--- title: United States visa for citizens of Nigeria description: "Citizens of Nigeria need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: $185. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-states/nigeria lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # United States visa for citizens of Nigeria Citizens of Nigeria need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. *Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* Official application site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/online-nonimmigrant-visa-application-ds-160.html ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · B1/B2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism/Medical) - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 180 days - **Government fee:** $185 - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Required - **Onward or return ticket:** Not required - **Proof of funds:** Sufficient to cover trip costs; no fixed minimum stated ## How to apply 1. **Complete DS-160 Online Form** — Fill out the nonimmigrant visa application form on the Consular Electronic Application Center website. 2. **Pay the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) Fee** — Pay the $185 non-refundable visa application fee through the designated payment system. 3. **Schedule Visa Interview Appointment** — Use your DS-160 confirmation number and receipt to book an appointment at the US Embassy in Abuja or Consulate in Lagos. 4. **Gather Required Documents** — Compile all supporting documents including passport, photo, financial proof, and ties to Nigeria. 5. **Attend Biometric Appointment** — Visit the visa application center (VAC) on the scheduled date to provide fingerprints and photograph. 6. **Attend Visa Interview at Embassy/Consulate** — Bring all documents to the scheduled interview; answer questions about your trip and ties to Nigeria. 7. **Wait for Visa Processing** — Processing may take several business days; status can be tracked online via the CEAC system. 8. **Passport Return/Collection** — If approved, the passport with visa will be returned via courier or pick-up as chosen at application. ## Documents checklist - **Valid Nigerian passport (validity at least 6 months beyond intended stay)** (Travel): Must have at least two blank visa pages. - **DS-160 confirmation page** (Supporting): Print barcode confirmation after submitting online form. - **Application fee payment receipt (MRV fee)** (Financial): Pay the non-refundable $185 MRV fee via authorized channels. - **Passport-style photograph (2×2 inches, white background)** (Supporting): Taken within last 6 months, no glasses. - **Visa appointment confirmation letter** (Supporting): Printed from the appointment scheduling system. - **Supporting documents proving ties to Nigeria (employment, property, family)** (Employment): Examples: employment letter, bank statements, land titles, marriage certificate. - **Bank statements (last 3-6 months)** (Financial): Show sufficient funds to cover travel expenses. - **Travel itinerary (round-trip flight booking)** (Travel): Not an actual ticket – just a tentative reservation. - **Hotel confirmation or letter of invitation from US host** (Travel): Includes host's address and relationship if staying with family/friends. - **Employment letter (if employed)** (Employment, optional): Stating position, salary, and approved leave. - **Business registration documents (if self-employed)** (Employment, optional): CAC certificate, tax returns, company bank statements. - **School enrollment letter (if student)** (Employment, optional): Confirming matriculation and vacation period. - **Previous US visas and passports (if applicable)** (Travel, optional): Any expired passports containing old US visas. - **Evidence of US host's legal status (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): Copy of host's US passport, green card, or visa. ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** Sufficient to cover trip costs; no fixed minimum stated - Bank statements (3-6 months) - Pay stubs - Tax returns - Sponsor's bank letter Self-sponsored applicants must show consistent income; sponsored applicants need sponsor's statement plus relationship proof. ## Good to know - Visa interview cannot be waived for Nigerian first-time applicants (B1/B2). - Do NOT buy non-refundable tickets before visa approval. - Fraudulent documents will lead to permanent ineligibility. ## Common refusal reasons - **Insufficient ties to Nigeria (risk of overstay)** — Provide strong evidence of employment, family, property, or ongoing education. - **Inconsistent or incomplete application form** — Double-check all DS-160 fields for accuracy; do not omit travel history. - **Inadequate financial documentation** — Submit bank statements showing regular inflows and sufficient balance to cover the trip. - **Previous US visa violation or overstay** — Be truthful; if overstay was minor and long ago, explain circumstances honestly. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of Nigeria need a visa for the United States? Citizens of Nigeria need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B1/B2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism/Medical). ### How long can citizens of Nigeria stay in the United States? Up to 180 days. ### How much does the United States visa cost for citizens of Nigeria? Government fee: $185. ### What documents do citizens of Nigeria need for the United States? Valid Nigerian passport (validity at least 6 months beyond intended stay); DS-160 confirmation page; Application fee payment receipt (MRV fee); Passport-style photograph (2×2 inches, white background); Visa appointment confirmation letter; Supporting documents proving ties to Nigeria (employment, property, family); and 8 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for the United States? At least 6 months. ### Where do I apply? On the official site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/online-nonimmigrant-visa-application-ds-160.html ## Sources - [travel.state.gov](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/online-nonimmigrant-visa-application-ds-160.html) ## More - [United States visa for every passport](/visa/united-states) - [Every destination for Nigeria passport holders](/visa/passport/nigeria)