Another FAQ that we thought we'd answer for you:

How can I find out why I was denied a U.S. visa?
The letter applicants are given when they are denied a U.S. visa is all the information available. Consular Officers take into account as many factors as possible before making a decision, and all applicants are given equal consideration under the law.

Regards,
Abuja NIV Team

Sakasaka:
I obtained B1-B2 visa a year ago in Nigeria. I've visited the States and even married in the States to my long time girlfriend who is a dual citizen(German-American). We only got married in the States and since then we've been living in Germany and we are not planing to move to the U.S.
My questions are how do I go about renewal my U.S.visa when it expires, am I suppose to go back to Nigeria to reapply using drop box? Or I could apply for B1/B2 renewal over here in Germany because I have a resident permit as am married to her(she holds both German and American passports).
Like I said we have no plan to live in the States but we have plan to have our kids delivered in the U.S. We also have plan of going to the U.S. once or twice yearly for vacation during our holidays. I'm yet to obtain German citizenship we just got married eight months ago, going to the U.S. Temporarily as a couple or family either to give birth or for vacation would be hard for us because of me like I've heard it's hard for US citizen spouse to obtain non-immigrant visa. Please enlight me on what to do in the future when the time comes for me to reapply for B1/B2.

Dear Sakasaka,

You are able to apply for a visa at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the world, however, it is generally recommended that they apply in the country of their own nationality because they may have a better understanding of cultural nuances.

Another consideration may be that the applicant should apply in the consular district where they can demonstrate the strongest ties.


Regards,
Abuja NIV Team

Another FAQ that we thought we'd answer for you:

How can I find out why I was denied a U.S. visa?
The letter applicants are given when they are denied a U.S. visa is all the information available. Consular Officers take into account as many factors as possible before making a decision, and all applicants are given equal consideration under the law.

Regards,
Abuja NIV Team

Busconductor:
Good day,

Dear VO, I was interviewed at the Lagos consulate general on the 10th of June for an F-1 visa, and I was approved. I understand that there were some technical difficulties in printing visas but on the Facebook page of the department of state on consular affairs, it states that all embassies are now in full operation and that they would work over the weekend that just passed to clear the backlog.

But up till now, I haven't gotten any notifications that my visa is ready. And when I try tracking it, it says that there is no status update for my passport number.

Please I would like to know what the problem is and how soon the visas will be ready.

Yours faithfully.

Dear Busconductor-

Thank you for your question. We did work long hours over the last weekend processing all of the visa cases that had been approved. I cannot comment on your specific case, but if you were approved and you cannot get an update on your visa status using the information provided on your approval notice then you should contact your DHL office directly. They can tell you if they have your passport and visa waiting.

Regards,

Abuja NIV Team

Pls the VO, i have been offered admission in the one of the University in the USA(Ankasa State University) for pre-degree in business administration.

I want to know what preparation I should make to get my interview successful.

My interview date is 30th July.

Thanks

Another FAQ for Nairalanders,

Q: Can a visa fixer package increase my likelihood of receiving a visa?

A: The US Mission to Nigeria strongly discourages you from using visa fixers. Intentionally submitting false information either on the application itself or during the visa interview can lead to a permanent visa ineligibility. Never submit your application without reviewing it first for accuracy if you have had help filling it out.

Applicants who receive interview coaching by consultants should also be wary of such services. The end result is that every client from a particular consultant sounds exactly like one another. This diminishes credibility among those who memorize the “correct” answers and cannot hold free-flowing conversations with visa officers.


Regards,
Abuja NIV Team

AbubakarMA1:
Hello,
I asked last week, but i missed the answer. I have a valid US Visa and am planning a trip to Boston in September 2015. However, my passport expires in January 2016. Will i be allowed entry into the US with the same passport ? ‪#‎askconsular‬

Dear @AbubakarMA1,

The U.S. only requires that your passport is valid at time of entry. You may want to consider the passport validity requirements of any countries you are transiting, however.

Regards,

Abuja NIV Team

Thanks, thanks VO....

Will rephrase my questions and make them shorter, breaking them down in bits, just in case they are too long


(1) If an applicant has casually had applications for the DV in the past by some body, does this in any way mean (s)he has filed an Immigrant Visa Petition (because (s)he intends answering NO to that question in the DS-160 form filling - it seems to be an attempt to conceal info if I'm correct, though ignorantly in this case, considering your emphasis on being honest with you guys so far) or affect his/her chances for NIV (the immigrant intent presumption thing)?

Ever wondered, Nairaland?

