Why U.S. Embassy Suspended Visa Waiver Program for Nigerians

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has stated its reasons for suspending the U.S visa interview waiver programme for renewals, also known as the “Dropbox” process.

In a statement made by the Embassy on Tuesday, the U.S Mission explained that it is taking this step to provide more efficient customer service and promote legitimate travel.

The new development connotes that Nigerians must apply online and appear in-person at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or U.S. Consulate General in Lagos to submit their application for review.

The mission disclosed that the suspension would take effect immediately at the close of business on Tuesday May 14, adding that it would no longer accept visa applications by DHL in Nigeria.

The mission however assured those that have already submitted their passports to DHL for processing for the programme in Lagos and Abuja that they would not be affected by the development.

It further said that the processes for diplomatic and official (A, G, and NATO class) visa will not change as the new procedure only affects non-immigrant visa applicants who apply from Nigeria.

Below is the statement from the U.S Mission to Nigeria:

Effective at the close of business today, Tuesday, May 14, 2019, the U.S. Mission to Nigeria is indefinitely suspending interview waivers for renewals, otherwise known as the “Dropbox” process.

Visa applications will no longer be accepted by DHL in Nigeria. Those who have already submitted their passports via “Dropbox” to DHL for processing either at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the Consulate General in Lagos, will not be impacted by this change.

All applicants in Nigeria seeking a Non-immigrant visa to the United States must apply online and will be required to appear in person at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or U.S. Consulate General in Lagos to submit their application for review.

Applicants must appear at the location they specified when applying for the visa renewal.

Processing of diplomatic and official (A, G, and NATO class) visa applications will continue unchanged.

Mission Nigeria’s processing procedures are regularly reviewed in order to assess our ability to quickly, efficiently, and securely process visa applications.

The U.S. Mission is taking this step to provide more efficient customer service and promote legitimate travel and will continue to facilitate applications of established travellers to the best of its ability.

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