Tourist Visa

[abia 0]

Hello All,

My mother is in Nigeria and I her want to visit me in the United States. Her multiple entry visa expired in March 2010 and I was wondering what the process is, considering the visa expired less than 12 months ago. Reading the US Embassy website it seems that all she has to do is use the "Drop Box" procedure instead of going through the full interview process or having to schedule an interview. Does she still have to schedule an appointment and go through the whole interview process again because it seems to me the process should be easier with the "Drop Box" procedure? If anyone could give me a step by step process or any suggestions that would be great! Thanks for all your help in advance!!!

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

This is about as step by step as it gets.

Non-Immigrant Visas

Visa Renewal Guidelines (“Drop Box”)

Non-immigrant visa applicants may renew business, tourist, crew, or temporary employment visas if the following conditions are met:

*

The visa to be renewed is a full-validity (24-month) multiple-entry visa;

*

The visa is still valid or expired less than 12 months ago;

*

The applicant can present the previous visa (replacement of lost or stolen visas can NOT be done via drop box);

*

The applicant requests the same visa class as the previous visa;

*

The applicant has not been refused a visa in the last 12 months;

Spouses and children under 18 years of age may qualify to apply with parents renewing their visas even if the spouse or children do not meet the above conditions. Please note, however, that children over 18 years must apply independently of their parents even if they are traveling together.

Please note that use of this procedure does not guarantee visa issuance.

Students: Please follow student visa instructions here if you wish to renew your student visa.

Step 1: Pay Visa Application Fees

Applicants must pay a non refundable visa application fee of US $131 in Nigerian Naira as well as the VFS service fee of N5,800.00 at any designated branch of UBA Bank. Applicants should take a photocopy of the biographic data page of their international passport with them to the bank.

Step 2 : Make Visa Appointment (24 hours after payment of visa application fees)

Applicants must go to the VFS Global services website at www.usa-vfsglobal-ng.com to schedule an appointment. From the home page, click on “How do I apply for a Non Immigrant Visa and Schedule an Appointment” on the navigation pane. Follow the prompts to schedule an appointment. Please be aware that you will need to use Internet Explorer as your browser to make an appointment.

Applicants must also complete the DS-160 online application form available at http://nigeria.usembassy.gov/ or https://ceac.state.gov/GENNIV Be sure to print out the barcoded DS-160 confirmation page after completing the application.

Step 3: Visa interview

Please arrive at the visa gate by 6:30 a.m. on the day of your appointment. Please bring with you:

• Printed appointment letter from VFS;

• Barcoded DS-160 confirmation page

• International passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your proposed stay in the United States;

• Original UBA MRV fee receipt;

• Two passport (5cm x 5cm) photographs with full face forward against a white background taken within the last six months. Hair must not cover the ears. No photos with dark glasses or non-religious, tribal, or chieftaincy head coverings will be permitted.

Applicants who arrive late, or do not appear on the day of their interview must schedule a new appointment. No exceptions can be made to this policy.

Applicants enter the consulate expeditiously and are interviewed by a consular officer.

Step 4: Visa Pickup

Two business days after the interview, successful applicants (or proxies whose names applicants leave with the interviewing officer at the time of interview) can pick up the passport and visa at:

Abuja

VF Global Services Nigeria Ltd

Metro Plaza Plot 991/992,

Zakari Maimalari Street,

Central Business District,

Abuja - Nigeria

Telephone: 01-4631363

Website: www.usa-vfsglobal-ng.com

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0800 – 1230 and 1330 – 1600

(except Nigerian and American holidays)

Lagos:

VFS Global Services Nigeria Ltd.

3rd Floor, Zenon House

Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos

Telephone: 01-463-1363

Website: www.usa-vfsglobal-ng.com

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0800 – 1230 and 1330 – 1600

(except Nigerian and American holidays)

Applicants or proxies must present the colored ticket they received the first day and appropriate photo identification.