U.S expands eligibility period for nonimmigrant visa renewals for Nigerians
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria said it has expanded the eligibility period for nonimmigrant visa renewals from 24 months to 48 months.
In a statement, it said applicants whose previous U.S. visa expired within the last 48 months or will expire in the next three months may now qualify to renew their visa without an interview.
The U.S. Mission said it is also opening thousands of visa renewal appointments to assist applicants who wish to renew their visas.
It had earlier announced a “No-Interview Visa Renewal” for some categories of Nigerian applicants.
While reiterating that appointments for those who fell in such category were available now, it added those whose application is for a B1/B2, F, M, J (academic only), H, L or C1/D (combined only) visa may be eligible for a visa renewal without an interview.
The Mission also said applicants for this category must have their previous visa issued in Nigeria, the previous visa is in the same classification as their current application, the previous visa was a full validity, multiple entry visa and their previous visa expired within the last 48 months or will expire in the next three months from the date of application.
Applicants must also have all their passports covering the entire period since receiving the previous visa and the passport with the most recent visa, never been arrested or convicted of any crime or offence in the United States, even if they later received a waiver or pardon and have never worked without authorization or remained beyond their permitted time in the United States.
The Mission directed qualified applicants to visit https://www.ustraveldocs.com/
It however warned that processing times for the program are expected to be up to two months, adding that applicants would not be able to retrieve their passports during that time.
(Daily Trust)
