US introduces $750 premium visa service for Nigerians, cuts interview wait to 10 days
By Aboki Forex —
The United States has launched a new premium visa interview service for Nigerians. It allows applicants to secure an interview within 10 business days for an extra fee of $750.
The service is for B1 and B2 visa seekers. These are business and tourism visas. The US State Department announced the plan in a notice published on June 9 in the Federal Register.
It is optional. Applicants still pay the regular visa fee of $185. The $750 is on top of that. Paying the fee does not guarantee visa approval. Applicants must still meet all requirements and pass the standard screening.
The service will only be available at selected US embassies and consulates. Officials have not yet said which locations will offer it.
The move comes as Nigerians face long wait times. The average wait for a B1/B2 visa interview at the US Embassy in Abuja is about 11.5 months. That makes it hard for people with urgent business, family matters, conferences, or last-minute travel plans.
The new option arrives as immigration policies tighten for African nationals. Some travellers from Nigeria already face possible visa bonds of up to $15,000 under new rules.