US embassy lists criteria for resumed Drop Box service
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Nigerians who qualify for Drop Box service which allows them to renew their United States visas without attending an interview can now do so at the US Consulate on Victoria Island, Lagos.
“Applicants who meet the criteria may apply in Lagos until the service is extended to Abuja.
“Please note that only one member of the family unit is required to drop-off the application documents; children are not required to come drop-off in person,” the US Mission explained.
“Processing may take up to two months. Although we anticipate most cases will be processed within a few weeks, once you submit your travel documents, we will be unable to return these to you until your case has been completed.”
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Eligibility criteria
The US Mission expanded its visa services to assist non-immigrant visa applicants in Nigeria who qualify to renew their visas.
It says one may be eligible for a visa renewal without an interview if your application is for a B1/B2, F, M, J (academic only), H, L or C1/D (combined only) visa and you meet each of the following criteria:
- Your previous visa was issued in Nigeria.
- Your previous visa is in the same classification as your current application.
- Your previous visa was a full validity, multiple entry visa.
- Your previous visa expired within the last 24 months or will expire in the next 3 months from the date of application.
- You have all your passports covering the entire period since receiving the previous visa and the passport with the most recent visa.
- You have never been arrested or convicted of any crime or offense in the United States, even if you later received a waiver or pardon.
- You have never worked without authorisation or remained beyond your permitted time in the United States.
- If you haven’t already paid the visa fee, you’ll need to pay online or in cash at a GTBank before scheduling to apply to renew your visa.
- If you are qualified based on the above criteria, visit https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng to start your application.
- Login to the account using the information you used the last time you made a visa appointment or create a profile.
- Select Nonimmigrant Visa Application, New Application/Schedule Appointment, and Visa Renewal without Interview.
- Fill in your information and add any family members who are applying who also meet all the eligibility criteria. (Each applicant must individually meet the criteria; minors can apply without an interview only if they meet the eligibility criteria on their own.)
- Answer a series of questions to determine eligibility for the program.
- If eligible, schedule a date and time to submit your documents to the U.S. Consulate in Lagos (for February appointments) or the U.S. Embassy in Abuja (starting in March).
- Gather the required documents as outlined on the appointment letter and present them at your drop-off appointment time.
- Your passport will be returned by DHL with your visa, if your application is approved, or with a letter telling you the next steps to complete your application.
- Please see our website at https://ng.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/ for further information and to monitor changes in processing times.
The notice added:
Emergency appointments
“If you have a life-or-death emergency, you may request an expedited, in-person interview, however, to accommodate No-Interview Visa Renewals, appointments will be very limited.
“Business travel, conferences, weddings, and graduations are not considered emergencies.
“If you have an emergency and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng or +234-1-227-8955 to request an emergency appointment.
Special note
“Third parties unaffiliated with U.S. Embassy Abuja and Consulate General Lagos may seek to take advantage of various visa services to target visa applicants with fraudulent offers or claims.
“Applicants should fill out their own forms and make their appointments themselves via the official websites.
“As future opportunities for Interview Waiver appointments become available, they will be communicated via our website.
“Remember to rely on information only from genuine sources: https://travel.state.gov https://ng.usembassy.gov/visas/ and https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng
“Avoid becoming the victim of a scam!”