How Much is American Visa Fee in Nigeria? A Comprehensive Guide

When planning a trip to the United States, understanding the visa fee structure is one of the crucial steps in your preparation process. For Nigerian citizens, the American visa application fee varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for, the nature of your trip, and the specific services required. This guide provides an in-depth breakdown of the American visa fees in Nigeria, helping you navigate the process with ease.

Understanding the American Visa Fee Structure in Nigeria

The American visa application fee, also known as the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) application fee, is a mandatory fee that must be paid when applying for a visa to the United States. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid regardless of whether your visa application is approved or not. It is important to note that the fee differs depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Fees

Non-Immigrant Visas are typically for those who wish to visit the United States temporarily. These could include tourist visas, student visas, and business visas. The NIV fee is often the first payment applicants need to make in the visa application process.

As of 2024, the following are the current fees for Non-Immigrant Visas:

1. B1/B2 (Business and Tourism Visas) – $160
   • This is the most common visa type for Nigerian citizens, designed for those who wish to visit the U.S. for business or tourism purposes.
2. F1 (Student Visa) – $160
   • If you plan to study at an accredited U.S. educational institution, you will need the F1 visa. The application fee remains the same as the B1/B2 visa.
3. J1 (Exchange Visitor Visa) – $160
   • The J1 visa is for those participating in exchange programs. This includes internships, research programs, and teaching assignments.
4. M1 (Vocational Student Visa) – $160
   • Similar to the F1 visa, but for students who plan to attend vocational or non-academic institutions in the U.S.
5. H1B, L1, O1, P1 (Specialty Occupation, Intra-Company Transfer, and other work-related visas) – $190
   • Work visas like H1B, L1, O1, and P1, which allow you to work in the U.S. temporarily, have a slightly higher fee.
6. K1 (Fiancé Visa) – $265
   • This visa is for individuals who are engaged to U.S. citizens and plan to marry and live in the U.S. after entering on this visa.
7. I-601A (Provisional Waiver) – $630
   • This fee applies if you are applying for a waiver of unlawful presence as part of your immigrant visa process.

The fees above apply only to the visa application and are distinct from additional costs like visa issuance fees or other service fees that may apply based on your situation.

Immigrant Visa Fees

Immigrant visas, as opposed to non-immigrant visas, are for individuals planning to live in the United States permanently. These visas are processed differently, and the fees are higher.

Standard Immigrant Visa Fees

The fees for immigrant visas vary depending on the specific type of immigrant visa you are applying for. Some of the typical fees for immigrant visas include:

1. Family-Sponsored Visas – $325
   • For individuals applying to join immediate family members (spouse, children, parents, etc.) in the U.S.
2. Employment-Based Immigrant Visas – $345
   • These visas are for individuals seeking permanent employment opportunities in the U.S.
3. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery – $330
   • If you have been selected in the Diversity Visa lottery, the fee for processing your visa application is $330.
4. Adoptive Child Visa – $230
   • This fee applies to parents seeking to adopt a child from outside the U.S.

Other Fees Related to Immigrant Visas

In addition to the primary visa fees, there are also additional costs associated with the immigrant visa process:

• Affidavit of Support Fee: This fee is required if a U.S. citizen or permanent resident is sponsoring an immigrant. The fee is typically $120.
• Medical Examination Fees: Before being granted an immigrant visa, applicants must undergo a medical exam by an authorized physician. These fees can vary, but on average, they range between $150 to $500.

Visa Issuance Fees

In certain cases, applicants may also be required to pay a visa issuance fee. This fee is paid only if the visa is approved. Not all applicants will incur this fee, and the amount varies depending on the applicant’s nationality and the type of visa.

For Nigerian applicants, the visa issuance fee typically ranges from $50 to $250, depending on the visa type.

Other Important Considerations

While the visa application fee is a significant part of the visa process, there are other associated costs and steps to consider when applying for an American visa from Nigeria:

Visa Application Service (VAS) Fee

The Visa Application Service (VAS) fee is a service fee required to process your application. It is separate from the visa application fee. For Nigerian applicants, the VAS fee is ₦11,000, which can be paid at designated banks or through other approved methods.

Scheduling and Biometrics Fees

As part of the visa application process, applicants must schedule an appointment for an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. The interview appointment fee is included in the VAS fee. Applicants may also need to pay a separate fee for biometrics collection, which is typically around ₦5,000 to ₦8,000.

Expedited Processing and Premium Services

If you require faster processing, the U.S. embassy offers expedited services at an additional cost. These services can include priority appointments, faster processing, or assistance with application tracking. The premium processing fee for certain visa types can be $2,500, although this is only applicable to specific visa categories like H-1B or L-1.

Travel Costs

In addition to the visa application fees, it is important to consider the cost of traveling to the U.S. embassy for your interview and medical exams. Travel costs vary based on the applicant’s location, but it is recommended to budget for transportation, lodging, and other travel-related expenses.

How to Pay the Visa Fees in Nigeria

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has set up a streamlined system for visa fee payments. Here’s how you can make your payment:

1. Payment at Designated Banks: You can pay the visa fee at any of the designated banks in Nigeria. Ensure you keep your receipt, as you’ll need it to complete your visa application.
2. Online Payment: For convenience, applicants can also make visa fee payments online through the U.S. Embassy’s designated payment portal. This option allows you to pay using a debit or credit card.
3. Payment via GTBank and Other Platforms: Another popular payment method is via GTBank and other participating payment platforms. Ensure that you have all necessary details and documents before making the payment.

Conclusion

Navigating the visa application process can seem daunting, but understanding the American visa fees in Nigeria is an essential first step. Whether you’re applying for a tourist visa, student visa, or employment visa, knowing the exact costs involved will help you prepare adequately. Be sure to budget for all associated fees, including the visa application, issuance, and service fees, and plan ahead to ensure a smooth application process. Always consult the official U.S. Embassy website for the most up-to-date information regarding fees and requirements.