas without needing to attend an interview, as per the United States of America.
In a declaration released publicly on Wednesday, the US Embassy in Nigeria shared this information.
What is F-1 student visa
A non-immigrant visa referred to as the F-1 student visa allows international students to enter the US and enroll in institutions accredited by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Conversely, the J-1 exchange visitor visa is designed for educational and cultural exchange programs that have received authorization from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State.
The US mission indicated that to qualify for this process, students must be physically located in Nigeria and be renewing a student visa that is presently valid or has lapsed within the previous 24 months.
It was remarked that the renewal should involve either continuing in the same primary field of study or registering at the same institution even if the primary field of study differs.
Students can submit their passports at a DHL outlet in Lagos at a time and date of their preference by arranging a no-interview student visa renewal appointment, as stated by the consulate. This appointment can be established using the online booking system.
“The U.S. Mission in Nigeria is dedicated to returning your passport to you within two weeks from your appointment date and will prioritize any necessary follow-up interviews. To arrange a no-interview student visa renewal appointment, visit www.ustraveldocs.com/ng and follow the guidelines,” the US Mission explained.
Remember that the No-interview U.S. visa renewal services commenced at the US Consulate General in Nigeria in February 2022 to assist non-immigrant visa seekers in Nigeria who qualify to renew their visas.
However, the Public Affairs Section of the United States Diplomatic Mission remarked that there would initially be a limit on the number of eligible applicants who can utilize the new procedures.
The new guideline specified that the no-interview visa renewal process would initiate in February at the American Consulate in Lagos and subsequently be expanded to the American Embassy in Abuja.
