United States Tourist Visa
B1/B2 Visitor Visa · For Nigeria citizens
Planning a trip to the United States as a Nigerian citizen? This guide covers the B1/B2 visitor visa process: required documents, the $185 application fee, interview preparation, and how to demonstrate strong ties to Nigeria. With a 54% approval rate, thorough preparation and compelling evidence of your intent to return are essential.
US Tourist Visa for Nigerian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Nigeria citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States
Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application form
Recent passport-style photograph meeting US visa requirements
Pay the $185 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee
Schedule and attend visa interview at US Embassy or Consulate
Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses
Documentation proving your employment status and income
Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to Nigeria
Recommended (Optional)
Details of your planned activities in the United States
Documents from your US-based sponsor if applicable
Application Process
The US B1/B2 visa requires an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Abuja or US Consulate General in Lagos.3 The application process involves several steps that must be completed in sequence.
1. Complete DS-160 Online Application
Fill out the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov.1 This comprehensive form requires information about your travel plans, employment history, education, family, and previous travel. Upload a compliant digital photograph meeting US specifications. Your confirmation barcode must start with “AA00” to be valid for scheduling.3
2. Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee at First Bank of Nigeria (cash or electronic funds transfer in Naira) or by card payment in USD online.2 Before paying at the bank, generate a payment deposit slip from the AVITS website that includes your Transaction Reference Number. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.2
3. Schedule Interview Appointment
After payment clears, schedule your interview through the AVITS website (usvisaappt.com).3 Currently, wait times are approximately 7 months in Abuja and 13+ months in Lagos.3 Book as early as possible to secure the earliest available date.
4. Attend Visa Interview
Arrive at the Embassy or Consulate at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page (verify the barcode matches your appointment two weeks before), fee receipt, and all supporting documents.3 The interview typically lasts 2-5 minutes. Your fingerprints will be collected electronically.
5. Receive Decision
Most applicants receive a decision immediately after the interview.3 If approved, your passport with the visa will be available for pickup or courier delivery within 3-5 business days.
Fees
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MRV Fee (B1/B2) | $185 | Non-refundable application fee |
| First Bank Processing | Variable | Bank service charge for Naira payments |
The MRV fee payment is valid for one year from the date of payment.2 If you do not schedule and attend your interview within this period, you will need to pay again.
What You Need to Prove
Under Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, all visa applicants are presumed to have immigrant intent until they prove otherwise.6 As a Nigerian applicant, you must overcome this presumption by demonstrating:
- Strong ties to Nigeria that would compel you to return after your visit6
- Sufficient financial resources to cover all expenses without working in the US1
- Clear purpose of travel with a realistic and specific itinerary1
- Intent to depart at the end of your authorized stay6
The burden of proof is entirely on you as the applicant. The consular officer must be convinced you will return to Nigeria.6 Given the 46% refusal rate for Nigerian applicants, strong documentation is essential.
Processing Times
Interview wait times for Nigerian applicants are among the longest globally due to high demand.3 Current approximate wait times:
| Location | Wait Time |
|---|---|
| US Embassy Abuja | 7+ months |
| US Consulate General Lagos | 13+ months |
The Embassy recommends scheduling as early as possible before your intended travel date.3 Once you complete your interview, decisions are typically issued the same day. Approved visas are placed in passports and returned within 3-5 business days via the delivery method you selected.
After Your Visa is Approved
Your B1/B2 visa will be stamped in your passport. Based on reciprocity agreements, Nigerian citizens receive visas valid for 3 months with single entry.5 This differs from the 10-year multiple entry visas issued to some other nationalities.
At the US port of entry, the Customs and Border Protection officer will:
- Review your passport and visa
- Ask about your trip purpose and plans
- Determine your authorized period of stay (typically up to 6 months)
- Stamp your passport with the admission date and status
Keep your I-94 arrival record (available online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov) as proof of legal entry and authorized stay period. Your authorized stay may be longer than your visa validity.
If Your Visa is Refused
The most common refusal is under Section 214(b), meaning the officer was not convinced you have sufficient ties to Nigeria or that you intend to return.6 This is not a permanent ban.
