U.S. Visa Appointment Available Dates In Nigeria
U.S. Embassy in Abuja and U.S. Consulate General in Lagos Transition to New Visa Service Provider: Key Information for Applicants
On August 26, 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos will switch to a new visa services provider, bringing changes to how nonimmigrant visa appointments are scheduled and managed. Here’s everything you need to know about how this will impact your U.S. visa application, including important deadlines and next steps.
What Does This Transition Mean for You?
If you have a scheduled nonimmigrant visa interview, your appointment is still valid. However, there are key dates and changes to keep in mind depending on when your interview is scheduled and whether you have completed all necessary payments.
If Your Visa Interview is Scheduled On or Before August 16, 2024
- Action Required: No additional action is needed.
- Account Access: You can continue to access your account on ustraveldocs.com to review appointment details and contact customer service.
If Your Visa Interview is Scheduled Between August 16 and August 26, 2024
- Action Required: No further steps are required, but account access on ustraveldocs.com will end on August 16, 2024.
- Recommendations:
- Print your appointment confirmation letter before August 16 to ensure you have all necessary details on hand.
- Attend your interview as scheduled, as rescheduling options may be delayed.
- If you cannot attend your interview, check the new visa services website after August 26 for instructions on how to reschedule.
If Your Visa Interview is Scheduled for August 26, 2024, or Later
- Action Required: No immediate steps are necessary, but you will lose account access on ustraveldocs.com after August 16, 2024.
- Recommendations:
- Print your appointment confirmation letter before August 16 to avoid issues during the transition.
- Starting on August 26, visit the new visa services website to create a new user account to manage your appointment and access customer service.
If You Have Paid the Visa Application Fee But Not Scheduled an Interview
- Action Required: Schedule your appointment as soon as possible.
- Considerations: Refer to the information above for guidelines based on your interview date.
If You Have Not Paid the Visa Application Fee
- For Travel in August 2024: It’s strongly recommended to pay the fee and schedule an interview as soon as possible to avoid delays.
- For Travel After August 26, 2024: You may prefer to wait until the new system goes live on August 26 to begin the application process.
Important Dates to Remember
- August 8, 2024: Last day to pay visa fees in cash at the bank.
- August 15, 2024: Final day to access your ustraveldocs.com account for fee payments, appointment scheduling, and customer support.
- August 21, 2024: Last day to drop off documents at Premium Delivery locations.
- August 23, 2024: Last day to submit documents at standard courier locations for delivery to the Embassy or Consulate.
- August 26, 2024: The new visa appointment website will be live, offering fee payment, appointment scheduling, and customer service along with updated document drop-off and pickup locations.
Transitioning to the New Visa Appointment System
From August 26, 2024, all applicants will need to use the new visa services website to manage their appointments and access customer support. This transition is part of a broader effort by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos to improve the visa application process, aiming for a more efficient and streamlined experience.
After this date, all users will need to create a new account on the updated platform to access appointment details, make changes, and contact customer service.
What You Should Do Before August 16, 2024
To ensure a smooth transition, all applicants are encouraged to:
- Print their appointment confirmation letter if they have scheduled interviews, particularly if their appointments fall between August 16 and August 26.
- Schedule interviews promptly if fees are already paid.
- Be mindful of the final document drop-off dates if submitting additional paperwork.
Stay Updated
For the latest updates, continue to monitor the official websites of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos. After August 26, check the new visa services site for updates, account creation instructions, and access to customer service options.