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US Visa for Nigerian Passport Holders

B1/B2 — Tourist & Business Visa
⚠ Visa Required — You must apply before travel
57% Rejection Rate
5/5 Difficulty
5–5d Processing
NGN 251,000 Total (~$185)

Abuja no longer processes US visas — apply in Lagos

On 1 August 2026 the United States ended routine visa processing at its embassy in Abuja, one of 25 African posts folded into regional hubs. Nigerian applicants are now handled in Lagos. Appointments already booked in Abuja should be reconfirmed through the AIS portal.

Last checked August 2026 — rules on this route can change at short notice, so confirm with your airline and the destination's immigration authority before you book or fly.

Quick Facts

Requirement Visa Required
Visa Fee NGN 251,000 (~$185)
Processing Time 5–5 working days
Appointment Wait ~2 weeks
Stay Duration Up to 180 days

The US B1/B2 visa is the hardest visa for Nigerians to obtain — a mandatory consular interview and a 57% adjusted refusal rate in FY2025, up from 46.51% the year before. Since 1 August 2026 Lagos is the only Nigerian post: Abuja stopped routine visa processing when the State Department folded 25 African posts into regional hubs. Budget for the $250 integrity fee on top of the $185 MRV fee where it is being collected.

Key Warnings

  • Lagos is Nigeria's only US visa post since Abuja stopped routine processing on 1 August 2026, and it now also serves applicants redirected from elsewhere in the region. Book the interview the day you start preparing documents rather than when the documents are ready.
  • Nigeria's B1/B2 refusal rate was 57% in FY2025, up from 46.51% in FY2024 — the #1 reason is failure to prove non-immigrant intent (ties to Nigeria). A comprehensive ties-to-Nigeria package including property, employment, and family commitments is essential.
  • MRV fee ($185 / ₦251,000) is non-refundable even if refused. Ensure your documentation is complete and compelling before paying and scheduling.

Insider Tips

  • There is no longer a choice of post: since 1 August 2026 all Nigerian applicants are seen in Lagos. Check ais.usvisa-info.com for live availability, and re-check often — cancellations open earlier slots than the published wait suggests.
  • Previous US, UK, or Schengen visa approvals — even expired ones — significantly improve your chances. Bring all old passports with stamps to the interview.
  • Dress professionally for the interview. Officers form impressions quickly. Be honest, concise, and confident about your purpose of travel and your reasons for returning to Nigeria.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Complete the DS-160 and pay the MRV fee

    USD 185, paid before booking. Keep the confirmation number.

  2. Book the interview in Lagos

    Lagos is Nigeria's only post since Abuja stopped routine visa processing on 1 August 2026, and it is also a regional hub. Book the day you begin preparing and re-check for cancellations.

  3. Assemble the ties-to-Nigeria evidence

    Nigeria's adjusted refusal rate was 57% in FY2025, up from 46.51%. Employment letter with approved leave and a return date, property or business documents, dependants.

  4. Attend the interview

    INA 214(b) presumes immigrant intent until you rebut it. Keep interview answers identical to the DS-160 — inconsistency is read as evasion.

  5. Budget for the integrity fee

    USD 250 at issuance for visas issued from 1 October 2025, where the consulate is collecting it. It more than doubles the cost of the visa.

Required Documents

  • Valid Nigerian passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Both current and any previous passports should be brought to the interview.
  • Completed DS-160 online application form Complete at ceac.state.gov/genniv. Print the confirmation page with barcode — required at the interview.
  • MRV fee payment receipt ($185 / ₦251,000) Pay via the appointment scheduling system (ais.usvisa-info.com) before booking your interview date.
  • Interview appointment confirmation letter Print from ais.usvisa-info.com after scheduling.
  • Passport photo (5×5cm / 2×2 inches) White background. Taken within the last 6 months. One physical copy required even if uploaded digitally.
  • Bank statement (last 6 months) Strong and consistent transaction history is critical. Average monthly balance of ₦2M+ significantly improves approval. Avoid lump-sum deposits made in the weeks before application.
  • Employment letter on company letterhead Must confirm position, salary, length of employment, and approved leave with a return-to-work date. Self-employed applicants should include CAC registration and audited accounts.
  • Proof of income 3–6 months of payslips or 2 years of audited business accounts.
  • Travel itinerary (flights and accommodation) Tentative itinerary is acceptable — no need for fully paid bookings at time of interview.
  • Evidence of ties to Nigeria This is the most critical document group. Include: property ownership (C of O, Land Certificate), children's school enrollment, active business registration, family commitments. Officers must be satisfied you will return.

