The US Embassy in Nigeria has ended the drop-box visa renewal option, requiring all applicants to attend in-person interviews. This change exacerbates existing visa application delays and stems from adjustments in global visa policies. The removal impacts frequent travelers and students who benefited from the expedited renewal process.
The US visa renewal process in Nigeria has undergone significant change due to the discontinuation of the drop-box visa processing option. Previously, this system allowed eligible applicants to renew their visas without the need for an in-person interview. This option has now been removed from the appointment booking platform, leading to increased inconvenience for applicants amidst a growing backlog of visa applications.
Historically, the drop box feature, officially known as the Interview Waiver program, was introduced to facilitate the visa renewal process for certain applicants. Eligibility criteria included having a prior US visa expiring within 24 months and applying for the same visa category. The service expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to accommodate visas expired within 48 months, enhancing accessibility for travelers during a challenging period.
The discontinuation of the drop-box system has reinstated the requirement for all US visa applicants in Nigeria to attend in-person interviews, reversing the convenience previously offered. This change adds to the delays faced by many, particularly impacting those needing timely renewals for business or education purposes, amidst ongoing visa application backlogs.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
