Important Update:  Effective January 1^st, 2025, you MUST visit the Consulate General in Lagos at least twice during the immigrant visa process.

First Visit: In-Person Document Review

Your first visit to the U.S. Consulate in Lagos is for an In-Person Document Review with a consular staff member to ensure you are prepared for your visa interview.  This mandatory review will give you an opportunity to retrieve any missing documents ahead of your visa interview to avoid delays in processing your application.

You do not need to schedule an appointment for the In-Person Document Review.  The Consular Section will notify you via email of the document review appointment date which will be approximately two to four weeks ahead of your visa interview.

Second Visit: Visa Interview

Your second visit is for the visa interview with a Consular Officer.  The visa interview will occur on the date and time scheduled for you by the National Visa Center (NVC).  If you do not complete the In-Person Document Review before your visa interview, you will be required to reschedule your appointment.

Please follow the steps below to prepare for your immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, Nigeria.

Step 1: Get a medical exam in Nigeria

As soon as you receive your appointment date from NVC, you must schedule a medical exam in Nigeria. Click the “Medical Exam Instructions” button below for a list of designated doctor’s offices in Nigeria. Schedule and attend a medical exam with one of these doctors before your In-Person Document Review appointment. 

Medical Exam Instructions >>

Step 2: Complete your pre-interview checklist

It’s important that you bring all required original documents to both the In-Person Document Review and the visa interview. We have created a checklist that will tell you what to bring. Print the checklist below and bring it to your In-Person Document Review along with the listed documents.

Pre-Interview Checklist >>

Step 3: Review interview guidelines

Read our interview guidelines to learn about any special actions that you need to take before your visa interview.

Interview Guidelines >>

Step 4: Pick up documents from OIS Services

You MUST create an account online with our customer service provider at https://www.usvisaappt.com/visaapplicantui/login. Creating an account online gives us the information we need to return your passport and documents to you after your interview.

When your documents are ready for pickup following your interview, you must schedule an appointment at https://appointment.oisservices.com/.   You can then retrieve your documents on your scheduled pick-up date at either of the following addresses:

THE DHL OFFICE
PLOT 230, MURI OKUNOLA ST.
VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS

or

DHL OFFICE ABUJA
HAFSAT PLAZA
472 ABOGO LARGEMA ST.
CENTRAL DISTRICT, ABUJA

Free pick-up hours are from 10:00am to 3:00pm every Monday to Friday, except Nigerian holidays.  Scheduling is free.  Visit your profile for more information on additional pick-up locations.  Please note other locations may have a fee for pick-up.

Interview Guidelines >>

Medical Exam Instructions

Everyone applying for an immigrant visa, no matter how old they are, must have a medical exam before they get their visa. Only a physician approved by the U.S. Consulate General is allowed to do this exam. It is your responsibility to schedule a medical exam with one of the doctors listed below before your visa appointment at the U.S. Consulate General. Medical exam results from other physicians will not be accepted.

Approved physicians

International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Migration Health Assessment Centre (MHAC), Lagos 
Address: 1 Isaac John Street (At the Corner of Isaac John Street and Oduduwa Way),
GRA Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
Website for bookings: https://mymedical.iom.int/apps/omas/#_frmHome
Fees and requirements: https://nigeria.iom.int/migration-health-assessment-centre-mhac
Phone: +02-014-656-600
E-mail: iomlagosmedicalbooking@iom.int

Q-Life Family Clinic
Plot 155A Prince Ade Odedina Street,
Off Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island, Lagos
Website for bookings: www.qlifefamilyclinic.com
Phone: 08-099-742-000, 08-113-975-433

International Organization For Migration (IOM)
Migration Health Assessment Centre (MHAC), Abuja
Address: No. 55 Hassan Musa Katsina Road (at the junction of Hassan Musa Katsina Road and J-K Gadzama Street)
Asokoro, Abuja, Nigeria
Website for bookings: https://mymedical.iom.int/apps/omas/#_frmHome
Fees and requirements: https://nigeria.iom.int/migration-health-assessment-centre-mhac
Phone: Tel +02014656600
E-mail: iomabujamedicalbooking@iom.int

