How to apply for a US student visa in Nigeria?

The United States receives lots of students from Nigeria annually, yet many Nigerian citizens need information on how to apply for a US student visa in Nigeria. If you want to know more about US student visa applications, rest assured that we’re about to feed you detailed information. Because this article highlights important steps to take when you’re applying for a US student visa in Nigeria. Firstly, let’s help you get familiar with the US student visa.

What is a US student visa?

For Nigerian citizens, a US visa is a type of visa usually approved for Nigerian citizens going to the United States for educational purposes. A US student visa is required by any Nigerian citizen going to the United States for either academic (more than 6 months) or vocational program (less than 6 months). The US student visa for the academic program is called the F-1 visa while the vocational program is called the M-1 visa.

Where to apply for a US student visa in Nigeria?

Maybe you want to know where you can apply for a US student visa in Nigeria – you have two options. In Nigeria, you can submit your visa application online via the US Department of State website or, applying in person at the US embassy in Abuja or consular general in Lagos. Note that when you are applying for a US student visa online, you’ll be required to attend a visa interview.

When will I get my US student visa after applying?

The processing time of your visa application when you’ve successfully applied for a US student visa in Nigeria depends on several factors. But when you’re applying, ensure you allow extra time for your visa. In other words, ensure you enroll for your visa application immediately after you’ve been offered admission into any institution in the United States. Averagely, you may have to wait up to 3-5 for the decision.

How much is the US student visa fee in Nigeria?

A Visa fee is compulsory. All Nigerian citizens going to study in the United States must pay a visa fee which is subject to changes as the US embassy deem fit. When you are applying for a US student visa in Nigeria, you may have to pay up to 160 USD (64,000 NGN). Depending on your situation, the American authorities may ask you to pay the visa fee online, through a bank transfer (payable at GTBank), or on location at the visa application center in Nigeria.

The step-by-step process on how to apply for a US student visa in Nigeria?

For a stress-free visa application, all Nigerian citizens willing to study in the United States must understand the procedures to applying for a US student visa in Nigeria. The below-listed procedures are the step-by-step process on how to apply for a US student visa in Nigeria.

Note: we’re arranging these procedures for you in sequential order but we advise you to follow them strictly.

Gain admission – The first step to take before applying for a US student visa in Nigeria is to gain admission into any recognized institution in the United States. You may agree with me that studying in the United States is the main reason for your visa application. So, you must secure your admission before you can apply for the visa. Moreover, your admission letter is one of the requirements you must present when applying for a US student visa in Nigeria.

Online application (DS-FORM) – After gaining your admission, you’ll be required to fill an online form known as the DS160 form. This form is available on the US immigration website. After completing the form online, a DS160 confirmation page will be generated and you’ll print and present the letter during your visa interview.

SEVIS fee payment – Thirdly, when you are applying for a US student visa in Nigeria, you are required to pay a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS 1-901) fee. The fee is non-refundable and is usually up to $200. The payment for this fee is via western union or US bank-issued debit or credit card. After completing the payment of the SEVIS fee, you’ll receive a SEVIS fee receipt along with your SEVIS confirmation number.

Booking an appointment – During your application for a US student in Nigeria, you are required to book an appointment before visiting the US embassy in Nigeria. All you need to do is to create an account on the US Department of State website and sign in to proceed with your appointment. However, to complete your appointment, you’ll need your DS160 confirmation page, receipt of your visa fee (received from GTBank), and your SEVIS receipt.

Interview – The last procedure on how to apply for a US student visa in Nigeria is a visa interview. After completely booking an appointment with the US embassy, you should visit the embassy on your assigned date. For your interview, you can either visit the US embassy in Abuja or the US consulate in Lagos. You’ll be told where to come for your interview while booking your appointment. We advise you to go for your interview only at your chosen embassy.

What are the requirements to secure a US student visa in Nigeria?

Before you can apply for a US student visa in Nigeria, you are required to provide some documents at the US embassy. The documents are as follow:

Admission letter – When applying for a US student visa at the embassy, you must show your admission/acceptance letter from a recognized institution in the United States showing proof of your tuition and accommodation.

DS160 confirmation page and appointment booking – At the embassy, you are required to present your appointment booking and DS160 showing you’ve completed the online registration.

International passport – You must present an original and photocopy of your Nigerian passport with at least six months validity.

Photograph ­- Two colored passports taken recently and showing your full face will be required when applying for your US student visa.

Cover letter – You are to present a cover letter at the embassy explaining why you want to study in the United States. This will help convince the consular officer that you are passionate about your course of study.

Proof of financial support – You’ll need to prove that you are capable of catering to your needs in the United States. Your bank statement (3 months) will also be required when applying for a US student visa in Nigeria.

Hotel reservation – Perhaps your school does not provide accommodation for you, you’ll need to present a confirmation for the hotel reservation.

Other requirements may include a certificate of social ties e.g. birth and marriage certificate and police certificate which will state that you do not have any criminal record.

Note: You do not need travel health insurance before you can apply for a US student visa in Nigeria.

Conclusion

Till now, the United States is still welcoming students from Nigeria. All you need is the right information on how to apply for a US student visa in Nigeria to avoid delay or visa denial. Therefore, we advise you to follow the step-by-step guide in this article to help improve your chance of securing your visa application. However, at Travukwik, we can assist you with supporting document, appointment booking, and application process.