What you need to know about getting U. S visa in Nigeria

Claudia Nwankwo 

The U. S government recently announced travel restrictions on some countries including Nigeria. Placing ban on immigrant visa applications. This means that citizens of affected countries would no longer be eligible to file for permanent residency, citizenship or greencard lottery. However, they can still be allowed for short stay trips for purpose such as education, visit or business.

Though, obtaining a U. S visa from Nigeria has never been easy as a large percentage of applications are usually not approved. However, knowing and keeping to the rules might improve your chance.

Port of Entry

If you are planning to travel to the United States of America (U.S) from Nigeria, whether it is a business trip, visit or vacation you must first ensure that you have an authorised International travel passport that is still valid for atleast six (6) months.

Bear in mind that getting the visa largely depends on the visa officer (the interviewer). Yes, you have to convince them but in the end, it's his/her decision. So, if you have done all you need to do, be anxious for nothing, just keep an open mind. It's yea or nay, don't sweat it!

Every information you need regarding your visa application is on the approved website. You do not need to pay any agent for visa. Take some time to read the rules and guidelines, it'll help you

Some advise for intending applicants:

1. If you can read and write then I would advise that you do the entire process by yourself so that you get acquainted with the questions/requirements and understand the process clearly. That way, you get to know firsthand what you might have been doing right or wrong.

2. In filling your D-160 document ensure to keep information truthful and straight forward. Do not tell lies it always complicate things. So, take your time to do it carefully. Read and understand before responding. If you enter a wrong information, it may hinder your chances. There is no need to rush it you can always log in/out when you are sure you have the correct information and want to proceed. Take your time to complete the process/ form by yourself. Get help if necessary but be involved.

3. Pay attention to your visa application number it changes as you make changes (after logging out) to your application. Ensure that after you have secured an interview date you do not go back to make changes except you want to reschedule. If your applicant number does not tally with what is on the embassy staff sheet, you would be asked to reschedule and that's okay, it is usually done within a few days. No need to pay anyone to secure interview dates for you.

3. Make sure to upload your passport photo with the recommended specification. You will not be allowed in for your interview if you have not uploaded your passport on the website. You would need both soft and hardcopy of the specified passport size. Make sure you have both sorted.

4. On your interview day, avoid wearing/taking prohibited items such as jewelries, makeup, sunglasses, liquid etc. You do not have to over dress (its just a few minutes interview). Keep it simple. Also, arrive close to your interview time. Don't go too early or late hoping to manipulate the system. They keep to time, do same.

5. At the venue, do not pay attention or patronize road side agents. You are already at the embassy just walk-in (you can keep any prohibited items at the security check points or in your car) and ask the embassy staff any question for clarification (it's pretty straight forward though) they are usually busy and time conscious but they will guide you better, at worst you will get a "Try Back" (TB) which is better than doing it wrongly and you wouldn't have to pay another visa fee.

Also, for every questions asked, make sure you tell the interviewer the truth  trust me the officers are well trained to detect lies and fraud especially as regards fraud pattern and high risk as it concerns specific countries.

Again, all the information you need regarding your visa application is on the website.

San Francisco Airport 

Before issuing you a visa, the embassy wants to know all about you and your trip but because the interview is quite a brief one you never know which of the "5Ws and H" might pop-up. Be prepared anyways.

Although all the information regarding your proposed trip would have been entered in the Ds-160 form, the interviewer may ask you the same questions for verification/confirmation. They may also ask for physical proofs. So, make sure you have all copies of forms, documents or whatever you might be needing for your trip.

From experience, here is a checklist you need to tick off in preparation for your visa interview.

i. Why do you want to travel to the U.S? - You must clearly state your reason for traveling. Whether for business or pleasure.

ii. Where exactly would you be going to?- This is to confirm your itinerary, that you have a landing address for real. Your exact destination should be made known.

iii. Who is inviting you?- Just to be sure that your host is well known to you and is really expecting you and that you have a relationship with your host, this question may arise and may require proof. So, keep your invitation letter and any relevant evidence of your relationship handy.

iv. When do you intend to travel/return? - They want to be sure that you understand your visa category and do not plan to over stay.

V. How do you hope to fund your trip? - They want to know your source of income (you may need to explain in detail, where and how you work, your customers/clients etc). Also, how much you intend setting aside for your trip. They are just making sure that you spend within your means.

Other questions like if you have travelled out before and where or how long your previous trip lasted, marital status, number of kids etc. can come up. Regardless of the questions asked, always tell the truth. You can simply say 'you do not know' if you really do not have the answer but dont be under pressure to tell lies and remember that the interviewer has the final say.

So, if you have ticked all items above, top it with a little confidence and positive attitude then, you are all set for your U.S visa interview.

Go get it!