Changes to the U.S. Immigrant Visa Interview Process at the U.S. Consulate in Lagos

Woman at Visa Interview

Applicants pursuing U.S. immigrant visas through the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, Nigeria should be aware of a significant procedural change taking effect January 1, 2025. As part of the updated process, all applicants are now required to appear in person at the Consulate on two separate occasions before a visa can be issued.

This change is intended to streamline the application process and reduce delays caused by incomplete or incorrect documentation.

Under the new policy, your first visit to the U.S. Consulate will be for an In-Person Document Review. During this appointment, a consular staff member will review your supporting documents to ensure they are complete and meet the required standards. This review is mandatory and provides applicants with the opportunity to resolve any deficiencies before proceeding to the formal visa interview.

Importantly, applicants do not need to schedule this appointment themselves. The U.S. Consulate will send a notification via email with the date of the document review. This appointment is typically scheduled two to four weeks prior to the official visa interview.

The second visit is the visa interview itself, conducted by a U.S. Consular Officer. This appointment is scheduled by the National Visa Center (NVC) as part of the standard visa application process. However, please note: failure to attend the In-Person Document Review prior to the interview will result in your visa appointment being canceled and rescheduled, which could significantly delay your case.

To prepare effectively for the updated process, applicants are advised to:

• Regularly monitor their email for appointment notifications from the U.S. Consulate;

• Carefully organize all required documentation in line with the NVC’s instructions;

• Attend both the document review and visa interview on the assigned dates.

  
  

This procedural update reflects the U.S. Consulate’s commitment to improving efficiency and ensuring that applicants are fully prepared for their visa interviews. By taking the necessary steps in advance, you can help ensure a smoother and more timely outcome in your visa process.

If you have questions about how this change may affect your case or need assistance with preparing your documentation, please reach out to contact@mayslawyer.com for guidance and support.

---

Important: This post is for informational and educational purposes only and does not create an Attorney-Client relationship. This post should not be taken as legal advice or used as a substitute for such. You should always speak to an attorney for legal advice.

---