CEM REPORT, EDUCATION | The United States Consulate General in Nigeria has disclosed that Nigerians currently studying in the United States on F1 or academic J1 visas may be eligible to renew their student visas without an interview when they return to Nigeria for the winter break.
The U.S. Consulate in Nigeria stated that to qualify for this procedure, you must be physically in Nigeria, renewing a student visa that is still valid or has expired within the past 24 months.
According to a statement issued by the Press Office, Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General on Wednesday, titled “No-Interview Student Visa Renewals Available Now”, eligibility is for students renewing 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.”
Also, the statement notes that by scheduling a no-interview student visa renewal appointment, “you’ll be able to drop off your passport at a DHL location in Lagos, on a date and time you schedule using the Consulate’s online booking system.”
The Consulate reiterated that the U.S. Mission in Nigeria is committed to returning passports within two weeks from the appointment date, adding that it will prioritise any required follow-up interviews.
“To schedule, a no-interview student visa renewal appointment go to www.ustraveldocs.com/ng and follow the instructions.
“On the day and time of your scheduled appointment, visit a designated DHL facility to drop off your application with the following documents: A printout of your submission letter (printed from www.ustraveldocs.com/ng).
“A DS-160 completed in the last six months. An approved I-20. A receipt for your I-901 SEVIS fee.
“Your 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 statement added, “Scheduled applicants who qualify for the no-interview student visa renewal based on the above criteria can cancel their appointments and re-apply at this link. 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 centre.
“If you do not qualify for a no-interview student visa renewal, please do not cancel your appointment.”
For those who do not meet the above criteria, it provides the following steps:
“Applicants who do not meet the above criteria should visit and schedule a regular appointment at www.ustraveldocs.com/ng.
For family or dependents who do not meet the requirements, the statement notes that such should schedule a regular appointment.
“If someone in your family or group does not meet the qualifications above, they must schedule a regular appointment. 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.
“To remove a dependent that does not qualify for a student renewal from your profile, please follow these steps: Log in to the primary applicant’s profile, Click New Scheduling Appointment, and Follow the steps until your reach Step 6.
“At Step 6, check for the dependent’s information and click “x” to remove the dependent from the primary applicants’ profile.”