With a 46% refusal rate for Nigerian applicants, denial is a common outcome.4 If refused, you can:
- Review your refusal letter to understand the specific concerns
- Gather stronger documentation that addresses those concerns
- Wait for changed circumstances such as new employment, property purchase, or marriage
- Reapply when you have new evidence to present
- Consult an immigration attorney for complex situations
Each new application requires paying the $185 fee again and scheduling a fresh interview.6 Previous refusals remain on your record but do not automatically result in future denials if your circumstances have genuinely improved.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Ties to Nigeria
Failed to demonstrate strong connections to Nigeria such as stable employment, property ownership, family obligations, or ongoing business commitments that would compel return after the visit.
How to avoid: Provide employment letter showing long tenure, property documents like Certificate of Occupancy, evidence of dependent family members, CAC business registration, or investment portfolios. Young and single applicants should emphasize career trajectory and financial commitments in Nigeria.
Inadequate Financial Documentation
Bank statements do not show sufficient funds, lack consistent income patterns, or contain suspicious activity such as large unexplained deposits shortly before the application.
How to avoid: Show 6 months of bank statements with regular salary credits. Include fixed deposits, tax clearance certificate, and ensure total funds significantly exceed estimated trip costs. Avoid sudden large deposits that cannot be explained.
Poor Interview Performance
Inconsistent answers, appearing nervous or evasive, providing vague responses about trip purpose, or contradicting information in the DS-160 form.
How to avoid: Practice common interview questions. Keep answers brief, confident, and consistent with your DS-160. Know your exact travel dates, itinerary, and funding source. Never provide false information as this can result in permanent ineligibility.
Lack of Travel History
First-time international travelers face higher scrutiny as there is no track record of visa compliance and returning to home country after previous trips.
How to avoid: If possible, travel to other countries first to build travel history. Include evidence of any previous international travel, especially to countries with strict visa requirements (UK, Schengen, Canada). First-time applicants should strengthen other aspects of their application.
Previous Visa Issues
History of visa refusals, overstays, or immigration violations in the US or other countries raises serious concerns about future compliance with visa terms.
How to avoid: Be completely honest about past issues. Provide explanation letters describing what has changed since then. Include evidence of stable life circumstances. For complex cases with prior violations, consider consulting an immigration attorney before reapplying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?
The Customs and Border Protection officer at entry determines your stay, typically up to 6 months. Your visa validity and permitted stay are different. A visa valid for 3 months does not limit your authorized stay period.
Can I work on a US tourist visa?
No, the B1/B2 visa does not permit any form of paid employment in the United States. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and permanent visa ineligibility.
How long does the US visa process take from Nigeria?
Interview wait times are currently 7 months in Abuja and 13+ months in Lagos. Once you complete your interview, decisions are typically given the same day. If approved, your passport is returned within 3-5 business days.
What is the US tourist visa fee for Nigerians in 2025?
The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee for B1/B2 visas is $185 USD. Payment can be made at First Bank of Nigeria in Naira or by card in USD. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Do I need to book flights before the visa interview?
No, do not book non-refundable travel until your visa is approved. Having tentative travel plans is helpful for the interview, but confirmed bookings are not required.
What happens if my visa is refused under Section 214(b)?
Section 214(b) means you did not sufficiently demonstrate ties to Nigeria or intent to return. You can reapply with stronger evidence at any time, but must pay the fee again and schedule a new interview.
What is the approval rate for US visas from Nigeria?
The approval rate for B1/B2 visas from Nigeria is approximately 54% based on FY2024 data. This means nearly half of applications are refused, primarily due to applicants failing to demonstrate strong ties to Nigeria.
How long is the US B1/B2 visa valid for Nigerian citizens?
Based on reciprocity agreements, Nigerian citizens receive B1/B2 visas valid for 3 months with single entry. This is different from the 10-year multiple entry visas issued to citizens of some other countries.
What questions are asked in the US visa interview?
Common questions include: purpose of your trip, specific travel dates, who is funding the trip, your employment details, previous travel history, family ties in Nigeria, and any connections to the United States. Keep answers brief and truthful.
Can I extend my US tourist visa while in the US?
You can apply for an extension with USCIS before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are granted only in exceptional circumstances. Overstaying your visa has serious consequences for any future US visa applications.
Why is the Nigeria visa refusal rate so high?
The high refusal rate reflects the challenge many applicants face in proving strong ties to Nigeria. Economic factors, youth, single status, and limited travel history contribute to consular officers' concerns about immigrant intent.
Can I reapply immediately after a visa denial?
Yes, you can reapply at any time. However, reapplying without significant changes to your circumstances or new evidence is unlikely to result in a different outcome. Wait until you can present a stronger case.