Q: How can a consular officer make a decision so quickly? Why didn't they look at my documents?

A: Our consular officers are well trained. In a very short time, a consular officer has looked at several aspects of your case: your situation in your country of residence, your stated intent for going to the United States, your previous travel history, your financial situation, etc. Based on the unique circumstances of your case, the consular officer asks you the questions he/she deemed necessary, and weighed your answers to those questions with the specific facts of your case. The high volume of applications we receive demands that the consular officer examine your case only as far as necessary for him/her to determine whether you overcome the legal presumption of intending immigration to the United States.


Regards,
Abuja NIV Team

[right][/right]
I once applied for US visa sometimes ago in 2011 when I wanted to study in US and was denied. I did not even bother about it but last 2014 December my company applied for a tourist visa for me to follow my MD to a show and to close some deals with some of the business associates but was denied again based under section 214(b). This was supposed to affect my promotion.

Pls tell me the meaning of this section 214(b) under US laws and what are the things need to prepare for my chances.
Thanks

I applied for a B1/B2 visa his year for a training through the company i work since they are the sponsor for the trainning on 18th May and was denied, i re-applied a week later for 27th of May and was also denied. My company still felt i should reapply because of the importance of the training after contacting the school which i did for 2nd of June, 2015 and was also denied again. Then i asked the consular the reason which i could not spell out from the blue print paper considering the fact that the blue print paper had it that we could re-apply anytime, but she advised i apply again after 3month...90days precisely. I have a good Job, married with a kid which is a strong tie...Now my question, can i still apply and be given the visa for my vacation/leave considering the simultaneous applications i did and not being put to be desperate to get the visa. Thank you.

seunban:
Pls the VO, i have been offered admission in the one of the University in the USA(Ankasa State University) for pre-degree in business administration.

I want to know what preparation I should make to get my interview successful.

My interview date is 30th July.

Thanks

Dear seunban,

The most important thing you can do to prepare for your student visa interview is to ensure that you have the necessary paperwork (I-20), payment of your SEVIS fees, and be prepared to explain your educational plans, how you plan to pay for school, and why you have chosen this course of study.

Consular officers are trying to determine whether applicants are bona fide students with ties to their home country.


Regards,
Abuja NIV Team

DebsMed:
Thanks, thanks VO....

Will rephrase my questions and make them shorter, breaking them down in bits, just in case they are too long


(1) If an applicant has casually had applications for the DV in the past by some body, does this in any way mean (s)he has filed an Immigrant Visa Petition (because (s)he intends answering NO to that question in the DS-160 form filling - it seems to be an attempt to conceal info if I'm correct, though ignorantly in this case, considering your emphasis on being honest with you guys so far) or affect his/her chances for NIV (the immigrant intent presumption thing)?

Dear DebsMed,

Thank you for your question. If you entered the visa lottery and were called for an interview then you should disclose that on your DS-160. It is always better to provide the Consular Officer with as much information as possible in your DS-160. Having applied for DV in the past does not automatically preclude you from obtaining a non-immigrant visa today. However, you should be prepared to explain why you applied for the DV lottery and how your circumstances have changed if asked about that application by the Consular Officer.

Regards,

Abuja NIV Team

davidbeloveth:
[right][/right]
I once applied for US visa sometimes ago in 2011 when I wanted to study in US and was denied. I did not even bother about it but last 2014 December my company applied for a tourist visa for me to follow my MD to a show and to close some deals with some of the business associates but was denied again based under section 214(b). This was supposed to affect my promotion.

Pls tell me the meaning of this section 214(b) under US laws and what are the things need to prepare for my chances.
Thanks

Dear @davidbeloveth,

Section 214(b) is part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It states:
Every alien shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant status...

Our consular officers have a difficult job. They must decide in a very short time if someone is qualified to receive a temporary visa. Most cases are decided after a brief interview and review of whatever evidence of ties an applicant presents. To qualify for a visitor or student visa, an applicant must meet the requirements of sections 101(a)(15)(B) or (F) of the INA respectively. Failure to do so will result in a refusal of a visa under INA 214(b). The most frequent basis for such a refusal concerns the requirement that the prospective visitor or student possess a residence abroad he/she has no intention of abandoning. Applicants prove the existence of such residence by demonstrating that they have ties abroad that would compel them to leave the U.S. at the end of the temporary stay. The law places this burden of proof on the applicant.

