U.S. Embassy Announces New Visa Services Provider in Nigeria

In a new development for Nigerian visa applicants, the United States Embassy in Nigeria has revealed that a new visa services provider will commence operations in the country starting August 26, 2024.

This announcement was made public on the Embassy’s website on Wednesday, addressing widespread concerns over delayed appointment dates and reported racketeering at its Consulate General office in Lagos.

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos are moving to a new visa services provider on August 26, 2024,” the statement read.

The Embassy clarified that applicants who have already scheduled their appointments will lose access to the U.S. travel website from August 16, 2024. This restriction means applicants will be unable to cancel or reschedule their appointments after this date and will also be without customer service support.

“You should print your appointment confirmation letter before August 16, 2024, and we strongly encourage you to attend your visa interview if possible. If you fail to appear for your scheduled interview, please check here on or after August 26, 2024, for instructions on rescheduling your appointment,” the Embassy advised.

The announcement also mentioned that a “new visa appointment website” will be launched on August 26 to improve the visa services process.

Nigerians applying for U.S. visas have frequently voiced frustrations over securing appointment dates, despite having paid the necessary visa fees. This change aims to address and alleviate these issues, offering a more streamlined and accessible service for all applicants.