U.S. visa is always available for Nigerians but very difficult to be accessed by many nigerians. Have you ever wanted to travel to the United States of America? maybe for relaxation, work or studies and you come across a very important requirement which is to present a valid “VISA”.
Worry not dear, for you are on the right track!
In this article, you are going to know everything about the visa and how to apply for it as long as you are a Nigerian.
Before coming to that, there is an important question you might be asking yourself, which is, “Is a visa important”?
The answer is “Yes”, it is very important as it lets the governments know who is entering and leaving their country. This is a general purpose of having a visa, but note that there is a difference between a Passport and a Visa.
The Visa is usually stamped or sometimes attached to the bearer’s passport. That pops up another question..
What is the difference between a Passport and a Visa?
A Passport is an official document given to the citizen of a country for identification and international traveling. A Visa is a legal conditional license granted to a foreigner that allows them to enter, remain within, or leave a given territory within a given time.
Visas most likely take the form of stickers endorsed in the applicant’s travel document, especially passports, and exist also electronically (where details are recorded only in the immigration database).
There are conditions considered before issuing a Visa which are but are not limited to:
- The duration of stay and the activities that the applicant may wish to undertake in the country he or she visits.
- The proof that the applicant can support himself or herself (lodging, food), the person hosting him or her really exists, and has obtained health and evacuation insurance.
- There is no criminal record or do not participate in certain criminal activities (like drug and human trafficking or prostitution).
- Evidence of intent to return to the home country if the Visa is for a temporary stay.
As a Nigerian, dreaming of visiting the United States is very good but note that the approval rate for U.S Visa application is estimated to be around 40%, but knowing about how to go about it and how to apply can increase your chances of acquiring it, so stay with us to get the full gist. Smiles….
What is a U.S. Visa?
The United States of America’s Visa is a travel document given by the U.S government which grants non-citizens entry to the country for specific reasons such as work, vacations, or studies. It must be inclined to your passport before you can enter the states.
Types of U.S Visa
The offer of U.S. visas are grouped into two types which are the Immigrant and Non-immigrant Visa.
An Immigrant Visa is given to those who plan to stay in the U.S. permanently and work without restrictions, while a Non-immigrant Visa is allocated to those who are temporarily staying in the U.S. and can work or study for up to 180 days.
Immigrant Visas:
These include but are not limited to:
- IR (Immediate Relate Visa): This type of Visa includes kids, parents, and spouses of U.S citizens.
- DV (Diversity Visa): This category is for the nationals of a country with low rates of immigration to the U.S , it is also referred to as a “Green Card Lottery”.
- E Visa (Employment-Based Visa): It is available to one who has gotten job offers from companies in the U.S.
- F Visa ( Family Preference Visa): These are for the relatives of Lawful Permanent Residents such as siblings and more distant relatives of U.S citizens.
Non-immigrant Visas:
These include:
- E-1(Student Visa): If as a student, you enroll in a U.S. university, this visa is what you need. It makes you work on campus while you study and engage in internships too.
- B-1/B-2 (Visitor Visa): For those traveling to the U.S. for business (B-1) or pleasure (B-2).
- H-1B(Speciality Occupation Visa): It is for those employed by U.S businesses in industries like engineering, technology or science and they are highly qualified with specific degrees and /or training.
- M-1(Vocational Student Visa): This is for those seeking technical or trade education. It is also comparable with the F-1.
- (Extraordinary Ability Visa): This section is for those who excel in their field, whether science, art, business, etc.
- K-1(Fiancé(e) Visa): Allocated to those who are engaged to a citizen of the U.S.A and want to wed there.
- PVisas (Athlètes, Artistes Entertainers): This is for athletes, artists, and entertainers as well as their supporting members.
- L-1(Intra-Company Transfer Visa): This type of Visa is for managers, executives, or special personnel.
- J-1(Exchange Visitor Visa): It covers a wide range of activities from studying to teaching.
- Treaty Trader/Investor E Visas: For traders and investors from countries with treaties with the U.S
U.S VISA APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
A detailed overview of the U.S. visa requirements are;
- A photograph (aligned to the U.S photograph rules)
- Valid passport
- Application fee (It is non-refundable and a fee of $185 is needed even if your application is denied).
- D5-160 Application (An online form, which asks for your personal and travel information as a non-immigrant application).
- Social media details
- Translations( for documents written in any language other than English)
Supporting documents are:
- Invitation letter
- Previous U.S Visa (If you have an old one)
- Accommodation proof
- Sponsorship document (If a U.S citizen guarantees your trip)
- Travel itinerary (Your traveling guide book which also includes flight information)
- Property documents
- Employment/Professional documents
- Family documents
- Doctor/Physician’s letter
Visa specific requirements
- Study Visa: You must show that a prestigious U.S. institution has accepted you and you have paid the SEVIS-90 (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee.
- Work Visa: You should provide credentials of the job offer, resume, letter of recommendation, and any important license.
How to apply for U.S. visa from Nigeria
- Fill out the DS-160 form
- Pay the Visa application fee
- Create a profile on the U.S Visa Information and Application Service website
- Schedule an appointment
- Prepare for the interview
- Attend the interview
Cost of U.S Visas in Nigeria
The estimated cost of U.S. visas in Nigeria is:
- For F-1 student Visa: $185 (225,000 naira)
- For B1/B2 visitor and business visa: $185 (225,000 naira)
Simply, to pay for the U.S visa fee in Nigeria, you have to download the “Pay4Me” App from your Play Store or IOS. Sign up and login with your credentials, select payments, and then Visa fee ( choose the type of Visa you are going for).
Complete all necessary payment information, you can pay in your home currency, either by card or bank transfer.
Then check your email after completing everything, to get your confirmation of a successful transaction. Safe trip in advance!
Conclusion
It is important to note that applying for a U.S. visa does not guarantee approval. Reapplying can require extra effort and time which is also costly, so make sure you bring all the necessary information and documents for your success to be guaranteed.
As for the time scheduled for the interview, it is advisable to provide all additional documents if they have been requested for, ensure to be professional in your dressing, be confident and equally polite, but in all, do not forget to answer the officer’s question candidly.