Regards,
Abuja NIV Team

Tolusheke:
I applied for a B1/B2 visa his year for a training through the company i work since they are the sponsor for the trainning on 18th May and was denied, i re-applied a week later for 27th of May and was also denied. My company still felt i should reapply because of the importance of the training after contacting the school which i did for 2nd of June, 2015 and was also denied again. Then i asked the consular the reason which i could not spell out from the blue print paper considering the fact that the blue print paper had it that we could re-apply anytime, but she advised i apply again after 3month...90days precisely. I have a good Job, married with a kid which is a strong tie...Now my question, can i still apply and be given the visa for my vacation/leave considering the simultaneous applications i did and not being put to be desperate to get the visa. Thank you.

Dear Tolusheke,

You are eligible to re-apply at any time, but we do not recommend that you re-apply within 90 days. It is also unlikely that a Consular officer’s decision will change unless your situation has changed.

During each interview the Consular officer will review several aspects of your case including your situation in your country of residence, your stated intent for going to the United States, your previous travel history, your financial situation, etc. Based on the unique circumstances of your case, the consular officer asks you the questions he/she deemed necessary, and weighed your answers to those questions with the specific facts of your case.

Acceptance in your company’s training program may play a factor, but will not ultimately result in issuance of a U.S. visa.


Regards,
Abuja NIV Team

Does

Time for another FAQ:

Q: I've heard that very few Nigerians are approved for US visas. Is that true?
A: Actually, most applicants in Nigeria who apply for visas are successful!


Regards,
Abuja NIV Team

abujaniv:


Dear Sakasaka,

You are able to apply for a visa at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the world, however, it is generally recommended that they apply in the country of their own nationality because they may have a better understanding of cultural nuances.

Another consideration may be that the applicant should apply in the consular district where they can demonstrate the strongest ties.


Regards,
Abuja NIV Team

Thank you so much Abuja NIV Team for your quick response. My other question is can a U.S. Citizen spouse obtain B1/B2? In my own case my spouse is living outside of the U.S. for more than 8years now and we planning going one or twice yearly for giving birth or spend our vacation.

Thank you so very much.

Another FAQ for you:

Q: Who can influence the consular officer to reverse a decision?

A: Immigration law delegates the responsibility for issuance or refusal of visas to consular officers overseas. They have the final say on all visa cases. All refusals stand but applicants are given fresh consideration at each interview.

Regards,
Abuja NIV Team

Curious about what fees to expect?

Q: How much is the visa fee?
A: For the standard tourist visa, it is $160. Different classes of visas have different fees, and all fees can be found on the NIV fee schedule at http://nigeria.usembassy.gov/niv_fees.html

Q: In which bank do I pay the visa fee?
A: Pay your visa application fee at a GT Bank branch or online if you have a GT Bank account.

Q: And, after I pay the visa fee, are there other charges related to this visa application?
A: For a standard tourist or business visa, there is no additional fee. While for some visa classes there is an additional processing fee (for example, students pay an additional $200), most people just need to pay the standard application fee.

Q: Do I need to pay a facilitator to pass through the security check or enter the Embassy for my visa interview?
A: No. All you need to enter the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for your visa appointment is a copy of your appointment letter and your DS-160 confirmation page. You do not have to pay anything to anybody to enter for your appointment and we do not charge a fee for you to sit in the Embassy or Consulate waiting area. Do not patronize touts. The U.S. Mission Nigeria does not approve any touting activities within its Consular operation areas.

Q: If I am denied a visa, will the Embassy refund the money that I have already paid?
A: The visa fee is non-refundable. The fee is not for the visa itself. The fee is for the interview and the processing. Therefore, whether the visa is issued or not, that fee is used during the interview.


Regards,
Abuja NIV Team

Oh, okay! Not like this person won or something - never been called to the embassy for an immigrant visa (DV) interview except for a B1/B2 visa interview.... So what should be filled in that section of the DS-160 form if asked whether one has filed for an immigrant visa having played for a DV previously in essence?

abujaniv:


Dear DebsMed,

Thank you for your question. If you entered the visa lottery and were called for an interview then you should disclose that on your DS-160. It is always better to provide the Consular Officer with as much information as possible in your DS-160. Having applied for DV in the past does not automatically preclude you from obtaining a non-immigrant visa today. However, you should be prepared to explain why you applied for the DV lottery and how your circumstances have changed if asked about that application by the Consular Officer.

Regards,

Abuja NIV Team

Sakasaka:

Thank you so much Abuja NIV Team for your quick response. My other question is can a U.S. Citizen spouse obtain B1/B2? In my own case my spouse is living outside of the U.S. for more than 8years now and we planning going one or twice yearly for giving birth or spend our vacation.

