US embassy changes visa services (online) provider to expedient action on applications
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Visa services provider (website) for the United States embassy in Abuja and the US Consulate General in Lagos will change from 26 August 2024, the embassy has announced.
The change will affect how nonimmigrant visa applications are handled though current appointments remain valid.
No action is needed for interviews scheduled on or before August 16. Applicants can continue to access their accounts at ustraveldocs.com to review appointment details and contact customer service if needed, the embassy explained.
For interviews scheduled between August 16 and August 26, applicants will lose access to their ustraveldocs.com accounts after August 16. It stressed the need to print the appointment confirmation letter before this date.
The embassy also said.
- Attendance at interview is strongly encouraged. If you miss the interview, instructions for rescheduling will be available after August 26.
- For interviews scheduled on or after August 26, post-August 16, access to the ustraveldocs.com account will be terminated.
- Beginning August 26, a new visa services website will launch. Applicants will need to create a new account to review information, make changes, submit requests, or contact customer service.
- Print your appointment confirmation letter before August 16 to avoid technical issues with the new account setup.
Visa fees and appointment scheduling
If the Visa Application Fee is paid but no interview is scheduled – Schedule an appointment as soon as possible and follow the guidelines based on your interview date.
If the Visa Application Fee is unpaid and traveling in August 2024 – Pay the fee and schedule an appointment promptly, referring to the guidelines provided.
If the MRV Fee is Unpaid and Traveling After August 26 – Consider waiting until after August 26 to initiate the visa process.
Visa dates
August 8, 2024 – Final day to pay visa fees in cash at the bank.
August 15 – Last day to access ustraveldocs.com for online fee payments, appointment scheduling, and customer service.
August 21 – Deadline for dropping off documents at Premium Delivery locations.
August 23 – Last day to drop off documents at regular courier locations.
August 26 – The new visa appointment website goes live with updated services including fee payments, appointment scheduling, and new document drop-off locations.
Commitment to clear up visa application issues
US embassy Chargé d’Affaires David Greene recently affirmed in Abuja the embassy’s commitment to resolving visa application issues.
“The demand for visa appointments exceeds the supply, but we want to reassure the public that appointments are available, and we are actively working to address this challenge,” he said.
“This year alone, we have conducted over 150,000 interviews with Nigerians, including 30,000 with students, providing ample opportunities for US visa applications.”
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