U.S Embassy Alerts No-Interview Student Visa Renewals Now Available
Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
U.S Mission in Nigeria, has alerted those currently studying in the United States on an F1 or academic J1 visa, that they may be eligible to renew their student visa without an interview when they return to Nigeria over the winter break.
An advisory that said being physically in Nigeria, is a criteria for qualification, notes renewing a student visa that is still valid or has expired within the past 24 months means either to continue participation in the same major course of study even if at a different institution; or to attend the same institution even if in a different major course of study.
It reminded that by scheduling a no-interview student visa renewal appointment, applicants will be required to drop off their passport at a DHL location in Lagos, on a date and time scheduled using the Consulate’s online booking system.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria promises to return the passport within two weeks from appointment date and will prioritize any required follow up interviews.
To schedule a no-interview student visa renewal appointment visit www.ustraveldocs.com/ng and follow the instructions.
On the day and time of scheduled appointment, visit a designated DHL facility to drop off the application with documents, such as a printout of submission letter (printed from www.ustraveldocs.com/ng), a DS-160 completed in the last six months, an approved I-20, a receipt for I-901 SEVIS fee, passport containing the expired student visa (if that passport has expired, a current valid passport must be included) as well as a passport photograph taken in the last six months meeting the requirements.
One can also visit and schedule a regular appointment at www.ustraveldocs.com/ng if such applicant does not meet the criteria as each applicant must meet the qualifications individually even if travelling together.
For instance, there will not be a renewal for a child if the parent is the only one who qualifies under the guidelines so, the child would need to schedule an appointment and visit the Embassy or Consulate for an interview.
According to the advisory, to remove a dependent that does not qualify for a student renewal from your profile, you need to log in to the primary applicant’s profile, click on new Scheduling Appointment, follow the steps to Step six where you check for the dependent’s information and click “x” to remove the dependent from the primary applicants’ profile.
Scheduled applicants who qualify for the no-interview student visa renewal can cancel their appointments and re-apply at this link.
During the rescheduling process you will be asked questions confirming eligibility for the student renewal program and be provided instructions on how to submit the application through the document delivery center.
The advisory, however, warned that one should not cancel their appointment if they do not qualify for no interview.
