US simplifies visa application process for Nigeria, others
By Simon Utebor, Published: Wednesday, 17 Feb 2010








THE United States has simplified visa application process for Nigerians and other countries with the introduction of new online form.

The Consular Coordinator for the US Mission in Nigeria, Mr. Richard Walsh, at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, stated that the new online form, DS-160, replaced the previous application forms: DS-156 ‘non-immigrant visa application; DS-157 ‘supplemental non-immigrant visa application; and DS-158 ‘contact information and work history for non-immigrant visa applicants‘.

Walsh, who said that the new online form would take effect from March 1, noted that visa applicants in Abuja and Lagos would now access the Consular Electronic Application Centre website to complete the new application form.

He said, ”DS-160 is an interactive online form that replaces all past application forms. The form will eliminate the need for paper application forms because visa applicants will be required to submit the application electronically.”

He said that with the DS-160, applicants would print just a confirmation sheet to bring to their interviews, noting that currently, applicants would complete their forms online but must print them out before their interviews.

He listed the advantages of the new online form to include one form for every one instead of three to choose from; completely online - nothing to fill out by hand; family and group feature - no need to fill in identical data more than once; save feature - applicant does not need to complete all at once; frequent applicants can save application for re-use and printing of only a single confirmation page.

He reminded applicants that providing accurate and complete information on the DS-160 application before submitting it was essential.

He said that incorrect or missing information would cause a delay in completing one‘s interview, explaining that applicants should save an electronic copy of their DS-160 application in case changes were necessary.

He said that that the US government was introducing the new application worldwide as part of a larger effort to use new technologies to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the visa application process.

He said, ”Over the past two years, select US embassies have been using the Ds-160 on a test basis. It is now being deployed at US visa sections worldwide, including both Lagos and Abuja in Nigeria.”

He said the requirement to use the DS-160 applied only to non-immigrant visa applicants, stressing that persons applying for immigrant or fiancé visas should continue to use the existing application process.

Walsh emphasised that only the visa form and the way applicants submit it had changed.

He said that eligibility and documentary requirements for all visas remained unchanged and that applicants must still demonstrate that they are qualified for a visa under the US immigration law.


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