‘Drop box’ visa applications not available in Nigeria, US embassy clarifies

The United States embassy in Nigeria says the restriction on drop box service or interview waiver for those renewing visas has not been lifted.

The US state department had recently announced the expansion of interview waiver eligibility.

Previously, only applicants whose nonimmigrant visa expired within 24 months were eligible for an interview waiver but it was temporarily extended the expiration period to 48 months.

However, Nigeria was removed from the waiver eligibility in 2018 but the recent announcement was misunderstood to mean applicants from the country would now qualify.

The embassy, in a statement posted across its social media platforms on Friday, said despite media reports, the interview waiver scheme remains suspended in Nigeria.

According to the embassy, those who want to travel from Nigeria must apply for a visa and appear for an interview.

The embassy explained that each country eligibility is assessed based on numerous factors like overstay rate and visa-related fraud.

“’Drop Box’ visa processing is not available in Nigeria, according To U.S. mission To Nigeria,” the embassy said.

“Despite recent media reports, the nonimmigrant visa interview waiver process, popularly known as the “drop box,” has been discontinued in Nigeria since 2018.

“The State Department continually evaluates each country’s eligibility based on numerous factors including overstay rates and visa-related fraud.

“U.S. Mission Nigeria is committed to promoting legitimate travel to the United States. All applicants who wish to apply for a visa must kindly appear for an interview.”

“Drop Box” Visa Processing Is Not Available in Nigeria, According To U.S. Mission To Nigeria:

Despite recent media reports, the nonimmigrant visa interview waiver process, popularly known as the “drop box,” has been discontinued in Nigeria… Read more: https://t.co/AQantQ1kQX pic.twitter.com/E4RUUoG0Tk

— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) March 19, 2021

TheCable had reported that the suspension of the “drop box” application or interview waiver visa for renewing US visas, took effect in May 14, 2019.

On Tuesday, the US embassy said it would revisit the immigrant visa applications from Nigerians that were rejected under the Trump administration.