Items to bring to your medical examination

Bring the following items to your medical exam:

• Your visa interview letter,
• Your international passport and 1 copy of the biodata page,
• A copy of your immunization records, eyeglasses/contact lenses, specialist reports, and medication (if applicable)
• DS-260 confirmation page                                         

Allow at least 7 days to complete the medical examination process from start to finish. Make sure that you do not book your exam more than 3 months before your scheduled immigrant visa interview at the consulate. You must pay all medical examination fees, including x-ray and blood test fees, directly to the examining physician.

back to top

During the medical exam

• A medical history review,
• A physical exam,
• A Chest X-ray,
• Blood tests (for applicants 15 years of age or older),
• Gonorrhea testing (for applicants 18–24 years of age, or as needed)
• Tuberculosis testing (for applicants two years of age and older).

Your physician may request other tests as needed. Be prepared to discuss your medical history, the medications you are taking, and the current treatments you are receiving. More information on general medical requirements for U.S. immigrants is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website.

U.S. immigration law requires immigrant visa applicants to get certain vaccinations prior to the issuance of a visa. Current immigrant visa vaccination requirements are available on CDC.Gov. There you can find information on what vaccines you need based on your age. You can also read Frequently Asked Questions about our medical exam requirements at Travel.State.Gov.

After the medical exam

When your examination is completed, the doctor will provide you a copy of your vaccination records and Chest X-Ray CD. Your medical report will be sent directly to the U.S. Consulate. You DO NOT need to bring the x-ray CD to your visa interview unless otherwise stated on your interview letter.

back to top

Pre-Interview Checklist

Bring an English translation

Any documents that are not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. You must bring the original version of your documents along with the translation. If you do not bring the original documents, you may face delays in processing your immigrant visa application.

Upload your documents to CEAC

Upload your documents at ceac.state.gov/iv before your In-Person Document Review appointment, if your case has access to upload them. Follow the Consulate’s instructions for uploading and bring the original documents with you. Failure to upload copies of the documents ahead of time or failure to bring the original documents to the interview may result in significant delays in processing your visa.

For fiancé, Visa 92 and Visa 93 applicants

In addition to the required original documents, Fiancé(e) visa and Visa 92/Visa 93 applicants must also bring one photocopy of all documents.

EVERY applicant must bring these items to their immigrant visa interview:

• A copy of your NVC interview letter (does not apply to fiancé(e)visa, adoption visa, or Visa 92/Visa 93 applicants).
  
  
• Unexpired passport and a photocopy of the biographic page (where your name and photo are located).
  
  
• Two (2) color photographs of each person applying for a visa (5 cm x 5 cm, or 2 inch x 2 inch). Review our online photo requirements.
  
  
• Confirmation page from the Form DS-260 Application for an Immigrant Visa you submitted online at ceac.state.gov/iv.
  
  
• Your original government issued birth certificate.
  
  
• Original or certified copies of government issued birth certificates for all children of the principal applicant (even if he or she is not immigrating with the principal applicant.)
  
  
• Additional identification documents used over the last 10-15 years. This may include your voter registration card, previous passports, school records, WAEC results, or any other document. ID cards that are past their expiration date may be used for this purpose.

Applicants who fall into any category listed in italics below should also bring these documents:

For family-based visa applications:

• The appropriate Form I-864 Affidavit of Support for each financial sponsor along with a photocopy of the sponsor’s IRS transcript or most recent U.S. federal income tax return, and any relevant W-2s.
  
  
• Proof of your U.S. petitioner’s status and domicile in the United States (photocopy of a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or lawful permanent resident card).
  
  
• Evidence of the relationship between the petitioner and visa applicant (such as photographs, letters, or emails).

If you are married: Your original marriage certificate.

If you were previously married: Your original divorce or spouse’s death certificate.

If you are older than 16 years of age: The original police certificate from your country of current residence, any countries where you lived for more than one year after the age of 16, and any country where you have been arrested. If you previously submitted a police certificate to NVC, it is more than two (2) years old, and you still live in that country, you must obtain and bring a more recent police certificate to the interview as the one you previously submitted will have expired. You have the option to apply online using this link: Home | POSSAP. Follow instructions to receive your police certificate by email.

