The United States of America and Nigeria recently announced a significant change in their visa policies, specifically regarding the B1/B2 Visitor visa category. This type of visa is issued to people who plan to travel to the United States or Nigeria for business or tourism purposes, and it allows them to stay in the country for up to six months at a time.
What you need to know about the new visitor visa validity policy.
The visitor (tourist) visa, which previously had a validity of 24 months (2 years), has now been extended to 60 months (5 years). It’s a bilateral agreement that was reached between the governments of two countries, and it is expected to boost tourism and cultural exchange between the United States of America (USA) and Nigeria. The new policy, which also increases the visa validity of diplomat and government officials to 36 months (3 years), will come into effect from March 1, 2023, in both countries
The United States is a popular destination for Nigerian travellers, and this new policy is expected to make travel more convenient for them. It will allow Nigerians who visit the USA for both leisure and business activities to stay in the United States for up to five years, eliminating the need for them to apply for a new visa every two years. The same applies to US citizens, business persons and expatriates visiting Nigeria.
Does the increased validity affect visa fees?
According to the United States Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria, the visa application fees, currently set at USD160 will not increase as a result of the increased validity of the visa, but will remain the same.
This extension of the visitor visa validity period is a significant development in the relationship between Nigeria and the United States. It is expected to increase tourism and cultural exchange between both countries and make travel more convenient for Nigerian visitors.
Other US visas aside the Visitor Visa
In addition to the B1/B2 visa, there are other types of visas that the United States offers. The H1B visa is a work visa that is issued to skilled foreign workers who are sponsored by US employers. The F1 visa is a student visa that allows foreign students to study at various levels, ranging from University or College to Language training institutions in the United States.
The B1 visa is issued to visitors who plan to visit the United States for business purposes, such as attending conferences or meetings, negotiating contracts, or consulting with business associates. This visa does not allow the holder to engage in productive employment in the United States.
The B2 visa, on the other hand, is issued to visitors who plan to visit the United States for tourism, medical treatment, or visits to family and friends. Holders of this visa are not allowed to engage in productive employment in the United States either.
Some Benefits of the visitor visa extension
The extension of the B1/B2 visa validity period, coming as a new Bilateral Consular Policy Agreement, is expected to boost tourism and cultural exchange between Nigeria and the United States. It will allow Nigerian visitors to stay in the country for longer periods and make repeat visits, which will contribute to increased trade, investment, and cultural understanding between both countries.
The increased validity will also reduce appointment waiting times for visa applicants across the Nation.
Moreover, this policy is in line with the Nigerian President’s desire to boost cultural exchange and business between both nations. The Nigerian government has been promoting tourism in the country, and this new policy is expected to encourage more Americans to visit Nigeria as well.
What this policy is NOT about
Given that the results of the general elections in Nigeria which held on the 25th day of February, 2023 were announced on March 1st – the same day on which the policy kicks in, some people may be tempted to think that the United States made this decision of extending the visa validity duration due to the results of the election, which is sadly not the case.
The extension of the validity of the tourist or visitor B1/B2 visa and the A1/A2 visa for diplomats and government officials is based on reciprocity and nothing else. In fact, as far back as 2020, the Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari launched the New Nigeria Visa Policy (NPV) in 2020, which is what has engineered the visa policy adjustments.
In conclusion, the United States’ decision to extend the validity of the visitor visa for Nigerians is a significant development that will have far-reaching effects on tourism, trade, investment, and cultural exchange between both countries. It is expected to make travel more convenient for Nigerian visitors and encourage more Americans to visit Nigeria as well. The bilateral agreement between the United States and Nigeria is a testament to the strong relationship between both countries, and it is expected to strengthen further as a result of this new policy.
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