How to Apply for US Visa from Nigeria – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Apply for US Visa from Nigeria

Introduction

The United States remains one of the most popular destinations for Nigerians seeking tourism, education, business, work opportunities, or visiting family and friends. While the US visa application process may seem complex, understanding each step makes it straightforward.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about how to apply for a US visa from Nigeria, the required documents, payment steps, interview processes, and tips for a successful application.

Types of US Visas Available for Nigerians

Before applying, determine the type of visa suitable for your purpose of travel:

Visa Type	Purpose
B1 – Business Visa	Attend meetings, conferences, training, etc.
B2 – Tourist Visa	Tourism, vacation, visit family/friends
B1/B2 – Business/Tourist	Combined business and tourism purposes
F1 – Student Visa	For academic programs
J1 – Exchange Visitor	Exchange programs, internships, research
H1B – Work Visa	Skilled workers with job offers in the US
K1 – Fiancé(e) Visa	For US citizens’ fiancé(e)s
Immigrant Visas (Green Card)	Permanent residency

This guide mainly focuses on B1/B2 Tourist and Business Visas, but the steps are very similar for other non-immigrant visas.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for US Visa from Nigeria

🔍 Step 1: Complete the DS-160 Form (Online Application)

The DS-160 is the non-immigrant visa application form.

✔️ How to Complete:

Visit the official DS-160 form page:
👉 https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
Select ‘Nigeria, Abuja’ or ‘Nigeria, Lagos’ depending on where you will attend your interview.
Complete all sections, including:
- Personal information
- Passport details
- Travel plans
- Purpose of trip
- Family information
- Employment history
- Security and background questions
Upload a passport-sized photograph that meets the US photo requirements:
- White background
- Face centered and forward-facing
After completing, click “Submit”.
Print the DS-160 confirmation page (with barcode) — this is required for your visa interview.

💡 Tip: Save the Application ID shown at the top of the form in case you need to resume later.

💵 Step 2: Pay the Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee)

✔️ Fee Amount:

$185 (about ₦280,000) for B1/B2 and most non-immigrant visas (as of 2025).

✔️ How to Pay:

Visit the official US visa payment page for Nigeria:
👉 https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/
Create a profile or log in.
Generate a CGI reference number.
Pay via any of these methods:
- At any GTBank branch (cash payment).
- Online using GTBank Internet Banking (for account holders).
- Through Mobile Money (details provided on the payment page).
Save your payment receipt — it will be required to schedule your interview.

📅 Step 3: Schedule Your Visa Appointment

✔️ How to Book:

Log in to your profile on:
👉 https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/
Enter:
- DS-160 confirmation number
- Payment receipt number (MRV fee)
Select your preferred US Embassy (Abuja or Lagos).
Choose available dates for:
- Biometrics (Fingerprinting at Visa Application Center)
- Consular Interview at US Embassy/Consulate

✔️ Locations:

US Embassy Abuja: Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District.
US Consulate Lagos: 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island.

📄 Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

✔️ Mandatory Documents:

Valid Nigerian Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay).
DS-160 Confirmation Page (with barcode).
Appointment Confirmation Letter.
Visa Fee Payment Receipt (MRV receipt).
Recent Passport Photograph (matching DS-160 requirements).

✔️ Supporting Documents (Recommended):

Bank statements (last 4-6 months) – prove financial capacity.
Employment letter or business documents – to prove ties to Nigeria.
Property documents (land, house, assets) – optional but helpful.
Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends or attending events).
Travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations — optional).
Previous travel history (previous visas to UK, Canada, Schengen, etc.).

Note: The US Embassy emphasizes that documents are secondary to the interview conversation but having them strengthens your case.

🏢 Step 5: Attend Biometrics Appointment (VAC)

Visit the Visa Application Center (VAC) on your scheduled date.
Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) will be captured.
No interviews are conducted at this stage.

Tip: Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, and appointment confirmation.

🎯 Step 6: Attend Visa Interview at the US Embassy or Consulate

✔️ At the Interview:

Arrive at least 30 minutes early.
Answer questions honestly and confidently.
Common interview questions include:
- Why do you want to go to the US?
- Who is sponsoring your trip?
- What do you do for a living?
- Do you have family in Nigeria?
- Have you traveled outside Nigeria before?

✔️ Interview Outcome:

If approved, the consular officer will retain your passport for visa stamping.
If denied, you’ll receive a refusal letter citing reasons (e.g., Section 214(b) — failure to prove strong ties to Nigeria).

📬 Step 7: Receive Your Passport and Visa

If approved, your passport with the US visa will be ready within 3 to 5 working days.
Pick up from the document collection center selected when booking your appointment or opt for courier delivery (if available).

🚫 Common Reasons for Visa Refusal

Failure to demonstrate strong ties to Nigeria (job, family, business).
Insufficient funds to cover travel expenses.
Inconsistent answers during the interview.
Incomplete or incorrect documentation.
Previous immigration violations.

⚠️ Important Tips for a Successful US Visa Application

Be truthful in your application and interview.
Prepare and rehearse answers to potential questions.
Dress neatly and professionally.
Show proof of strong ties to Nigeria (job, family, assets).
Be calm, confident, and respectful during the interview.
Avoid forged documents — this leads to automatic disqualification and bans.

Applying for a US visa from Nigeria may seem daunting, but by following these steps carefully — from filling the DS-160 form to preparing for the interview — you increase your chances of approval.

A successful application requires proper documentation, financial readiness, and honest, clear communication during the interview.

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