According to the United States Mission in Nigeria, existing students in the United States on an F1 or academic J1 visa may be able to renew their student visa without an interview when they return to Nigeria during the winter break.
This was revealed in a statement released on Wednesday.
According to the mission, to qualify for this procedure, a student must be physically in Nigeria, renewing a student visa that was still valid or had expired within the previous 24 months, and the renewal must be for either: continuing participation in the same major course of study even if at a different institution; or attending the same institution even if in a different major course of study.
It was said that by organizing a no-interview student visa renewal appointment, students would be able to drop off their passports at a DHL site in Lagos on a day and time chosen 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 prioritise any required follow up interviews.
- A printout of the submission letter (printed from www.ustraveldocs.com/ng)
- A DS-160 completed in the last six months
- An approved I-20
- A receipt for their I-901 SEVIS fee
- The passport containing the expired student visa (if that passport has expired, a current valid passport must be included) and;
- A passport photograph taken in the last six months meeting these requirements.
The mission also said that applicants who do not meet the above criteria should visit and schedule a regular appointment at www.ustraveldocs.com/ng, noting that each applicant must meet the qualifications individually.
“For instance, we cannot accept a renewal for a child if the parent is the only one who qualifies under the guidelines. In that case, the child would need to schedule an appointment and come to the Embassy or Consulate for an interview.
“During the rescheduling process, you will be asked questions confirming eligibility for the student renewal program and be provided instructions on how to submit the application through the document delivery center,” the mission said in the statement.
