General
Steps to Getting A US Visa in Lagos
Obtaining a US visa can be daunting, especially for first-time applicants. For Nigerians seeking to travel to the United States, the visa application process requires patience, attention to detail, and adequate preparation. The US Consulate in Lagos handles visa applications for Nigerians in the country’s southern region.
This article will provide a step-by-step guide on obtaining a US visa in Lagos, Nigeria, highlighting the necessary documents, fees, and procedures involved.
Determine the type of visa you need
This is a crucial step as it determines the purpose of your travel and the visa category you will apply for. There are various types of visas available for Nigerians, such as tourist, business, student, and work visas.
Learn more about the U.S. options for Nigerian citizens in this article.
Tourist visas are for individuals who wish to travel to the United States for tourism, vacation, or to visit family and friends. Business visas are for individuals who wish to travel to the United States for business purposes, such as attending conferences, meetings, or negotiations. Student visas are for individuals who wish to study in the United States, while work visas are for individuals who wish to work or engage in employment-related activities in the United States.
It is essential to determine the appropriate visa category that aligns with your purpose of travel to avoid delays or denials in the visa application process.
Complete the online application form
The second step in obtaining a US visa in Lagos, Nigeria, is to complete the online application form, in most cases, the DS-160. The DS-160 is a mandatory form that all applicants must complete for a US nonimmigrant visa.
The form collects biographical information, including an identifying photo, travel details, and other relevant information about the applicant. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful information on the form as the US consulate uses it to determine the applicant’s eligibility for a visa.
The DS-160 is an electronic form that is completed and submitted online. After submitting the form, applicants will receive a confirmation page that must be printed and presented during the visa interview.
Pay the visa fee
The visa fee is a non-refundable fee that must be paid before the visa interview. The fee varies depending on the type of visa being applied for and can be paid online or at designated banks. In Nigeria’s case, the bank is GTBank. The fee for most nonimmigrant visas is $160.
It is important to keep the visa fee receipt as proof of payment, as it will be required during the visa interview.
In addition to the visa fee, there may be additional fees for certain visa categories, such as the SEVIS fee for F and M student visas or the petition-based visa fee for certain employment-based visas. These fees must also be paid before the visa interview.
It is important to note that payment of the visa fee does not guarantee the issuance of a visa.
Schedule and prepare yourself for the interview
After paying the visa fee, you must schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the US Consulate in Lagos.
2 Walter Carrington Crescent,
Victoria Island, Lagos
Telephone: (234)-1- 460-3400
Fax: (+234)-1-460-3717
Preparing for a US visa interview is essential in the visa application process. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a US visa interview:
- Review the application and gather necessary documents: Before the interview, review your visa application and ensure that all the information provided is accurate and up-to-date;
- Research the visa category and interview process. This will help you prepare adequately and be confident during the interview;
- Practice answering interview questions. Common interview questions include your purpose of travel, your job or school, your ties to your home country, and your financial situation.
Attend your interview
Attending a US visa interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, but proper preparation can make a significant difference. Here are some tips to help you ace your US visa interview:
- Be on time: Arrive at the consulate early to allow enough time for security checks and other formalities. Being punctual shows that you are responsible and take the interview process seriously;
- Dress appropriately: Dress in business or business-casual attire to create a positive impression;
- Be polite and respectful: During the interview, be polite and respectful to the consular officer. Use polite language and avoid interrupting or arguing with the officer. Remember that the officer is there to determine your eligibility for a visa, so it’s essential to maintain a positive attitude and be cooperative;
- Be prepared to provide detailed information about your purpose of travel. If you’re traveling for business, be specific about your business’s nature and intended activities. If you’re traveling for tourism, explain your itinerary and the places you plan to visit. It’s crucial to show that you have a legitimate reason for traveling to the US;
- Provide accurate and truthful information during the interview. If you provide false information, it may result in the denial of your visa application;
- Be prepared for additional screening: In some cases, additional screening may be required after the interview. If this happens, be patient and provide all necessary information to the consulate.
Wait for decision
After the interview, you will be informed of the visa decision. If your visa application is approved, your passport with the visa will be returned to you within a few days. If your application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reason for the denial.
Obtaining a US visa can be a complex and challenging process, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can be a rewarding experience. Understanding the visa application requirements is essential, as researching your visa category and preparing adequately for the interview.
Following the tips outlined in this article can increase your chances of a successful visa application and have a stress-free interview experience. Remember to stay calm, be confident, and provide accurate and truthful information during the interview. With proper preparation, you can achieve your dream of traveling to the US.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) recently hosted a high-level delegation from Newryton International Industrial Development Company Limited, a leading Chinese investment and industrial development consortium, to advance discussions on deepening bilateral trade, industrial cooperation, and development financing between both countries.