Recommended (Optional)

  • Previous US visa (if any) A prior US visa approval, even expired, dramatically improves chances. Also include prior UK, Canada, or Schengen visa stamps.
  • Property ownership documents (C of O or Land Certificate) One of the strongest ties-to-Nigeria documents an officer can see. Highly recommended.
  • Invitation letter from US host (if visiting family/friends) Include the host's US immigration status documentation. Not required for tourism.
  • CAC business registration certificate For business owners. Shows active commercial ties to Nigeria.
  • Tax clearance certificate (last 3 years) FIRS-issued. Demonstrates financial legitimacy.

Why Applications Get Rejected

United States rejected 57% of applications. Avoid these mistakes:

  • Failure to prove non-immigrant intent (Section 214(b) denial)

    The majority of Nigerian B1/B2 refusals are under INA Section 214(b) — the applicant could not satisfy the officer they would return to Nigeria. Officers look for strong property ties, active employment, family responsibilities, and financial roots in Nigeria.

    Fix: Build a 'ties-to-Nigeria' package: C of O or land title, employer letter with approved leave, children's school enrollment, evidence of ongoing business or financial obligations.

  • Weak or inconsistent financial documentation

    Bank statements showing lump-sum deposits, accounts recently opened, or balances below ~$3,000 are frequently flagged. Officers want to see organic, consistent income over many months.

    Fix: Provide 6 months of bank statements showing consistent salary credits. Self-employed: include 2 years audited accounts. Avoid large transfers made just before applying.

  • Vague or unconvincing travel purpose

    Applicants who give unclear answers about why they are visiting, where they will stay, or how long they will be there raise red flags. Officers expect specific, credible answers.

    Fix: Prepare a clear travel narrative: specific destination, specific purpose (tourism, conference, family visit), specific accommodation, and a specific return date anchored to job or family obligations in Nigeria.

57% rejection rate — US Department of State adjusted refusal rate for B visas, FY2025 — Nigeria 57.0%. Adjusted rate = (refusals − overcomes) ÷ (issuances + refusals − overcomes). Up from 46.51% in FY2024. The State Department PDF is not directly retrievable, so this is taken from three independent reports of the same table, which agree to the decimal.

Latest Updates

2026-08

FY2025 US refusal rate for Nigeria is 57.0%

The State Department's FY2025 adjusted refusal rate for Nigeria B1/B2 applicants is 57.0%. That is up from 46.51% in FY2024. The figure previously shown on this page, 35%, came from FY2023 data and understated the current position.

2025-10

$250 Visa Integrity Fee applies to visas issued from 1 October 2025

The Visa Integrity Fee introduced by the July 2025 budget act adds USD 250 per person to every nonimmigrant visa, collected at issuance rather than application, for visas issued on or after 1 October 2025. As of August 2026 the State Department has still not published universal implementation guidance, so some consulates collect it and others do not. It more than doubles the cost of a B1/B2 visa where it applies.

2026-08

US ended routine visa processing in Abuja on 1 August 2026

The State Department consolidated visa services across Africa into 20 regional hubs, ending routine processing at 25 posts including Abuja. Lagos is one of the surviving hubs and now handles all Nigerian non-immigrant visa applicants, alongside applicants redirected from elsewhere in the region.

2024-06

US Embassy Lagos resumes full B1/B2 interview capacity

Following post-pandemic staffing increases, the Lagos Consulate General has expanded interview slots. However, demand still far outpaces supply with typical wait times of 3–6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a US visa interview appointment in Nigeria?
Lagos only — the Abuja embassy stopped routine visa processing on 1 August 2026. The State Department put the Lagos B1/B2 wait under half a month on 21 July 2026, before the Abuja caseload transferred. Check ais.usvisa-info.com for live availability, and re-check often for cancellations — published waits. Schedule your appointment as soon as you decide to apply, even before assembling all documents.
Why is the US visa rejection rate so high for Nigerians?
Nigeria's adjusted B1/B2 refusal rate was 57% in FY2025, up from 46.51% the year before — among the highest globally, though below Kenya (68.23%) and Ghana (64.34%). The primary reason is that officers must be convinced you will return to Nigeria (non-immigrant intent). The burden of proof lies entirely on the applicant. Property ownership, stable employment, family ties, and prior international travel history are the most effective counters.
Can I reapply for a US visa after being refused?
Yes, there is no mandatory waiting period after a B1/B2 refusal. However, reapplying with the same documents is unlikely to succeed. Address the specific reason for refusal (usually stated in your refusal letter under INA 214(b)), strengthen your ties-to-Nigeria documentation, and pay the MRV fee again ($185 / ₦251,000).
Is the US visa fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No. The $185 MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee is strictly non-refundable regardless of outcome. This makes documentation quality critically important before applying.

Data Sources & Verification

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Where to Apply

US Consulate General Lagos

Lagos

2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos

Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30

Consulate General. Since 1 August 2026 Lagos is Nigeria's only post for routine visa services and also acts as a regional hub, so expect appointment availability to tighten.

Book Appointment →

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