How to Get a US Student Visa in Nigeria: Step-by-Step Guide and Costs

If you’re a Nigerian student planning to study in the United States, getting the proper student visa is an essential step in your journey. The most common visa for international students is the F-1 visa, but depending on the nature of your study, you may also apply for the M-1 or J-1 visa.

For Nigerian students, the primary visa options are:

• F-1 Visa: This is for full-time students enrolled in academic programs at an accredited US institution.
• M-1 Visa: This is for students pursuing non-academic or vocational studies.
• J-1 Visa: This is for exchange students or those participating in exchange programs.

Most Nigerian students will apply for the F-1 Visa to study at a college, university, or English language school in the United States.

What Is an F-1 Visa?

An F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for international students who want to study full-time at a U.S. institution approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It’s the most common visa for undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies in the U.S. With an F-1 visa, you can stay in the U.S. for the length of your academic program, as listed on your Form I-20. With an F-1 visa, Nigerian students can work part-time for 20 hours per week while they study in the US.

Required Documents for F-1 Visa Application in Nigeria

The following document will be required during your application for the F-1 visa in Nigeria;

• Valid Nigerian Passport.
• Completed DS-160 form.
• Form I-20 from your US institution.
• Passport-sized photographs.
• Academic transcripts.
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS).
• Proof of Funds.

Note: Before applying for your student visa, you must first be accepted by a US school that is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once you receive an acceptance letter, the institution will send you the Form I-20. This form is crucial for your visa application and confirms your eligibility to apply for a student visa.

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How to Apply for the F-1 as a Nigerian Student

Use the following steps to apply for the U.S. student visa in Nigeria;

Step 1: Pay the SEVIS Fee

After receiving your Form I-20, you must pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. The current SEVIS fee for F-1 visa applicants is $350, and you can pay it online via the SEVIS website. Keep a copy of the payment receipt, as you will need it during your visa interview.

Step 2: Complete the DS-160 Application Form

Next, you’ll need to complete the DS-160 form, the official visa application form for non-immigrant visas. You can fill it out online on the US Department of State website. Ensure that all your details match exactly with the information on your I-20 form. After completing the form, you will receive a DS-160 confirmation page with a barcode, which you’ll need for your interview.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Application Fee

The F-1 visa application fee is $160, which is paid online. In some cases, additional fees may apply based on your nationality or visa type, which can be found on the US Embassy’s website.

Step 4: Schedule Your Visa Interview

You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in Nigeria. Visa interviews are usually conducted in Abuja and Lagos, and appointment wait times can vary. It’s important to book your appointment as early as possible to avoid delays, especially during peak seasons.

Step 5: Gather Your Documents

Before attending the visa interview, ensure you have the following documents:

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US.
• Form I-20: Signed by the Designated School Official (DSO) at your US school.
• DS-160 Confirmation Page: Printed out with the barcode.
• Visa Application Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the $160 MRV fee.
• SEVIS Fee Payment Confirmation: Proof of your $350 SEVIS fee payment.
• Visa Photo: A recent passport-sized photograph that meets the US visa photo requirements.
• Proof of Financial Support: Bank statements or affidavits proving you have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses while in the US. This includes your sponsor’s bank details if they are funding your education.
• Academic Documents: Transcripts, diplomas, standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, GRE), and proof of previous education.
• Interview Appointment Confirmation: Proof of the scheduled visa interview.

Step 6: Prepare for the Visa Interview

The visa interview is an important step where a consular officer will assess whether you meet the criteria for a student visa. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re well-prepared:

• Know Your Program: Be clear on why you want to study in the US and what your chosen program will help you achieve. You should also be able to explain why you selected your specific school and course of study.
• Demonstrate Financial Stability: Show you have the means to cover your tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. You may be asked detailed questions about how you plan to finance your studies.
• Show Ties to Nigeria: The consular officer will want to be sure you have strong ties to Nigeria and intend to return after your studies. Be ready to discuss your family, job prospects, or other commitments back home.
• Practice commonly asked questions: Be prepared to answer common interview questions.

READ ALSO: Student Visa Interview Preparation: Tips, Sample Questions, and Insights for Nigerian Students.

Step 7: Attend the Visa Interview

On the day of your interview, arrive early and bring all the required documents. The consular officer will ask questions based on your application and may request additional information or documents. Be confident, and honest, and provide clear, concise answers. The decision to approve or deny your visa will be made after the interview.