For employment-based visa applications: Letter from your U.S. employer dated less than one month ago.

If you have ever been convicted of a crime: Court and criminal records

If you have served in any country’s military: Military records

If you are adopted: Adoption papers or custody documents

If you are the petitioner’s stepchild: The original marriage certificate of the petitioner and your biological parent along with divorce records for any previous marriages of either parent.

If you are the petitioner’s sibling or parent: The petitioner’s original birth certificate.

If you are the petitioner’s fiancé(e): One photocopy of all documents in addition to the originals.

If you are a V92 or V93 applicant: One photocopy of all documents in addition to the originals.

back to top

Interview Guidelines

Rescheduling or cancelling your interview

If you are unable to attend your visa interview appointment, send an email to LagosIV@state.gov. In the email subject line write: M11 – LGS number(Case number).

There may be a significant wait before the next available appointment. For some family-based and employment-preference visa categories, there is no guarantee that a visa will still be available on the date of your rescheduled interview. Carefully consult the Visa Bulletin before you request to reschedule your interview.

Rescheduling is only possible on a date after the initial interview appointment date assigned to you by NVC.

Security screening procedures

Everyone visiting the U.S. Consulate General must follow certain security rules. If you refuse to go through security screening, you won’t be allowed to enter. To avoid delays for yourself and others, only bring what you need for your appointment.

Accompanying People

Attorneys are not permitted to accompany clients into the waiting room or to their interview. Accompanying people must have an original (not a copy) and valid ID such as their international passport, driver’s license or voter’s card. Only the following people may accompany a visa applicant to their interview:

• Interpreter: Applicants may bring ONE interpreter if the language they speak cannot be translated by the U.S Consulate staff.
• Special Needs Visitors: Applicants may bring ONE person to help if they are elderly, disabled, or a minor child.  Minor children must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or other closely related adult with parental responsibilities, who lives with them.  

Immigrant visa fees

If you have not paid all required fees to either the National Visa Center or via the appointment website, be prepared to pay these fees on the day of your interview. All fees may be paid in either U.S. dollars or Naira. We accept cash or American debit or credit cards. Please note that if you are found ineligible to receive a visa, the application fee cannot be refunded. A complete list of fees can be found here.

Do not make travel plans outside of Nigeria

If your visa is approved, we will keep your passport at the U.S. Consulate General while we print the visa. Take this into account when making travel plans. We will alert you via SMS and email when your passport is ready to be picked up (see Step 4 for information about the required online registration for this service).

back to top

After Your Visa Interview

A consular officer can decide on a visa application only after reviewing the formal application and interviewing the applicant. There is no guarantee that you will receive a visa. Do not quit your job, sell your property, or make non-refundable travel arrangements until you have received your immigrant visa.

If more information is needed

Sometimes a consular officer refuses a visa application to review additional documents or for administrative processing.

For additional documents:

• The consular officer will give you a refusal letter that asks you to submit additional documents.
• The letter will include instructions on how to submit those documents to the consulate.

For administrative processing:

• This means the consulate needs more time to review your case.
• How long this takes depends on your specific situation.

Wait at least 60 days after your interview before asking about your application status.

What happens after visa approval

Passport, Visa, and Sealed Immigrant Packet – Review your visa, located inside your passport, for spelling errors. If we give you a sealed envelope, do not open it. You must carry it with you in your carry-on bags. Do not put it in your checked luggage. This envelope contains documents that you must give to U.S. immigration authorities at the first port of entry in the United States. If you receive X-rays during your medical examination, also have these in your carry-on bags and give them to the U.S. immigration authorities.

USCIS Immigrant Fee – All individuals who are issued immigrant visas overseas must pay an Immigrant Fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before traveling to the United States. This fee is for processing your residency status and printing your Permanent Resident Card. The only people exempt from paying this fee are: children entering the United States under the Hague Process, returning residents, and people traveling on a fiancé(e) (K) visa.

