As a Nigerian student intending on studying abroad in the United States of America, getting a Visa might be even more difficult than gaining admission into your choice University. In this article, I will be showing you how to get U.S.A student visa from Nigeria. Before I take you through the tips, requirements and processes let us look at the Visa types handed to international students in the United States.
What Visa type do I need to study in the U.S.A?
As an international student, you will need an F visa to study in the U.S.A. F visas are a type of non-immigrant student visa that allows foreigners to pursue a degree in the United States. The F-1 Visas are given at the Us embassy and consulate to International students around the world. As an F-1 visa holder, your opportunity for legal employment is quite limited. F-2 visas are given to dependents of F-1 students like their spouses, relatives or children and they are disallowed from any form of employment. Lastly, the F-3 visa is given to Canadian and Mexican students who live across the border to study in the U.S.A.
As a Nigerian, you will need an F-1 Visa to study in the United States, this is the Visa given to full-time students
Required documents for U.S. student visa application
- A valid passport
- The Print out of the nonimmigrant Visa, Form DS-160
- A passport photo
- A Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F1) Student Status (Form 1-20)
- Score sheet of exams like IELTS, GMAT, TOEFL, etc
- Original and copy of the appointment letter for the interview
- Form I – 20 sent by the US University/College where you will study
- A confirmation receipt for payment of Visa fees
- Bank statement for at least 3 years that shows enough funds for paying for the first year of your studies (can be that of your sponsor either parent/guardian or relative)
Follow the steps on how to get U.S.A. student Visa from Nigeria.
How to apply for U.S student visa from Nigeria.
You can apply and also get an F-1 visa on your own without having to use any travel agent or consultant. Here I will be showing you how to get U.S.A student visa from Nigeria. You can start your F-1 visa application from either Lagos or Abuja below are the procedures;
Applying From Abuja
To apply from Abuja ensure to provide the following documents;
- A completed DS-160
- An approved I-20
- Receipt for your I-901 SEVIS fee
- GTBank (MRV) receipt for your visa fee
- Scanned copy of the bio page of your current valid passport
- A scan of your passport photograph with these requirements
After getting the listed documents then visit https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ and review the Measures and instructions then book an appointment for a visa interview in Abuja.
Applying From Lagos
To apply from Lagos ensure to provide the following documents;
- A completed DS-160
- An approved I-20
- Receipt for your I-901 SEVIS fee
- GTBank (MRV) receipt for your visa fee
- Scanned copy of the bio page of your current valid passport
- A scan of your passport photograph with these requirements
After getting the documents above to book an appointment for an F-1 visa interview email the above-listed documents to LagosStudents@state.gov and wait for their response.
How much is a student visa to the USA?
$160 (66,500 naira)
The fixed cost of a USA student visa or an F-1 Visa is $160 (66,500 Naira). To apply for a visa you will need to pay this fee and get the receipts which you will need later. It is one of the required documents for your Visa Interview. However, you may have to pay some additional fees due to your country or the requirements of the U.S embassy you are applying from.
Required financial documents/proof of funds for U.S.A student visa from Nigeria
As an international student, you are required to prove that you have the financial capacity to support yourself while studying in the US. This includes covering tuition and fees, living costs, and any dependents without having to work during your studies too.
In order to meet the Proof of Funds requirement for your F-1 visa, you will have to present proof of funds for yourself or that of your sponsor such as your relative or friend who is backing your education financially. Your Sponsor may be living inside or outside of the U.S. You can also apply for scholarships as there are a lot of scholarships designed for International Students
You should also check directly with the Embassy as these requirements may differ by country and agency.
Generally, you are advised to come with the following documents during your visit to the embassy as proof of funds;
Proof of Liquid assets
- Original tax returns from the last three years (Form 16)
- Three years of bank records and/or fixed deposit statements of yourself or your sponsor (which can also be your parent)
- Payslips, employment letters
- Chartered accountant statements
- Scholarships (which should be indicated on your I-20)
- Property documents
- If your sponsor lives in the U.S he/she will need to complete the I-134 Affidavit of Support Form that requires the sponsor to cover any expenses that the student cannot afford.
Then If you are sponsored with funds outside the US, then the embassy would check for any fund transfer restrictions from the specified country. If they are any restrictions, then you must have evidence that it will be possible for you to access these funds during your period of study
The US government is concerned more with your liquid assets such as savings accounts and checking accounts as they want to be certain that you have easy access to these funds. The embassy also wants to ensure that you have the cash to cover the first-year costs of your education. And also make sure that you will have access to funds for the following years needed to complete your degree.
In addition, ensure that all of your documents are original copies and are written in English (or attach a translation). all of these are steps on how to get U.S.A. student Visa from Nigeria.
How much bank balance do I need to get a U.S.A student visa?
$10,000 and above.
There is no fixed minimum bank account balance but it is best that you or your sponsor have a balance of $10,000 (6 million Naira) and above before applying for an F-1 visa.
How long does it take to get a US student visa from Nigeria?
It may take up to 3 months after your application for your F-1 visa to be ready. It is safe to apply about 3 months before the start of your programme. However, after applying you will get a reply in 4 or 5 days’ time. It is also important to note that Waiting times for your visa appointment vary between countries.
