If you're a Nigerian citizen with a B1/B2 visa for the United States, and the validity is coming to an end, you may be wondering how to extend your United States visa before its expiration date.
Good news! It is possible to do the U.S. visa renewal in Nigeria as long as you meet certain criteria and follow the proper procedures. With the help of iVisa, you'll avoid errors and other issues that can delay the visa process!
In this article, we'll discuss everything you need to know about extending your United States B1/B2 visa as a Nigerian citizen, including requirements and costs.
If you are a first-time applicant, click here for more info and to apply.
B1/B2 Visa renewal process: How to renew a U.S. Visa in Nigeria
Let's jump straight into it! There are just a few steps to apply for the B1/B2 U.S. visa renewal. With iVisa, the renewal process is quick and easy. Here's what to do:
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Step 1: Fill out the online B1/B2 extension application form with all the requested information.
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Step 2: Double-check your information and verify everything is correct.
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Step 3: Upload the required documents and submit the form. Based on your info, you may need to attend an interview at the Embassy in Lagos.
Don't worry! We'll send you full instructions about how to fill out the application form, which documents you need to gather, and how to make an interview appointment.
Don't delay your application and start the renewal process now with iVisa!
Am I eligible to renew my U.S. B1/B2 visa in Nigeria?
As a citizen of Nigeria, you can apply for a visa B1/B2 renewal. Most people can renew their visas online.
Can you renew your Visa B1/B2 without an interview in Nigeria?
Nigerian citizens are now eligible for visa renewals without an interview if they meet the following criteria:
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Your visa was issued in Nigeria.
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Your previous visa is valid or expired within the last 48 months or will expire within the next three months.
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You still have the passport(s) containing the previous visa(s) and the passport with the most recent visa. If you have renewed your passport after your visa was stamped, you must attach it to the previous passports.
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You have never been arrested or convicted of any crime or offense in the United States.
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You have never worked illegally or overstayed your visa in the United States.
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Your previous visa was in the same classification as your current application and was a full-validity, multiple-entry visa.
If you meet these requirements, apply directly online for the B1/B2 U.S. Visa renewal online.
Other available U.S. visas
The United States offers several visas. Via iVisa, we offer several of them, available for different nationalities:
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B1/B2 Visa - As outlined in this article, you can apply for a B1/B2 Visa if you travel to the United States for a family visit, tourism, or a short business trip.
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ESTA - The ESTA is only available for certain nationalities with visa-free status for the United States, such as many European countries. Unfortunately, this is not the case for Nigerian citizens.
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DV Lottery Entry Form - Also known as the Green Card Lottery, this program allows up to 55,000 randomly selected people per year to obtain a Green Card or permanent residency paper visa in the United States.
This program was created to receive more diverse immigrants from countries with a lower immigration rate to the U.S. The winners will receive a residence card, also known as a Green Card.
Use our Visa Checker Tool to find out which visas are available for Nigerian citizens.
If you're looking for info about other travel documents, such as a student visa, visit the website of the U.S. government for more information about requirements and how to apply.
Requirements for U.S. B1/B2 Visa Renewal in Nigeria
Required documents for the U.S. B1/B2 Visa renewal for Nigerians
To renew your B1/B2 visa online with iVisa, you'll need to provide the following documents and info:
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Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months, with the previous visa in it. If it is in your previous passport, please have all passports at hand.
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Must be a citizen of Nigeria.
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Digital passport-size photograph with standard measurements. The photo must be in color with a white background and not older than 6 months. We also provide a professional [photo service] if you don't have one yet, which can be done from the comfort of your own home!
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The applicant must have completed the DS-160 form. iVisa will help you with this.
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Updated email address where iVisa will deliver the B1/B2 visa renewal.
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A credit card in your own name.
Once the application is approved, we will send you confirmation by email with further instructions on how to pick up your visa and passport.
How to make an appointment for a U.S. renewal visa interview in Nigeria?
Most people who want to apply for the renewal of the B1/B2 visa can do it online without needing an interview at the U.S. embassy in Abuja or the U.S. consulate general in Lagos.
If, for some reason, you do need to make an appointment for an interview at the U.S. Embassy, you will need to bring the following documents:
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Passport with at least six months of validity.
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Receipt number of the payment of your visa application fee.
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Current email address.
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Form DS-160 (we will help you fill out this form).
How can I track my visa application and passport return?
Once your visa is approved and your passport is ready, you'll receive an email from us about when and how to pick up your passport with the new visa.
You can also check the status of your application at any time on the official CEAC website. Tracking will be available after three business days following your visa interview to check on the status of your application.
U.S. Visa renewal fee: Costs of renewing the B1/B2 Visa in Nigeria
The B1/B2 visa is one of the most requested visas in the world to travel to the United States, with a government fee of US$160.
