How to Apply for US Visa in Nigeria: The Ultimate Guide

Are you a Nigerian dreaming of visiting the United States? The approval rate for US visa applications in Nigeria is typically around 40%, but some steps can help you increase your chances of success.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to apply for a US visa in Nigeria. This includes the correct procedures, precise application process, types of US visas, costs, payment options, and other vital details you should know.

So whether you're planning a vacation, a business trip, or studies, read on for everything you need to know about getting your US visa approved! Let's get started by discussing the various U.S Visas.

Types of US Visa

The US Visa is in two categories:

Non-immigrant Visas:

B-1/B-2 (Visitor Visa): These are for individuals traveling briefly to the United States for business (B-1) or pleasure (B-2), such as tourism, attending conferences, or receiving medical attention.
F-1 (Student Visa): If you, as an overseas student, are enrolled in a U.S. university, you'll require this visa. It enables you to work on campus while you study and do internships.
The M-1 (Vocational Student Visa): This visa is comparable to the F-1 but is only for programs that are not academic or vocational. If you're seeking a technical or trade education, it's ideal.
H-1B (Specialty Occupation Visa): This visa is for highly qualified individuals with specific training or degrees employed by U.S. businesses in industries like technology, science, or engineering.
L-1 (Intra-company Transfer Visa): This visa enables managers, executives, or specialist personnel to transfer between offices if your firm operates in your home country and the U.S.
J-1 (Exchange Visitor Visa): This visa covers a range of activities, from studying to teaching, if you're participating in educational, cultural, or scientific exchange programs.
(Extraordinary Ability Visa): This category is for people who excel in their fields, whether in the arts, sciences, business, education, or sports. The best of the best are invited.
P Visas (Athletes, Artists, Entertainers): These are for athletes, artists, or entertainers who have achieved international acclaim, as well as the members of their support staff.
If you're engaged to a citizen of the United States and want to wed there, you may qualify for the K-1 (Fiancé(e) Visa).
Treaty Trader/Investor E Visas: These are for investors and traders from nations with treaties with the United States.

Immigrant Visas:

IR (Immediate Relative Visa): This category includes spouses, kids, and parents of U.S. citizens.
F Visas (Family Preference Visa): These are for relatives of Lawful Permanent Residents and more distant relatives of U.S. citizens, such as siblings.
E Visas (Employment-Based Visas): These are available to individuals who have received job offers from U.S. companies. They range from investors to high-priority employees.
DV (Diversity Visa): Also referred to as the "Green Card Lottery," this type of visa is for nationals of nations with low rates of immigration to the United States.

US Visa Application Requirements

Here's a detailed summary of the U.S. Visa requirements:

DS-160 Application: This online form, which you, as a nonimmigrant visa applicant, must complete, asks for your personal and travel information.
Valid Passport: To ensure a seamless entry and leave, your passport should be valid for at least six months before your expected stay in the United States.
Photograph: A current photograph that complies with U.S. visa requirements and has a specific size.
Application Fee: A $185 fee is required. Even if your application is denied, it cannot be refunded. (More about this in the sections below)
Social Media Details: A snapshot of your online persona; contains platform-specific account names, contact information (phone numbers, emails, and five-year history), and more.
Translations: Any document written in a language other than English or an official language requires a certified translation for accuracy.

Supporting documents include:

Previous USA Visas: If you have your old passport or visa, document your prior visits to the United States.
Invitation Letter: This letter, signed by a U.S. resident or citizen, expresses the person's readiness to host or assist you in the country.
Travel Itinerary: This gives you a preview of your travel itinerary for the United States, including flight information.
Accommodation Proof: Evidence of your intended place of lodging, whether a hotel or a relative's home, or evidence that you can afford lodging.
Sponsorship Documents: If a U.S. citizen sponsors your trip, you must provide a commitment letter and the person's financial and job information.
Property Documents: Owning property outside the United States is viewed as a connection to your country of origin. Photos and ownership documentation support this assertion.
Employment/Professional Documents: These give background information about your career, such as your present position, company information, or retirement status.
Family Documents: Important for proving relationships with relatives inside or outside the United States, such as birth or marriage certificates.
Physician's Letter: Before your trip, you must have a medical examination to ensure that you are in good health to travel

Visa-Specific requirements:

Study Visas: If you're traveling to the United States to study, you must show that a reputable U.S. institution has accepted you and that you've paid the SEVIS I-901 fee.
Work Visas: Depending on the type of employment, you must provide credentials, a job offer from the United States, your resume, letters of recommendation from prior employers, and any necessary licenses.

