The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced a significant change in its visa operations for both the Abuja and Lagos consulates, set to take effect on August 26, 2024. This transition to a new visa services provider aims to streamline and enhance the application process for Nigerian applicants.
The announcement was made through the embassy’s official website and verified social media channels. It informs Nigerian visa applicants that those who have already booked appointment dates will lose access to the U.S. travel website from August 16, 2024.
However, the embassy assures that adequate provisions are being made to accommodate both existing and prospective applicants during this migration.
The statement reads, “If your interview is scheduled for August 26, 2024, or later: No further action is required, but you will no longer have access to your ustraveldocs.com account after August 16, 2024. This means you will not be able to cancel or reschedule your appointment from August 16, 2024, and will have no access to customer service.”
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“Beginning August 26, 2024, check here for a link to the new visa services website and updated information on creating a new user account. You will need to create this new account to review your account information, make changes, submit requests, or to contact customer service. Print your appointment confirmation letter before August 16, 2024, in case you experience technical issues in creating your new account.“
“For applicants who have paid the visa application fee but have not scheduled an interview, the embassy strongly encourages “you to schedule a visa appointment as soon as possible, and read the information provided above based on your interview date.”
“If you have not paid the visa application fee and are planning to travel to the United States in August 2024: We strongly encourage you to pay the visa application fee and schedule your visa appointment as soon as possible, and read the information provided above based on your interview date.”
“If you have not paid the MRV fee and are planning to travel to the United States after August 26, 2024: You may wish to wait until after August 26, 2024, to begin the nonimmigrant visa process.”
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To ensure a smooth transition, the embassy has outlined a series of critical dates for applicants to keep in mind:
- August 8, 2024: This is the final day for applicants to pay visa fees in cash at the bank.
- August 15, 2024: This marks the last day applicants can access their accounts on ustraveldocs.com to pay visa application fees online, schedule appointments, and contact customer service.
- August 21, 2024: The last day to drop off documents at Premium Delivery locations.
- August 23, 2024: The final day to drop off documents at regular courier locations for delivery to the Embassy or Consulate.
- August 26, 2024: The new visa appointment website goes live, offering fee payments, appointment scheduling, and customer service. New document drop-off and pickup locations will also become available.
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The embassy has advised applicants with interview schedules between August 16 and August 26, 2024, that they will not be able to access their ustraveldocs.com accounts after August 16. Detailed instructions on rescheduling appointments will be provided.
This transition reflects the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to improving its services and ensuring a more efficient visa application process for Nigerian citizens. By shifting to a new service provider, the embassy aims to address any past issues and provide a more user-friendly experience for all applicants.
Applicants are encouraged to take note of these important dates and plan accordingly to avoid any disruptions in their visa application process. The U.S. Embassy appreciates the patience and cooperation of Nigerian applicants during this period of transition and looks forward to providing enhanced services through its new visa operations framework.