U.S discontinues drop box visa processing for Nigerian applicants, reinstating full in-person interviews

In a significant shift affecting visa applicants in Nigeria, the United States has quietly discontinued the drop box visa renewal service, requiring all applicants to now undergo in-person interviews.

The removal of this option, which previously allowed eligible individuals to renew their visas without appearing at the embassy or consulate, marks a substantial change in the visa processing system.

While the US Embassy in Nigeria has yet to release an official statement, reports indicate that the drop box feature has been removed from the appointment booking platform.

Many applicants attempting to schedule visa renewals have been unable to access the service, sparking speculation that it has been permanently eliminated. Additionally, a number of applicants have reported difficulties navigating the booking system, exacerbating concerns about extended processing times.

Sources suggest that this policy change aligns with a broader series of executive orders issued under former President Donald Trump’s administration that have influenced global immigration policies.

The decision comes amid an already overwhelming backlog of visa applications, with many Nigerians previously waiting months—sometimes close to a year—to secure drop box appointments. With the discontinuation of this service, applicants must now go through the more time-consuming in-person interview process, further extending wait times.

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The drop box program, officially known as the Interview Waiver program, was initially introduced to streamline visa renewals for eligible applicants, reducing the need for physical interviews.

In August 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Department of State expanded the program’s eligibility, allowing individuals whose visas had expired within 48 months to renew through the drop box system. This expansion aimed to minimize in-person interactions and expedite visa processing during a period of global travel restrictions.

However, the drop box service in Nigeria has faced previous suspensions. In 2018, during Donald Trump’s first term in office, the US government revoked the option due to concerns about high visa overstay rates among Nigerian travelers. This policy shift resulted in longer wait times as all applicants were required to attend in-person interviews.

The latest removal of the drop box service will likely have widespread implications for Nigerian travelers, including business professionals, students, and frequent visitors who previously relied on the system for quicker visa renewals.

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Many applicants are now expected to face prolonged processing times, potentially disrupting travel plans and causing logistical challenges for those seeking to visit the United States for work, study, or tourism.

With visa demand remaining high, Nigerian applicants may now have to prepare for extended waiting periods, reinforcing the need for strategic planning when applying for US visas.

As the situation develops, prospective travelers will be looking to the US Embassy for further clarification on the rationale behind the policy change and potential measures to mitigate delays in visa processing.