When You Should Travel – You must enter the United States before the expiration date on your visa, which is usually 6 months from the date of your medical exam. Your visa cannot be extended, and all fees are nonrefundable. The principal applicant must enter before or at the same time as other family members with visas. Children of U.S Citizens must enter the United States before they turn 18 years old, otherwise they lose the ability to automatically become a U.S. citizen under the Child Citizenship Act. Children of LPRs who are issued a visa before turning 21 years of age must enter the United States before their 21^st birthday to avoid losing immigrant status unless they are eligible for benefits under the Child Status Protection Act.

Getting a Green Card – Your Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card, also known as a green card, will be mailed to the address in the United States that you provide on your visa application form. This is a very important document that proves you have permission to reside in the United States. If you plan to travel outside the U.S. before your green card arrives: consult USCIS’s and CBP’s websites for rules about what documents you need to re-enter the country. We also recommend you check with the airline to ensure you are following their rules. Once your card is issued, if you stay outside of the United States for more than one year you will lose your status as a Lawful Permanent Resident.

Children’s Issues – In the United States, children are required to have certain vaccinations before they can enroll in school. We recommend that you bring your child’s complete vaccination records with you to the United States. If your child is adopted, you have full custody as a result of a divorce, or you share custody with another parent, you should bring a copy of all applicable adoption or custody papers from the authoritative court in your home country. You will need these papers (translated into English) for issues such as school enrollment, medical care, and eventual citizenship.

Information for New Immigrants – Please visit the USCIS web page for helpful information on moving to the United States. You can read their publication “Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants” online.

back to top

K1/K3 Visas – Special Instructions

Book an appointment for your In-Person Document Review: USAVisaAppt (AVITS) will send you an email telling you to schedule it at this link: AVITS Sign In.

You must book the same date and time as the appointment confirmation you received and make the visa fee payment.  

These items are required for the In-Person Document Review and Visa interview:

1. Form DS-160: Fill out the online DS-160 visa application. To make sure you do so correctly, follow the instructions at https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/.

• Print and keep the DS-160 confirmation barcode page.

2. IV Processing Fees (K1) – The K1 visa processing fee is $265.

• To make this payment, you must create an account by clicking this link: AVITS Sign In. It will be sent to your registered email address.

3. International Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your interview date.

4. Passport Photos: They must show the applicant’s full face, on a white background. For detailed information about photo requirements, please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html.

5. Original Documents: Bring evidence that supports your case, with photocopies of all original documents. These are examples, but you can bring other evidence, as well:

• Government issued birth certificates
• Divorce Certificates
• Adoption Decree for derivative child (if it applies)
• Death Certificate of a previous spouse (if it applies)
• Photographs of you and the petitioner together at different times during your relationship

6. Other Supporting Documents: Other evidence of your ongoing relationship can include but is not limited to:

• Chat logs from social media (Do Not print them in a word document. They must be printed directly from the site.
• Phone records that show the phone numbers and length of the call.
• Email correspondence (Do Not print them in a word document).

7. Affidavit of Support (including tax returns): Every applicant must have a Form I-134 Affidavit of Support and the most recent IRS Tax Return. The form is at this link: http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-134.pdf. 

• All applicants must show that they are not likely to become a public charge while in the United States.
• A downloaded or scanned photocopy of the Affidavit of Support form (I-134) is acceptable.
• Make sure to check the poverty guidelines at Poverty Guidelines | ASPE. If petitioners make less than the minimum for their household size, they must get a joint sponsor. Joint sponsors must also submit an Affidavit of Support and their most recent tax return. 

8. Medical Exam: Arrange medical examinations for every applicant by one of the doctors listed at Accredited Panel Physicians.

• You are must pay for the medical exams.
• The medical exams are only valid for six (6) months, but sometimes it can be less.
• Important: The medical exam must be valid when you enter the U.S. So, time your travel and entry with that in mind.

9. Court and Immigration Records: If you were ever convicted of a crime or other offense, in the United States or any other country, get a certified court record that covers every offense. If you ever lived in the U.S., bring evidence of your immigration status during your stay, and records of all U.S. visa extensions and deportations.

