Immigrant visa applicants with interviews scheduled at the U.S. Consulate in Lagos will now be required to visit the consulate twice as part of a new procedure aimed at streamlining the visa process and reducing delays.
The U.S. Department of State’s Consular Affairs department announced that the change, effective for applicants with interviews after January 1, 2025, is intended to ensure applicants are fully prepared for their visa interviews and to prevent issues that could cause significant delays. This new requirement will impact all applicants seeking immigrant visas to the United States.
The first visit to the consulate will be an In-Person Document Review, where a consular staff member will verify that the applicant has all the necessary documentation and is fully prepared for the visa interview. This appointment will be scheduled by the consulate two to four weeks before the interview, and no additional appointment is required. The consulate will notify applicants directly about the date for this visit.
The second visit will be for the actual visa interview, which will be scheduled by the National Visa Center. If an applicant fails to attend the In-Person Document Review before the interview, they will need to reschedule their appointment.
All immigrant visa applicants must complete a medical exam with an accredited physician. The exam will include a review of medical history, a physical exam, chest X-rays, and blood tests. Additionally, tuberculosis testing is mandatory for applicants over the age of two. Applicants must also be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before undergoing the medical exam; those who are not vaccinated will be unable to proceed with the exam.
Applicants will need to bring a variety of documents to both the In-Person Document Review and the visa interview, including a valid passport, birth certificates, medical records, and police certificates (for applicants over 16). Additional documents may be required depending on the type of visa being applied for, such as proof of relationship for family-based visas or employment verification for employment-based visas.
After the visa interview, a consular officer will make a decision on the application. If the visa is approved, applicants will be informed when it is ready for pickup. It is important that applicants wait for this notification before making any travel plans.
These changes apply only to immigrant visa applicants, and those applying are encouraged to follow the instructions provided by the U.S. Consulate. For more information, applicants should visit the consulate’s official website.
