Non-Immigrant Visas

Student Visas

Nigerians seeking to enroll in a U.S. high school or university, complete a technical degree, or participate in an exchange program must obtain an appropriate student visa.

Qualifying for a Student Visa

Under U.S. immigration law, applicants for many categories of non-immigrant visas, including student visas, are presumed to be intending immigrants. To qualify for a visa, applicants must clearly demonstrate their intent to depart the United States upon the completion of their studies.

Applicants usually demonstrate their intent to depart the United States by proving that they have a stable family and economic situation to which they must return.

Student visa applicants must also demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover the cost of their studies.

Applying for a Student Visa

Students should make an appointment for a visa interview as soon as possible after receiving their I- 20.  Student visa applicants may use the online appointment system, or they may also use the email appointment request system explained below.

In Lagos: Student visa applicants in the Lagos consular district may schedule an interview by e-mailing lagoscons2@state.gov and requesting an appointment date. The student will receive an appointment date by return email.  (Please see Consulate General Lagos Consular web page for more information on student visas.) 

In Abuja:

Step One: Effective June 27, 2007, student visa applicants applying in the Abuja consular district may request an interview appointment by sending an email to AbujaStudentVisas@state.gov.  The email must include: (1) the student’s name as it appears in their passport and (2) the SEVIS number (found in the upper right-hand corner of the I-20 form begins with an “N”).  No other information is required in the email. 

Step Two: Within 3 business days, eligible applicants will receive an appointment confirmation email from the Consular Section with the next available appointment date.

Step Three: The applicant must print the confirmation email and gather all supporting documents and forms (see list below), and bring them to the interview. 

• Electronic, barcoded DS-156 non-immigrant visa application (for all applicants), available at the website listed above or at https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp?lang=1
• DS-157  (for males between the ages of 16 and 45)
• DS-158  (for students) 
• Endorsed, valid I-20  (for students) 
• DS-2019  (for exchange visitors) 
• International passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay in the United States 
• 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 covering will be permitted. 
• The UBA bank receipt (for the $131 visa application fee). 
• All supporting documents that can establish the applicant's strong economic, social, and other ties to Nigeria.

Special Note: Applicants are strongly advised to obtain their UBA Bank receipt several days prior to their appointment, since they must appear with this bank receipt at the day and time of the interview.  

Step Four: Applicants must appear at the Consular Gate on the date and time of their appointment with the email appointment confirmation printout, all supporting forms, documents, and fee receipts.  Applicants that appear without all of the necessary items will lose their appointment and will need to request a new appointment date.

Step Five: Successful visa applicants will return to the Consular Section at 3:00 p.m. two business days after their interview to collect their passports. Applicants who arrive late to pick up their passports will be asked to return the following day.