10. Police Certificate: Applicants ages 16 or older must submit a police certificate for every country they lived in for more than 12 months after they turned 16. (That includes any country they studied in for more than 12 months.)

• The police certificate must have been issued less than 2 years before the interview.

11. All applicants: Follow these instructions to get your Nigerian Police Clearance Certificate.

• Submit your passport in person to the Nigerian Police Service commission at Alagbon Close, Ikoyi Lagos.
• Pay the required fee and take the receipt to the Office of Inspector General at Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos.
• Collect your Nigerian Police Clearance Certificate and bring it to your visa interview.
• The certificate should be ready in about two weeks, but please allow time for delays.

You can also apply for the Police Clearance Certificate online at Home | POSSAP. Follow the instructions to receive your police certificate by email.

Assistant Inspector General Criminal
Investigation Department Nigerian Police Force
Alagbon Close Ikoyi, Lagos

The bearer is applying for a visa at our office. If you would be kind enough to issue him/her a certificate of no conviction if s/he has no record in the Central Criminal Registry, we would very much appreciate it.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Consular Officer
U.S. Consulate General Lagos, Nigeria

Dear Visa Applicant,

United States Consulate General
Lagos, Nigeria

If you are applying for an immigrant visa that is based on your relationship (either family or marital) to someone living in the United States, you need evidence for your interview that shows your relationship with the petitioner. Listed below are examples of evidence other applicants have found helpful.

If your visa application is based upon a marital relationship, you can bring any or all of these to your interview:

• Photos of you and your spouse taken before and during the marriage.
• Telephone bills from a U.S. Company from your spouse. Highlight the calls to you.
• Records of communication between you and your spouse or communication sent to you and your spouse by other family members.
• Birth certificates of any children from the marriage.
• Evidence of joint bank accounts, leases or mortgages held jointly, life and medical insurance policies showing beneficiaries, car registrations showing joint ownership and addresses, driver's licenses for both spouses, utility bills and rent receipts.
• Tax returns for the past 3-4 years.

If your visa application is based on a relationship with a child, parent, or sibling you can bring any or all of these to your visa interview:

• Photographs of yourself and your relative together taken over a number of years.
• Letters with envelopes and postmarks sent between you and your relative.
• A certified copy of your relative's passport showing the picture page, biographic data page, and stamps for travel between Nigeria and the United States.

Letters and photographs in support of your visa application should cover a period of several years, preferably before your petition was filed. The more letters and photographs you can provide, the stronger your case will be.

We hope that this information proves helpful in your application for an immigrant visa.

back to top

EVIDENCE WHICH MAY BE PRESENTED TO MEET THE PUBLIC CHARGE PROVISIONS OF THE LAW

GENERAL

The Immigration and Nationality Act requires that visa applicants prove they are not likely, at any time to become a public charge. Their proof must:

• Satisfy consular officials when they apply for an immigrant visa and
• Satisfy immigration officials when they apply for admission to the United States

Applicants for immigrant visas may satisfy this requirement by presenting documented evidence that shows:

1. When the applicant is in the United States, she or he has or will have personal funds that will provide support for the applicant and dependent family members or enough to provide support until she or he finds suitable employment.

2. The applicant has arranged employment in the United States that will provide an adequate income for the applicant and dependent family members.

3. Relatives or friends in the United States will ensure the applicant's support or

4. That there is a combination of the three circumstances above.

APPLICANT'S OWN FUNDS

Applicants who expect to meet the requirements of the public charge law with their own financial resources may submit evidence of funds or income from one or more of these sources:

1. Bank Accounts: Statement from a senior officer of a bank that shows (a) the present balance of applicant's account, (b) date the account was opened, (c) the number and amounts of deposits and withdrawals during the past 12 months and, (d) the average balance during the year. Note: If there have been unusually large deposits recently, there should be an explanation.

2. Real Estate: Proof that they (a) own property or real estate, shown by a title, deed or their equivalent, and (b) a letter from a lawyer, banker or real estate agent that shows its present value. (c) Mortgages or loans against the property must be stated.

