Removal of Drop Box Visa Processing Marks Major Change for US Visa Applicants in Nigeria
The US visa application process in Nigeria has undergone a notable change with the discontinuation of the drop box visa processing option for applicants. This service, which previously permitted eligible individuals to renew their visas without the need for an in-person interview, has been quietly removed from the appointment booking system, according to sources at Nairametrics.
While the US Embassy has not yet issued an official statement regarding this alteration, numerous applicants have reported that the drop box feature is no longer available when attempting to schedule visa renewals.
This transition occurs amid significant appointment backlogs, as many individuals have struggled to access the platform for scheduling appointments, suggesting its recent removal. Reports indicate that the elimination of the drop box service is linked to executive orders issued by former President Donald Trump, which have had a lasting impact on visa policies worldwide.
Visa applicants previously faced extensive waiting times, with some waiting up to a year just to secure a physical appointment before the drop box option was taken away. In January, there were no drop box appointment slots available in Lagos, prompting many aspiring travelers to consider alternatives in Abuja. Now, with the complete removal of the drop box feature, all applicants are required to participate in in-person interviews, reverting to the pre-2020 application process.
Key Information on the Drop Box Program
Originally, the drop box (Interview Waiver) program was designed to streamline the visa renewal process in Nigeria, allowing qualified applicants to submit necessary documents without attending a physical interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. To be eligible for this program, applicants needed to meet specific guidelines, including:
- Possessing a prior US visa that expired within the last 24 months.
- Having the previous visa issued in Nigeria as a full-validity, multiple-entry visa.
- Applying for the same visa classification as the earlier approved visa.
- Maintaining a clean record, with no instances of overstaying, unauthorized work, or criminal convictions in the US.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in August 2020, the US Department of State broadened the eligibility criteria to include individuals whose visas had expired within the last 48 months, enabling more applicants to use the drop box system in light of health restrictions.
However, the drop box service has faced previous suspensions. In 2018, during President Trump’s initial term, the option was eliminated due to concerns regarding visa overstays among Nigerian travelers. Consequently, all applicants were required to have in-person interviews, resulting in longer processing periods and significant delays.
With the recent discontinuation of the drop box option, Nigerian applicants for US visas will need to engage in full in-person interviews, further exacerbating the already lengthy wait times for appointments. This policy shift is likely to create considerable challenges for business travelers, students, and frequent visitors, who had previously relied on the drop box system for quicker renewals.
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