The United States Consulate has announced that there would not be interviews for Nigerian students seeking renewal of visas.
This was contained in a statement sent by the US Consulate office to Okay.ng on Thursday.
According to the statement, this exemption will have students meet some criteria.
“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,” the statement said.
“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, you’ll be able to drop off your passport at a DHL location in Lagos, on a date and time you schedule using the Consulate’s online booking system.
“The U.S. Mission in Nigeria is committed to returning your passport to you within two weeks from your appointment date and will prioritize any required follow up interviews. 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 ; and A receipt for your I-901 SEVIS fee.”
Furthermore, the US Consulate office said: “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 Consulate however gave outlines for students who do not meet the above requirements on how to go on their visa renewal.
It said, “Applicants who do not meet the above criteria should visit and schedule a regular appointment at www.ustraveldocs.com/ng.”