Status checked: August 14, 2026. U.S. visa policy and local service arrangements are changing and must be checked on the official U.S. Embassy Nigeria and Department of State pages immediately before you act. This guide is not a promise of visa issuance, a substitute for a visa category’s official rules, or a reason to pay an agent.
Choose the correct visa category first. A visitor visa is for temporary business and/or tourism; it does not permit study, employment, or permanent residence. Study, employment, fiancé(e), immigrant, and diversity-visa cases each have different processes. Do not use a B1/B2 application when your true purpose requires another visa category.
Current official notice for Nigerian B1/B2 applicants
The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria currently states that, from 21 January 2026, a Nigerian national who is otherwise found eligible for a B1/B2 visa must post a bond of up to US$15,000 if instructed by a consular officer at the interview. The Embassy states clearly that an applicant must not pay a bond before the officer gives instructions and must not use a third-party website to post it. Check the live Embassy notice before every step because this is time-sensitive guidance.
How to start a nonimmigrant visa application
- Read the current U.S. Embassy Nigeria visa page for local notices, category information, service-provider updates, and appointment guidance.
- Complete the official DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa form for the applicable temporary visa category.
- Print and keep the DS-160 barcode confirmation page. The Department of State says applicants schedule their own visa interview through the country-specific instructions; the Embassy or Consulate does not schedule it for you.
- Pay only the application fee specified in the official local instructions. Visa application fees are generally non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Attend the interview and answer truthfully. A consular officer decides eligibility; no agent, invitation-letter seller, or social-media account can guarantee a visa.
Visitor visa basics
The Department of State describes B-1 visas for temporary business and B-2 visas for tourism, visits, medical treatment, and certain other temporary purposes. Visitor visas do not permit employment, degree study, or permanent residence. The Department of State lists a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt if applicable, and photo as basic application material; an Embassy or Consulate can ask for additional evidence about the trip, return intent, and ability to fund it.
Important limits and safety checks
- A visa does not guarantee entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection decides admission at the port of entry.
- Do not make final travel plans or buy non-refundable tickets before a visa is issued.
- Do not use forged bank statements, employment letters, invitations, or travel documents. Fraud can lead to permanent refusal or denied entry.
- Check the official Embassy notice for current local service changes, issuance notices, and any category-specific conditions. Some current notices distinguish between applications, interviews, and visa issuance.
- Never pay someone to “clear” a bond, release a passport, change an interview date, or obtain a guaranteed approval outside an official U.S. government route.
Official sources
- U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria: Visas — current Nigeria-specific notices, visa categories, local information, and applicant support route.
- Department of State: DS-160 — official nonimmigrant application form and next steps.
- Department of State: Visitor Visa — B1/B2 purposes, process, documents, limits, interview, and entry information.
Last checked: August 14, 2026. U.S. visa requirements, issuance conditions, interview arrangements, and local processing can change. Confirm the live official guidance before submitting documents, paying any amount, or making travel plans.
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