Nigerians applying for US visa renewals will now have to go through full in-person interviews following the quiet removal of the visa drop box option, a major shift that is expected to worsen the already long wait times. Previously, eligible applicants could bypass the interview requirement by submitting their documents through the drop box system, also known as the Interview Waiver Program. However, recent findings indicate that this option has been completely removed from the appointment booking system without any formal announcement from the US Embassy in Nigeria.
Sources confirm that applicants who recently attempted to schedule their visa renewals discovered that the drop box option was no longer available. Many, confused by the sudden change, initially assumed it was a temporary system glitch. However, further checks revealed that the removal was deliberate, aligning with a series of evolving US immigration policies. While no official statement has been issued by the embassy, several reports suggest that the decision may be linked to broader US visa policy adjustments, potentially influenced by past concerns over overstays and misuse of the program by some travelers.
This abrupt change has left many Nigerian visa applicants in a difficult situation. Even before the removal, securing a drop box appointment had become increasingly challenging due to the high demand and backlog of applications. Some applicants reported waiting for months, with many struggling to find available slots, particularly in Lagos, where appointment availability had become nearly non-existent. With the elimination of the drop box option, all applicants—regardless of their previous eligibility—will now have to book in-person interviews, further straining an already overwhelmed visa processing system.
The impact of this policy shift will be particularly felt by business travelers, students, and frequent visitors who previously relied on the drop box system for faster renewals. Many professionals, especially those with urgent travel needs, will now have to endure long wait times for interviews, potentially disrupting travel plans, work commitments, and educational opportunities. Reports indicate that some applicants had already been waiting nearly a year to secure an appointment, and with the removal of the drop box service, those delays are expected to increase significantly.
The drop box system was initially introduced to simplify the renewal process for qualified applicants, reducing the need for in-person interviews and expediting processing times. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was further expanded to accommodate those whose visas had expired within 48 months, a move aimed at minimizing in-person interactions. However, Nigeria has experienced previous suspensions of this service, notably in 2018, when it was discontinued under the Trump administration due to concerns over visa overstays. The current removal signals a return to a more stringent visa application process, reminiscent of past policies that required all applicants to undergo in-person assessments.
With the US government maintaining a tough stance on visa policies and border security, it remains uncertain whether the drop box service will be reinstated in the future. For now, Nigerian travelers must prepare for lengthier visa processing times and more rigorous interview screenings. As the demand for US visas continues to rise, applicants are advised to plan well in advance, ensuring they secure appointments early to avoid last-minute travel disruptions. The US Embassy is yet to provide an official statement, but all indications suggest that the new policy is here to stay.
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