Thank you so very much.

Dear Sakasaka,

U.S. citizens are not required to, or even capable of, obtaining U.S. visas. The U.S. citizen spouse should travel to the United States on their American passport.


Regards,
Abuja NIV Team

Why do one have to be in Dark, after he was been put in Administrative Processing Required? Pls can you update me on it, because my case has been pending since November 13 2014 and up till now they keep telling me it's still on processing..

Hello,I have an interview stated for july 16,but won't be able to make it because I have something important to attend to,and I have misplaced the email address and password used to register for the US site,please how can I reschedule my appointment with this cases. Thanks.

Hi VO,thank u for the marvelous work u've been doing, more blessings upon thee. I want to apply for visa to the States, my girlfriend is an American citizen and she wants me to come over, please I'm counting on ur expert advice to guide me as to how I'm gonna go about the visa application process, please kindly inform me about the visa type,most suitable for me

(3) Must the interview be about sticking to some sort of YES/NO Q&A session, can't an applicant answer using the outside the box approach especially as documents provision ain't really the ultimate (the applicant has them to about the last though) during interviews from studies here and personal experience? I mean exuding confidence and control in all genuity/honesty, marshaling one's pros and reasons to be granted such a visa especially as regards ones STRONG/CONCRETE TIES to Nigeria on many fronts even if not precisely asked - not necessarily waiting to be asked and probably be tossed to and fro without getting to provide her salient points within the limited interview time. Won't that make an applicant come across as being too forward? But then, these however have got to be somehow communicated either way, don't you think sir/ma?

Hi,
I have applied four times to visit the U.S. Though for different reasons. My question is should I stop applying at all ? Each of my visits have been for different reasons and invited by different people. Is that a negative for me?

Thanks.

abujaniv:


Dear Sakasaka,

U.S. citizens are not required to, or even capable of, obtaining U.S. visas. The U.S. citizen spouse should travel to the United States on their American passport.


Regards,
Abuja NIV Team

Dear Abuja NIV Team,
I'm married a U.S. Citizen we both living outside of the US. I'm not a US citizen yet. We are planning to go to the US just for a visit. How do I convinced the visa officer in other for me to renew my B1/B2 visa because we are not ready to apply for an immigrant visa yet as we both living outside of the States.

ADEMOLAAAUA:
Hello,I have an interview stated for july 16,but won't be able to make it because I have something important to attend to,and I have misplaced the email address and password used to register for the US site,please how can I reschedule my appointment with this cases. Thanks.

Dear ADEMOLAAAUA,

You can call, Skype, chat, or email us by visiting the following link: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-main-contactus.asp


Regards,
Abuja NIV Team

(4) If an applicant was not granted a visa (Section 214 (b)) and was told her case was being treated/assessed as an individual one devoid of her husband and their USC friend, what exactly would that mean if she was billed to travel to the US on honeymoon with her husband (a B1/B2 visa holder that has been to the US on two previous occasions - '12 and '14) on their USC friend's expense? And also, I read a line somewhere that says "just not being qualified for a visa", can some light be thrown on this too? Wouldn't that be nice dear VO sir/ma too? Thanks so very much as I close by re-echoing the fact that we really do appreciate you and your constructive handling of NIVs here.... Grateful!

hafi:
Hi,
I have applied four times to visit the U.S. Though for different reasons. My question is should I stop applying at all ? Each of my visits have been for different reasons and invited by different people. Is that a negative for me?

Thanks.

Dear hafi,

Consular Officers take into account as many factors as possible before making a decision, and all applicants are given equal consideration under the law. If you were denied a visa and your circumstances have not changed, you may want to consider how likely it is for a different outcome before you pay the fee again.

Regards,
Abuja NIV Team

macho44:
Hi VO,thank u for the marvelous work u've been doing, more blessings upon thee. I want to apply for visa to the States, my girlfriend is an American citizen and she wants me to come over, please I'm counting on ur expert advice to guide me as to how I'm gonna go about the visa application process, please kindly inform me about the visa type,most suitable for me

Dear macho44,

The most appropriate visa class for this type of travel is the B1/B2 tourist visa. To obtain this visa you will have to demonstrate strong ties to Nigeria and intent to return.

Some examples of ties can be a job, a house, a family, a bank account. "Ties" are the various aspects of your life that bind you to your country of residence: your possessions, employment, social and family relationships.

Imagine your own ties in the country where you live. Would a consular office of another country consider that you have a residence there that you do not intend to abandon? Each person's situation is different.


Regards,
Abuja NIV Team