Here’s what happened;
Earlier in May this year, the U.S embassy announced the indefinite suspension of the interview waiver for Nigerians applying for a U.S visa. We are required to show up physically for an interview for visa renewal. which may result in a reduction in the number of non-immigrant visas issued. Read more about the suspension here Just yesterday, the 27th of August 2019, The US mission in Nigeria announced its revised visa reciprocity fees for Nigerian nationals worldwide. As from yesterday, Nigerians worldwide will be required to pay a visa issuance fee for all approved visas.
Also, the fees vary based on class of visa type applied for. The reciprocity fees are non- refundable and can only be paid at the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulate General.
It cannot be paid at banks or any other location.
P.s: Nigerian citizens whose visa applications are denied will not be charged the reciprocity fee.
What did the U.S mission say?
The U.S. mission stated;
The U.S. law requires U.S. visa fees and validity periods to be based on the treatment afforded to U.S. citizens by foreign governments, insofar as possible. Visa issuance fees are implemented under the principle of reciprocity: when a foreign government imposes additional visa fees on U.S. citizens, the United States will impose reciprocal fees on citizens of that country for similar types of visas.
The total cost for a U.S. citizen to obtain a visa to Nigeria is currently higher than the total cost for a Nigerian to obtain a comparable visa to the United States. The new reciprocity fee for Nigerian citizens is meant to eliminate that cost difference.
Since early 2018, the U.S. government has engaged the Nigerian government to request that the Nigerian government change the fees charged to U.S. citizens for certain visa categories. After eighteen months of review and consultations, the government of Nigeria has not changed its fee structure for U.S. citizen visa applicants, requiring the U.S. Department of State to enact new reciprocity fees in accordance with our visa laws.
The complete reciprocity fee schedule, organized by visa classification, can be found below.
Class | Reciprocity Fee |
B1 | $110 |
B2 | $110 |
B1/B2 | $110 |
F1 F2 | $110 $110 |
H1B H4 | $180 $180 |
I | $210 |
L1 L2 | $303 $303 |
R1 R2 | $80 $80
|
Update: From Nigeria’s End
A day after the U.S mission announced the increase in visa fees, the Nigerian government reacted almost immediately by reducing the visa fees of American nationals from $180-$150. Our government explained that they had reduced the fees but it hadn’t been implemented due to a transition in government.
It is not certain yet, if the Nigerian government will or has re-negotiate(d) the reciprocity fees being charged on Nigerians.
While we await the visa fees resolution from both parties, please share your thoughts on the matter at hand.
