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A Guide on How to Apply for U.S. Student Visa from Nigeria

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How to apply for U.S. student visa from Nigeria

In Nigeria, knowing the step-by-step guide on how to apply for the U.S. student visa will help you save costs. The United States of America is a popular destination for Nigerian students seeking higher education. It is a land of many opportunities. Its global standard universities have been a strong attractive force. 

The United States boasts a diverse student population and a wide range of academic programs. Nigerian students get to enjoy unparalleled educational experience, hence the continued interest.

Statistics from gsl news shows that the US is home to over 17,000 Nigerian students and this number keeps rising. There are over 1000 universities in America offering postgraduate master’s and doctoral degree courses. These courses are available to Nigerian students

In this article, we’re going to give you a guide on how to apply for a U.S. student visa from Nigeria.

What Are the Types of U.S Student Visa?

For Nigerian students who want to study in the U.S., the first step is to decide the type of visa to go for. There are different types of U.S. student visas available. Understanding each of them is important.

1. F1 Visa

This visa is for students attending academic programs at U.S. colleges, universities, or high schools. It is for academic study programs like Medicine, Engineering, etc.

The duration of this visa is for the length of the academic program. You also get an extra 60-day grace.

Also Read: Top 10 Immigration Rules for International Students in the United States

2. M1 Visa

This visa is issued for vocational and non-academic studies. It is for study programs like Creative Arts and Design, Computer Science and IT, etc. 

The duration of this visa is for the length of the vocational program. You also get an extra 30 days after your programme.

3. J1 Visa

This visa is for students under a sponsorship program. It is for exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange.

Like the m1 visa, the duration of stay is for the length of the exchange program plus 30 days.

What Are the Requirements for a U.S. Student Visa?

You should have the necessary requirements handy while applying for a U.S. student visa. Below is a list of documents that will enable you to apply for a U.S. student visa from Nigeria;

  • A legitimate passport
  • Form DS-160 for applications for nonimmigrant visas
  • Two photographs that adhere to the US Visa Photo Requirements.
  • Evidence of payment for the F1 visa charge
  • Form I-20
  • Tax documents for the past three years
  • Payslips from prior employment
  • The payment of a semester’s or year’s worth of tuition is also recommended, but not required
  • Evidence of your previous education and present qualifications
  • Scores on standardised examinations (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT, etc.)
  • Acceptance letters from colleges and universities that accepted you
  • Previous degree diplomas
  • Health insurance documentation for international students.

What are the Steps Involved in Applying for a US Student Visa from Nigeria?

There are processes you’d go through in order to successfully apply and increase your chances of success.

1. Receive an Acceptance Letter from a U.S. Institution

This is what qualifies you to apply for a student visa. Without an acceptance letter. You must receive an acceptance letter from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved U.S. institution. 

This letter is required for the visa application process and it confirms your admission to a full-time academic program.

2. Pay the SEVIS Fee

The next thing to do after receiving your acceptance letter is to pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee. 

This fee is mandatory for all F and M visa applicants. It helps support the administration and monitoring of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

You can pay the SEVIS fee online through the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website. Be sure to print the payment confirmation as you’ll need it for your visa interview.


3. Complete the DS-160 Online Visa Application

After paying the SEVIS fee, you must complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form. 

This form collects your personal information, purpose of travel, and other relevant details required for visa processing.

Once you complete the DS-160 form, you’ll receive a confirmation page with a barcode. Print this page as you’ll need it for the visa interview.

4. Schedule a Visa Interview

After completing the DS-160 form, you can schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Nigeria. 

Visa interviews are conducted to determine your eligibility for a U.S. student visa. Visa interviews typically include questions about your academic plans, financial resources, and ties to Nigeria.

To schedule a visa interview, visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s website. You can also do so by contacting the Visa Application Center (VAC) where you submitted your visa application.

5. Prepare Required Documents

Gather all the required documents to support your visa application before attending the visa interview. Documents you need include

  • Valid passport
  • DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
  • SEVIS fee payment confirmation
  • Acceptance letter from the U.S. institution
  • Proof of financial support (bank statements, scholarship letters, etc.)
  • Academic transcripts and diplomas
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Visa application fee payment receipt

Ensure all your documents are organized and readily available for the visa interview.

6. Attend the Visa Interview

On the day of your visa interview, arrive at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Bring all the required documents for confirmation.

Answer interview questions honestly and confidently. Be prepared to discuss your academic plans, financial resources, and ties to Nigeria. The consular officer will assess your eligibility for a U.S. student visa based on your interview and supporting documents.

7. Await Visa Processing and Notification

After the visa interview, your application will undergo further processing. The time it takes to process a U.S. student visa can vary, so it’s essential to be patient.

Once a decision is made on your visa application, you’ll be notified of the outcome. If your visa is approved, the consular officer will provide you with a visa stamp on your passport. This allows you to travel to the U.S. to begin your academic program.

How Much is a Student Visa from Nigeria to U.S.?

To apply for a U.S. student visa from Nigeria, you should know these cost implications. First off, you will be required to pay the SEVIS fee of US$350. 

After that, you will pay for your visa application. This depends on the type of visa you are applying for. 

The application fee for the F1 visa is pegged at $160. It is the same for the M1 visa. The J1 visa costs $180 which is slightly higher.

Also Read: How to Pack Your Luggage for International Flights as a Student

Conclusion

Applying for a U.S. student visa from Nigeria may be daunting but very achievable. With careful planning and preparation, you can navigate the process successfully. 

The key to a successful visa application is demonstrating strong ties to Nigeria. You must show a genuine intent to return after completing your studies. This will increase your chances of obtaining a U.S. student visa and prepare you for an exciting educational journey in the United States.

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