Nigeria Pulls Plug on US Visa Outsourcing Deal, Directs Applicants to Diplomatic Missions

The Nigeria Immigration Service has ended its agreement with Online Integrated Solutions, a company hired to process US visas for Nigerians. Effective immediately, all visa requests must now be submitted to Nigerian diplomatic missions in the United States, including the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., and the Nigerian Consulates in New York and Atlanta.

According to a public notice from DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, the NIS' Public Relations Officer, Online Integrated Solutions has been 'formally disengaged from the collection and submission of visa applications on behalf of the Nigerian Mission.' The decision aims to streamline the visa application process and ensure applicants are processed efficiently without disruption.

This shift affects Nigerians living in the United States who are seeking visas to enter Nigeria. While the diplomatic missions have assured that arrangements are in place to handle the increased workload, applicants are advised to monitor official communication channels for updates on visa application procedures. The NIS also cautions applicants not to rely on middlemen or third-party service providers.

The Nigeria Immigration Service had partnered with Online Integrated Solutions in 2020, leveraging the company's expertise to facilitate the US visa application process. However, following the termination of the agreement, applicants are now required to submit their applications directly to the Nigerian diplomatic missions, which will handle the processing.

Applicants can find more information on the visa application process and procedures on the official website of the Nigeria Immigration Service or by contacting the Nigerian diplomatic missions in the United States.

'Applicants are further advised to monitor the official communication channels of the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerian Mission in the United States for updates on visa application procedures.'

The NIS emphasizes that this directive pertains specifically to visa applications for Nigerians seeking entry into Nigeria while in the United States. The service urges applicants to be aware of the new requirements and timelines to avoid any processing delays.

As the visa application process shifts to the Nigerian diplomatic missions, applicants can expect increased scrutiny and security checks. The service has assured applicants that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth transition.

Nigerians in the United States are advised to plan ahead, considering the new requirements and timelines, to ensure their visa applications are processed efficiently.