Step 8: Wait for Your Visa

After the interview, the rest of the process is no longer in your hands. If your visa is approved, the embassy will keep your passport to stamp the visa, which can take a few days. Once your visa is stamped, you will be notified when to collect your passport.

Costs Involved in Getting a US Student Visa from Nigeria

Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with obtaining a US student visa:

• SEVIS Fee: $350
• Visa Application Fee: $160
• Visa Issuance Fee: This depends on your nationality (Nigerian students generally do not pay this, but check with the embassy).
• Miscellaneous Costs: These may include travel costs to the US embassy, document translation (if required), and other administrative fees.

How Long Does It Take to Process a US Student Visa in Nigeria?

Processing times for US student visas in Nigeria can vary depending on factors like application volumes, embassy schedules, and visa type. Here’s a breakdown of typical timelines to help you plan effectively:

Processing Times for US Student Visas in Nigeria

Visa Type	50% of Applications Processed Within	75% Processed Within	90% Processed Within
F-1	3-5 business days	7-10 business days	15 business days
M-1	4-6 business days	8-12 business days	16 business days
J-1	5-7 business days	9-12 business days	17 business days

Appointment Wait Times at US Embassies in Nigeria

• Lagos: In 2023, the wait time for a student visa appointment exceeded 7 months due to high demand.
• Abuja: Appointment wait times can vary but are often shorter than in Lagos.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Delays

To ensure you meet your university deadlines, start your application process early. Book your visa appointment as soon as you receive your I-20 form to avoid unnecessary delays. Visit the official US Travel Docs Nigeria website to schedule appointments and stay updated on processing timelines.

How to Book a US Student Visa Appointment in Nigeria

To book an appointment for your visit interview, follow the following steps:

• Go to the US Travel Docs portal.
• Click “New User” to create a profile. Use your email address and a strong password.
• Log in to your account and click on “Schedule Appointment.”
• Enter your DS-160 confirmation number, SEVIS ID, and payment details.
• Select your preferred location (Lagos or Abuja).
• Choose the first available date or pick a later one that suits your travel plans.

US Embassy Locations in Nigeria

U.S. Embassy Abuja
Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive
Central District Area, Abuja, Nigeria
Telephone: (234)-9-461-4000

U.S. Consulate General in Lagos
2 Walter Carrington Crescent
Victoria Island, Lagos
Telephone: +234 201 460 3400 or 0201 460 3400
Fax: (234)-201-460-3717

READ ALSO: UK Student Visa: Your 2025 Guide to a Fast, Hassle-Free Approval

Final Checklist for your F-1 Visa Application in Nigeria

Before heading to your visa interview, ensure you have everything ready. Use this checklist to stay organized and stress-free:

1. Completed DS-160 Form

• Ensure the form is fully filled out and submitted online.
• Print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode.

2. Payment Receipts

• Proof of payment for the visa application fee.
• SEVIS fee payment receipt (I-901).

3. Valid Passport

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in the U.S.
• Keep old passports handy for additional identity verification.

4. Passport-Sized Photos

• Two 2″x2″ passport photos that meet U.S. visa requirements.

5. I-20 Form

• Original copy of the Form I-20 issued by your U.S. institution.
• Signed and dated by you and your Designated School Official (DSO).

6. Visa Appointment Confirmation

• Printed appointment confirmation from the U.S. Embassy scheduling system.

7. Supporting Documents

Prepare these to demonstrate your eligibility:

• Academic records: Transcripts, certificates, and test scores (e.g., TOEFL, SAT, GRE).
• Proof of financial support: Bank statements, sponsorship letters, or affidavits showing you can cover tuition and living expenses.
• Proof of ties to Nigeria: Evidence that you intend to return after your studies (e.g., family or property ownership).

8. Statement of Purpose

• A brief explanation of your educational goals and how they align with your career plans in Nigeria.

9. Resume or CV

• An updated resume summarizing your educational and work background, if applicable.

10. Any Additional Embassy Requirements

• Double-check the specific requirements of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria to avoid surprises.

Moving Ahead

The F-1 visa process may seem complicated (and it is), but with the right preparation, support, and mindset, it is entirely achievable. Just like many Nigerian students who have successfully navigated the process and gone on to achieve their academic goals in the U.S. Stay informed, plan ahead, and be prepared for both the challenges and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Remember, your journey is unique, and the determination to succeed will carry you through.

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Disclaimer: Visa regulations can change. Always verify the most current information with official US Embassy sources.