3. Stocks and Bonds: Letter or letters that show ownership of stocks and bonds, with the present market value or expected earnings stated.

4. Insurance Policies: Statement from an insurance company that shows policies held and their present cash surrender value.

5. Business Investments/Other Sources: Proof of income from business investments or other sources.

6. Financial Resources in Other Countries: If the financial resources are from a source outside the United States, a statement explaining how the funds or income will be transferred to the U.S. must be provided.

EMPLOYMENT

An applicant who depends on an offer of employment to meet the public charge provisions must have the future employer submit a notarized letter of employment on the business’ letterhead stationery. The letter must:

1. Definite Offer: Have a definite offer of employment

2. Job Description: Describe the job offered to the applicant and an explanation of skills that would qualify her or him for the position

3. Compensation and Benefits: State the compensation to be paid and, if applicable, information describing benefits included instead of cash payment

4. Location, Type and Duration: State the location, type, and duration (whether seasonal, temporary, or indefinite) of the employment

5. Start Date: State whether the employment will start as soon as the applicant arrives in the United States

AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT

People in the United States who want to sponsor an applicant must submit Form 1-134, Affidavit of Support.

• It is available from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at https://www.uscis.gov/i-134.

Additionally, sponsors may submit an affidavit sworn to before a notary public or other official with authority to administer an oath, that states his or her:

1. Readiness and financial ability to contribute to the applicant's support and,

2. Reasons (in detail) for sponsoring the applicant.

Important Note: Applicants who expect to meet the public charge provisions of the law by presenting an Affidavit of Support should send this instruction sheet to their sponsor to help them prepare it.

The sponsor's affidavit should include:

1. Annual Income: Information about his or her annual income

2. Other Resources: If the sponsor has other resources, information about them

3. Other People Supported: If the sponsor supports family members of or other people, the details of that support

4. Obligations and Expenses: Other obligations and expenses

5. Plans: Plans and arrangements for the applicant's arrival and support

6. Bond: A statement that she or he is willing to deposit a bond, if necessary, with the Immigration and Naturalization Service to guarantee that the applicant will not become a public charge in the United States

7. Aware of Responsibilities: Statement that the sponsor is aware of his or her responsibilities under the Social Security Act, as amended, and the Food Stamp Act, as amended, that the affidavit will be binding upon the sponsor for three (3) years after the named people arrive, and a statement that the affidavit and supporting documentation may be made available to a public assistance agency.

• The provisions of the above laws are in form DS-1858, Sponsor's Financial Responsibility Under the Social Security Act, and printed in Part III of the instructions for Form I-134.

8. U.S. Status: The sponsor’s affidavit must include a statement about his or her status in the United States.

If the sponsor is an American citizen the affidavit should include a statement about how United States citizenship was acquired.

• If she or he is a naturalized citizen, the affidavit must include the date of naturalization, the name and location of the court, and the sponsor's naturalization certificate number.
• If the sponsor is a lawful permanent resident the affidavit must include the date and place of admission for permanent residence and the alien registration number which appears on his or her Alien Registration Receipt Card.

9. Documentation: To document the information about income and resources the sponsor must attach at least two of the following items to the affidavit:

• Notarized copies of his or her latest federal income tax return;
• A statement from his or her employer showing salary and the length and permanency of employment;
• A statement from an officer of the bank about his or her account, the date it was opened, and the present balance;
• Any other evidence that documents his or her financial ability to support the applicant for as long as she or he needs it, no matter how long that may be.
• If the sponsor is well-established in business, he or she may submit a rating from a recognized business rating organization instead of the above.

10. Husband and Wife: If the sponsor is married, the affidavit must signed jointly by the husband and wife.

11. Recent Date: Affidavits of support must be dated recently when they are presented to the consular officer.

• They are unacceptable if it has been more than one year since the date they were completed.

12. Contents Can Be Private: A sponsor may forward his or her affidavit of support directly to the consular office where the visa application will be made. In this case, the contents will not be revealed to the applicant.

back to top