This excludes the processing fee of iVisa, which you can check here with our handy Visa Checker Tool. By using iVisa to apply for your B1/B2 renewal, you'll get the following benefits:
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100% government-compliant: Our team of iVisa Experts will review your application to ensure it is 100% compliant with the government requirements.
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Unlimited access to your personal iVisa Expert: At iVisa, we assign you an iVisa Expert to guide you through the entire application process from start to end.
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Simplified DS-160 form: Avoid the long, confusing, and tedious questions on the government website. We offer a simplified form with easy questions and will do the legwork for you.
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Fill out the form at your own pace: Fill out the form at your own pace, make changes whenever you want, and save your progress to continue later, when you need to take a break.
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Step-by-step manual: By applying through iVisa, you'll get an exclusive PDF manual with tips for answering difficult questions, a full list of documents you need, and guidance from start to end.
Get your visa now and receive all the above benefits!
How to pay the visa fees for the B1/B2 renewal in Nigeria
While you can pay the iVisa fees easily online on our secure platform with a credit card in your name, the government fees must be paid separately.
Visa applicants in Nigeria must pay the application fee in cash at a GTBank branch. At the bank, you must write the payment amount and your telephone number on the U.S. visa fee collection slip available.
After receiving your payment, the bank will give you a receipt. After you have paid the visa application fee, please keep the GT bank fee receipt for your records and the application process.
Processing time for the B1/B2 visa renewal in Nigeria
The processing time for a B1/B2 visa renewal depends on the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. Each embassy and consulate has its own processing time based on appointment schedules, staffing, and pending visa applications.
It can take up to two months for your visa renewal to be processed, during which time you do not get your passport back.
You can check the estimated wait time for a B1/B2 visa appointment at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate on the State Department website.
When should I apply for my B1/B2 visa renewal?
We recommend applying at least two months before your current B1/B2 visa expires. Your visa cannot be expired for more than 3 months to apply for the renewal online without an appointment.
Can I apply for a renewal of the B1/B2 before my current visa expires?
Yes, you can. It is not necessary to wait for your visa to expire. In fact, it is advisable to do so before it expires because the visa renewal process takes time. It will also ensure you are prepared for delays or issues.
What happens if my B1/B2 Visa renewal is denied?
If you're denied a visa to travel to the United States, it is not possible to appeal the decision, but you can reapply again in the future.
If you choose to reapply, you will need to submit a new travel visa application (Form DS-160), pay the filing fee again, and attend another visa interview (if applicable).
What to do when your passport with your B1/B2 Visa is stolen/lost
If your passport with your B1/B2 visa has been stolen or if you have lost it, it is important to take immediate action. Here are the steps you should follow:
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Report the theft: Report the theft of your passport to the police and obtain a police report. You may need to present this report when applying for a new passport.
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Contact the Nigerian Embassy: If you were in the United States when you lost your passport with your visa, contact the Nigerian Embassy in the U.S. to report the theft and request assistance in obtaining a new passport.
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Contact the U.S. Embassy: Contact the US Embassy in Nigeria to report the theft and request assistance in obtaining a new visa.
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Gather the required documents: You will need to provide proof of identity and other documents when applying for a new passport and visa.
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Apply for a new visa: Apply for a new B1/B2 visa at the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria or online, providing the necessary documentation and explaining the circumstances of the loss of your previous passport and visa.
It's important to note that obtaining a new passport and visa can take time, so it's essential to begin the process as soon as possible.
Additionally, you should take measures to prevent identity theft, such as monitoring your credit report and notifying your bank and credit card companies of the theft.
How to prepare for the U.S. Visa interview in Nigeria
As mentioned above, if you meet the proper requirements, you likely will not have to attend a visa interview to renew your B1/B2 visa.
However, in the case that you do, here are some tips. Although the thought of being interviewed by a U.S. government official can be overwhelming, remember that the interview is simply intended to determine if you meet visa requirements, such as:
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You meet all the criteria.
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You are who you say you are.
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You're not planning to work in the United States.
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You have no criminal intent when traveling to the United States.
Keep in mind that visas will be harder to obtain for travelers from countries with economic problems, as statistically, applicants from these countries are more likely to be intending immigrants. In this case, you are more likely to be asked about your financial situation, job, and intention to return. Your supporting documents must back up all your answers.
Find a complete guide of U.S. Visa interview tips in this blog
In the above blog, with the help of the iVisa experts, we've compiled a list of all the tips for a successful visa interview, along with some examples of the most frequently asked questions and appropriate answers.
Through our team of highly qualified professionals customer service team, who will be able to answer any questions you may have via online chat, or you can email us at help@iVisa.