US B1/B2 Visitor Visa Guide for Nigerians

Updated June 2026 · Stamkay Logistics editorial team

The US B1/B2 visa is a combined business (B1) and tourism (B2) visitor visa. Unlike the UK, the decision is made in a face-to-face interview — the paperwork matters, but what the officer thinks of you in five minutes matters more. Here's what actually works for Nigerian applicants.

Step one: DS-160 and MRV fee

Every applicant, including children, completes the DS-160 online form. Be careful with addresses, employment dates and prior travel — inconsistencies with your Nigerian passport chip or previous US applications are flagged. Print the confirmation page with the barcode; the officer needs it at the window.

The MRV fee (currently $185 for B1/B2) is paid via a designated Nigerian bank and is non-refundable and non-transferable to another person. It's valid for a year — if your interview date is beyond that, you'll pay again.

Interview slots in Lagos and Abuja

The US Mission in Nigeria runs two posts: US Embassy Abuja and US Consulate General Lagos. Interview appointment wait times swing between two weeks and several months. If your travel date is urgent, you can request an expedited appointment after booking any available slot — approval is discretionary.

Interview waiver (drop-box) is available for renewals under specific conditions — usually a prior US visa in the same category, no refusals, and reapplying within a set window. Read the current criteria on your appointment page before assuming you qualify.

What to bring to the interview

• Passport (and any old passports with prior US or Schengen visas).
• DS-160 confirmation printout.
• Appointment confirmation.
• MRV fee receipt.
• One 2×2 inch photo (in case the digital one fails).
• Supporting documents — but understand the officer may not ask for any.

The real test: strong ties to Nigeria

US law (Section 214(b) of the INA) presumes every non-immigrant visa applicant is an intending immigrant unless they can prove otherwise. In practice the officer wants to see:

• Stable, long employment or a running business with tax filings, not a job you got last month.
• Family or dependents anchoring you in Nigeria.
• Property or long-standing financial commitments.
• A specific, credible trip purpose — a wedding, a conference, a graduation, a family reunion. "Just tourism" is fine but weaker for first-time applicants.

Interview strategy for Nigerian applicants

1. Answer directly. Officers make decisions in under three minutes. Long, defensive answers hurt.
2. Be honest about who is paying. If a family member is sponsoring, say so — they can verify via prior filings.
3. Don't memorise a script. They notice.
4. Do not argue if refused. A 214(b) refusal is not permanent; reapply when your circumstances strengthen.

After approval

Your passport is returned via DHL to a pick-up centre you selected during the DS-160 payment. Standard delivery takes 3–7 working days. The visa may be issued for a shorter period than the maximum 5-year multi-entry — the officer decides.

Preparing for a US interview and want a second set of eyes on your DS-160 and story? Book a visa consultation or read our UK visa guide for comparison.