The Newryton delegation, led by Mr David Chen, Assistant Secretary-General of the China Hainan Investment Council, had earlier engaged with the Nigerian Association of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA). They were accompanied to the NCSP by Mr Joe Onyuike, Vice-Chairman of NACCIMA’s Agriculture and Livestock Trade Group, who conveyed NACCIMA’s support for the delegation’s engagements.
Discussions centered on the establishment of a Nigeria–China Trade and Investment Platform, including a proposed Promotion Centre in China to support Nigerian products, investors, and state governments.
The consortium also presented opportunities within Hainan Province’s Free Trade Port (FTP), which offers preferential policies that Nigerian businesses can leverage to expand exports and attract new investments.
In his address on behalf of Newryton, Mr Pong outlined plans to collaborate with NCSP in accessing FOCAC-supported financing for strategic investments in agriculture, energy, mining, solid minerals processing, and related sectors. The delegation identified aquaculture as a key area of interest and referenced the forthcoming Global Aquaculture Conference in Hainan Province, encouraging Nigerian stakeholders to participate.
They also expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation in vocational training and employment under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Director-General, Martins Olajide, NCSP’s Head of Internal Operations, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
He highlighted NCSP’s strong interest in the proposed Nigeria–China Trade and Investment Platform and the development of the Nigerian Oil Palm Industrial Park as a flagship demonstration project.
Also speaking at the meeting, Ms Judy Melifonwu, NCSP’s Head of International Relations, underscored the opportunities presented by China’s zero-tariff policy and the forthcoming NAQS–GACC protocol on the export of Nigerian aquaculture products. She noted that these frameworks would significantly enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in emerging global markets.
Both parties expressed commitment to advancing discussions toward a structured cooperation framework covering all priority areas.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The United Kingdom–Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF), established in 2019 as part of a 16-year legacy of UK-funded infrastructure support to Nigeria, convened over 100 senior stakeholders on Tuesday, December 2, to review its progress and formally close out its current phase of operations.
The event brought together representatives from federal and state governments, development partners, development finance institutions, and the private sector to reflect on UKNIAF’s work across the power, infrastructure finance, and roads sectors. Discussions focused on institutional reforms, capacity development, and the sustainability of tools and processes introduced over the past six years.
Since inception, UKNIAF has delivered targeted technical assistance designed to embed evidence-based reforms, data-driven decision-making, and improved institutional performance. Its interventions have mobilised significant financing, strengthened regulatory and planning systems, and enhanced investor readiness across multiple infrastructure markets.
In the power sector, participants highlighted landmark achievements including the development of Nigeria’s first Integrated Resource Plan, which outlines a least-cost and low-carbon pathway for expanding electricity supply. UKNIAF also supported the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in building advanced real-time data capabilities for tariff monitoring, grid management, and outage tracking. The programme enabled pioneering states to establish their own electricity markets following constitutional reforms.
In infrastructure finance, UKNIAF was recognised for strengthening project preparation systems and enabling access to capital. Notable accomplishments include supporting the mobilisation of $75 million from the African Development Bank to the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) programme in two states, and accelerating mini-grid and solar deployment through improved technical standards at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
UKNIAF also designed a national project preparation facility, for which N21 billion was allocated in both the 2024 and 2025 budgets to build a pipeline of bankable projects.
Speaking on this, Mr Frank Edozie, UKNIAF Team Lead, described the programme’s close-out as a “handover for sustained delivery,” emphasising that strengthened institutions now hold tools that make Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape more transparent, climate-smart, and investor-ready.
On his part, the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, commended the programme, noting that its technical assistance and advisory services had helped lay the foundation for a sustainable and inclusive electricity supply industry.
Mrs Cynthia Rowe, Head of Development Corporation at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in Nigeria, praised the partnership, highlighting achievements ranging from state-level electricity market reforms to unlocking major financing and designing Nigeria’s Climate Change Fund.
Enugu State Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, underscored the lasting influence of the programme, stating that UKNIAF’s impact continues through the expertise and leadership transferred to national and sub-national institutions.
The close-out event reaffirmed stakeholders’ commitment to sustaining tools, reforms, and knowledge products developed under UKNIAF, while strengthening collaboration among public, private, and development actors in the infrastructure ecosystem.
Participants included federal and state agencies such as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Federal Ministry of Power, Ministry of Finance, NERC, REA, and the Transmission Company of Nigeria, alongside development partners including the African Development Bank, World Bank, and IFC, as well as private sector and civil society stakeholders.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, has been slashed by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The Lagos-based oil facility brought down the ex-depot price of the petroleum product by 15.58 per cent or N129 per litre to N828 per litre.
Though the company had yet to release an official statement on this development, real-time market data on Petroleumprice.ng on Friday showed the new price.
Punch reports that data from the platform also showed fresh reductions across several private depots following the refinery’s latest review.
Sigmund Depot cut its ex-depot price by N4 to N824 per litre, Bulk Strategic dropped its price by N3, and TechnoOil slashed its by N15.
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