Medical requirements for Us student visa application
To get an F-1 visa you will need to do a medical examination which takes place before your scheduled Visa interview. You must get examined by a doctor confirmed by the US Embassy. The medical examination includes;
- X-Rays
- Laboratory Test
- Physical Examination
Documents required for medical examination
- Valid Passport
- Appointment Letter
- 5 Passport size Photographs
- Vaccination Card and Medical certificate
- Prescription (if applicable)
- Medical Report related to an illness a candidate may already have
- Criminal history documents
- X-Ray & Laboratory Test Reports
Medical examination fees
The fee for the medical examination is $90 (27,500 Naira) for children below 15 years and $240 (100,000 Naira) for applicants above 15 years.
How many years Visa does the USA give to students?
The U.S.A student visa or F-1 visa lasts up to 5 years. However, your resident status in the United States lasts for the entire time of your study and you can be given up to 3 months after graduation.
U.S. student visa acceptance rate in Nigeria 2022
In 2022 the U.S.A student visa or F-1 visa acceptance rate stands at 60%. This means only 60% of applicants from Nigeria have been granted visas to study in the United States. However, Nigerian Students being admitted to study a professional course or a course that isn’t taught in Nigerian Universities have higher chances of getting an F-1 Visa.
U.S. student visa appointment in Nigeria
In order to get an F-1 visa, you will have to book a visa appointment in Nigeria, either in Lagos or Abuja.
How to Book U.S. student Visa appointment in Nigeria
To book a Visa appointment in Nigeria first you have to provide the documents listed in the 4th paragraph of this article. If you are applying from Abuja visit https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng and follow the procedures to book an appointment. If you are applying from Lagos email these documents to LagosStudents@state.gov.
How to get an early U.S. visa appointment
If you want an early or quick interview request you should first login to your profiles on www.ustraveldocs.com/th and schedule the earliest available appointment shown on the calendar.
Best time to schedule U.S. visa appointment
How can I pass U.S visa interview?
Your Visa interview is the final stage that may determine if you will get the Visa or not therefore it is important that you pass the interview. Here are some tips to help you pass.
Language:
For a student visa interview, you will be expected to speak fluently in English, unlike other types of visas. The reason is that if you have to convince the visa officer that you can take up the academic lectures given in English, therefore you should be able to speak with them in English.
Act Positively:
When it’s time for your interview, enter the room with a smile, don’t look tense, and greet the officer with a warm hello or hi. S/he may ask you ‘how are you doing? Reply politely and thank them for asking. If your visa is granted, thank them politely and leave. If your visa is rejected, no need to argue with the officer or create a scene.
Prove to have strong ties to family and Nigeria:
All non-immigrants including students are seen as intending immigrants until they are proved otherwise. While talking with the officer try to convince the officer that you have ties with your family in Nigeria and also have plans of returning back to Nigeria. You must show that you have important reasons for coming back to Nigeria. Furthermore, if the officer is not convinced, you may not be given a visa as you will be seen as a threat to the US immigration policy.
Know your course:
You should know all the details of your program, project, and course to be pursued in the US. You should be able to answer basic questions about your course easily and do not pause in giving answers. I will advise you do prior research about your college and university to make it clear that you are a smart student. Apart from this basic knowledge, try to explain how studying in the United States and particularly this course will help your future profession in Nigeria.
Give precise answers:
The time given for your interview will be just about 2 minutes and the whole process will be quick and short, so you should be able to form a likeable person within this short period and give short answers to avoid waste of time.
How should I dress for a U.S student visa interview?
Formal dressing is the best way to go for almost any interview, and the same dressing is good for an F-1 student visa interview. Formal clothing options such as dress shirts, ties, suits, pantsuits, and jackets are always suitable.
Are phones allowed in the U.S embassy?
NO
For security reasons phones are not allowed in the U.S interview
What is not allowed in the U.S embassy?
- Battery-operated or electronic devices such as mobile phones, digital diaries, pagers, cameras, audio/video cassettes, compact discs, MP3s, floppy disks, flash drives, memory sticks, Blue Tooth devices, laptop or tablet computers and portable music players
- Large shoulder bags/purses, travel bags, backpacks and briefcases or suitcases. You can be allowed to carry only bags that can be carried by hand like unsealed plastic bags containing application-related papers, small cloth bags and zip folders
- Food or drink items
- Cosmetics (including, but not only, spray perfume and talcum/baby powder)
- Sealed envelopes or packages
- Burnable items such as Cigarettes, cigars, matchboxes, lighters
- Sharp objects, including scissors, pocket knives, pen knives or nail files
- Weapons, weapon-like objects, or explosive material of any kind
- Long-handled umbrellas (longer than 40 cm when closed)
What are the questions asked at US Student visa interview?
The Visa officers ask similar questions to every F-1 visa applicant and it is important to prepare yourself ahead. The interviewers usually ask questions related to your;
- study plans
- university choice
- academic capability
- financial status
- post-graduation plans
- Background
Can I get a USA student Visa without a travel history?
Your travel history is not required for getting an F-1 visa. But if you have a good travel history, then it can boost your chances of getting an F-1 visa.
Conclusion
Finally, this article has provided a step-by-step guide on how to get U.S.A. student Visa from Nigeria. The F-1 visa acceptance rate in Nigeria stands at 60% because most peoples live at $2 per day in Nigeria and it is believed that most students will not want to study in the U.S at a cost of over $30,000 and come back to work for $1,000 or less per month. This is seen as a great threat to the U.S immigration policy so you can follow all steps on how to get U.S.A. student Visa from Nigeria listed in this article and still not get a Visa. If your visa is declined you can still apply again.
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