U.S. Embassy in Nigeria to Introduce New Visa Services Provider

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has announced that it will switch to a new visa services provider starting on August 26, 2024. This change comes in response to numerous complaints from visa applicants about long wait times for appointment dates and issues with the consulate general office in Lagos.
The embassy made the announcement on its official website on Wednesday, explaining the reasons behind this significant change.

The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos will begin using the new visa services provider on August 26. This change is part of the embassy’s efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the visa application process. The embassy hopes that the new provider will address many of the concerns raised by applicants, including long wait times and difficulties in scheduling appointments.

Applicants should be aware that from August 16, 2024, they will no longer have access to the current U.S. travel website to manage their visa appointments. This means that from that date onward, you will not be able to cancel or reschedule your visa appointment, nor will you have access to customer service for any issues related to your appointment. To avoid problems, it is crucial that you print your appointment confirmation letter before August 16.

The embassy strongly encourages applicants to attend their scheduled visa interviews if possible. If you miss your interview, you will need to check the new instructions on the updated website starting on August 26, 2024, for information on how to reschedule your appointment.

The new visa appointment website, which will go live on August 26, aims to streamline the visa application process and provide a better user experience. The embassy believes that this change will help reduce the issues applicants have faced and make it easier to manage visa appointments.

Many Nigerians who have applied for U.S. visas have expressed frustration over difficulties in securing appointment dates, even after paying the required visa fees. These complaints have highlighted the need for improvements in the visa application system, which the embassy hopes to address with this transition to a new service provider.

The embassy’s decision to switch providers reflects a commitment to enhancing the visa application process and addressing the concerns of applicants. By introducing a new system, the embassy aims to make it easier for Nigerians to apply for U.S. visas and ensure a smoother and more efficient experience for everyone involved.

As the transition period approaches, it is important for all visa applicants to stay informed about these changes and follow the instructions provided by the embassy. Keeping track of updates and ensuring you have the necessary documents will help you navigate the new system more effectively.

Starting August 26, 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria will be using a new visa services provider. The current website will no longer be available from August 16, so make sure to print your appointment confirmation and attend your interview if possible. If you miss your interview, you will need to follow the new instructions on the updated website for rescheduling. The embassy hopes that this change will improve the visa application process and address the concerns that applicants have raised.