By Izuchukwu Okosi
NIGERIAN students wishing to travel to the United States of America for studies have reason to be excited as the U. S. Mission has announced that it will be expanding its operations in a bid to serve the student population in Nigeria.
The new student visa application will start on November 24, 2021 in Lagos and Abuja in a two-fold procedures for students who need to renew their student visas to continue their education.
There will also be a series if dedicated interview days for prospective new students.
The U. S Consulate as reported by Ustravelsdocs said: “You may be eligible for a priority student visa interview slot if you are a prospective student seeking an F1 visa appointment and you have not been refused an F1 visa in the past six months.
“We encourage all students to submit the documents listed below as soon as possible to take advantage of this limited opportunity. Please note that in order to schedule as many qualified and interested students as possible, we are unable to accommodate any requests to reschedule your appointment,” the website further informed.
Abuja-based students were provided with the following information: “Abuja applicants: Abuja student surge days will take place on December 8, December 15, and January 12.
These surge days will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
To make an appointment in Abuja, visit www.ustraveldocs.com/ng and review the criteria and instructions to request an emergency student visa interview, and prepare the below documents: A completed DS-160 An approved I-20, A receipt for your I-901 SEVIS fee, A GTBank (MRV) receipt for your visa fee, A scan of the biopage of your current valid passport and A scan of your passport photograph meeting these requirements Lagos applicants have similar update:
“Bring all of the following to the U.S. Consulate in Lagos at 12:30-1:00pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, between November 25 and January 5:
“A completed DS-160 , An approved I-20 , A receipt for your I-901 SEVIS fee A GTBank (MRV) receipt for your visa fee.
“Your passport containing the expired student visa (if that passport is expired, a current valid passport is also required) A passport photograph meeting these requirements, Proof of continued full-time enrollment (such as transcripts, tuition payment, etc.)
There is an opening for ‘Returning Student Visa Applications’ “If you are currently studying in the United States, you may be eligible for a special application procedure.
“To qualify for this procedure, you must be 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.
“For more information pertaining to student visa requirements, prospective students are advised to visit the dedicated website: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-niv-typefandm.asp. For questions regarding these initiatives, please contact LagosNIV@state.gov.”