How to Apply for US Visa From Nigeria

Fill out the DS-160 form: You must finish the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form before making an appointment. You'll get a DS-160 confirmation page with a barcode after submitting. Print this confirmation, then save it.
Pay the Visa Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee depending on the visa category. Online payments, cash at specific banks, and bank transfers are all acceptable forms of payment. (More about this in the section below)
Create a profile on the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website. Visit the Nigerian section of the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website. Using your email address and password, create a profile.
To schedule an appointment: sign in to your profile and follow these steps:
- On the dashboard, click "Schedule Appointment."
- Select your visa category.
- Key in the confirmation code for the DS-160.
- Decide which U.S. embassy or consulate you want to apply at (Abuja or Lagos).
- Pick an open time and date for your appointment.
Prepare for the Interview: provide the necessary paperwork, such as:
- A valid Nigerian passport
- A confirmation sheet for the DS-160 application
- A receipt for the application cost
- A passport photo that complies with U.S. requirements.
- Any further paperwork is needed for your particular visa type.
Attend the Interview: Report to the American embassy or consulate where your appointment was scheduled. Arrive early and make sure you have all the required paperwork. If your visa application is successful, you might be required to leave your passport after the interview. After that, you'll get information on how to pick up or have your visa delivered.

Cost of US Visas in Nigeria

The cost of US visas in Nigeria is as follows:

F1 Student visa: USD 185 (NGN 176,675)
B1/B2 Visitor and Business visa: USD 185 (NGN 176,675)

How to Pay US Visa Fee in Nigeria

Follow these simple steps to pay your US visa fee

Download the Pay4Me App from your Google Playstore or App Store.
After the app is installed, signup and login using your credentials.
Select "Payments" from the menu, and then "Visa fee."
A popup to choose your visa category will appear. Choose whether you want to go for education (F1 visa) or for fun and work (B1/B2 visa).
Complete the necessary payment information by entering your login or username, email, password, website link, and any other requested information.
Navigate to the payment area. You can pay in your home currency by card or direct bank transfer.
Check your email after everything has been completed. You will receive a confirmation email from the Pay4Me App informing you that the transaction was successful. Safe trip!

Conclusion

Though applying for a US visa in Nigeria can be difficult, following our guide will increase your chances of success. All the best to you!

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Apply for US Visa in Nigeria

Q1. How much is US visa fee in Nigeria?

The US visa fee in Nigeria costs are as follows

F1 Student visa: USD 185 (NGN 176,675)
B1/B2 Visitor and Business visa: USD 185 (NGN 176,675)

Q2. How do I get visa to USA from Nigeria?

To get a visa to the USA from Nigeria, start by filling out the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) forms for the appropriate type of visa.

Q3. What documents are required for US visa in Nigeria?

A US Visa application in Nigeria requires the following documents:

An online nonimmigrant DS-160 application form.
Your valid passport.
One photograph.
Receipt proving payment of $185 for a nonimmigrant US visa application.
Social media details.

Q4. How do I apply for a US visa for the first time?

To apply for a US visa for the first time, follow these steps

Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.
Pay the visa application fee.
Schedule your appointment on this web page. ...
Visit the U.S. Embassy on the date and time of your visa interview.

Q5. What is the fastest way to get a US visa?

The fastest way to get a US visa is by applying for an F2 visa.

Q6. Which US visa is easiest??

The easiest US visa to get is a "B" visitor visa.

Q7. How long does USA visa take?

A USA visa takes between two weeks and four months

Q8. What disqualifies you from getting a US visa?

You can be disqualified from getting a US visa due to current and/or past actions, such as drug or criminal activities.

Q9. How do you increase your chances of getting a US visa?

To increase your chances of getting a US Visa, you should do or have the following:

Your travel history – The more you travel, the more you position yourself for success in getting a US Visa.
Successfully answering the questions on the minds of the visa officer.
Having strong home ties.
A good financial situation.
Ability to read and follow instructions.