The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has said current students in the U.S. on an F1, or academic J1 visa may be eligible to renew their student visa without an interview when they return to Nigeria over the winter break.

In a statement on Wednesday., the embassy said to qualify for this procedure, such a student must be physically in Nigeria renewing a student visa that was still valid or had expired within the past 24 months.

It said the renewal should be to continue participation in the same major course of study even if at a different institution or attend the same institution even if in a different major course of study.

The embassy noted that by scheduling a no-interview student visa renewal appointment, students could drop off their passports at a DHL location in Lagos on a date and time scheduled using the consulate’s online booking system. 

“The U.S. Mission in Nigeria is committed to returning your passport to you within two weeks from your appointment date and will prioritise any required follow-up interviews. 

“To schedule a no-interview student visa renewal appointment, go to www.ustraveldocs.com/ng and follow the instructions.

The mission said on the day and time of scheduled appointments, the students should visit a designated DHL facility to drop off their application with a printout of the submission letter (printed from www.ustraveldocs.com/ng).

Additionally, it said a DS-160 completed in the last six months, an approved I-20, a receipt for their I-901 SEVIS fee, and the passport containing the expired student visa and a passport photograph taken in the last six months should be provided.

The mission also said applicants who do not meet the above criteria should visit and schedule a regular appointment at www.ustraveldocs.com/ng, noting that each applicant must meet the qualifications individually.

“For instance, we cannot accept a renewal for a child if the parent is the only one who qualifies under the guidelines. In that case, the child would need to schedule an appointment and come to the Embassy or Consulate for an interview.

“During the rescheduling process, you will be asked questions confirming eligibility for the student renewal program and be provided instructions on how to apply to the document delivery centre,” the mission said. 

(NAN)