NewStats: 3,261,593 , 8,174,447 topics. Date: Thursday, 29 May 2025 at 05:54 PM x3z3p

Hello @Tsanmama, please the situation I'm in is quite similar. I did a dropbox (1st dropbox was issued without any hitch in 2022) in October and was informed to schedule a 221g appointment. I have not been able to schedule this appointment since then, I have tried ing them via email several times but no response.
Please did the embassy call you or send you a mail on when to come in for your follow up interview? If yes, how long after the 221g notification did they you? Or did you have to them before your new appointment?

Please how can I pc chat? I want to please get some details about how the interview went. My first visa was for birthing and I declared during the interview in 2018 and paid and have all my receipts.

Tsanmama:
Hello Guys,

I went for physical interview at the embassy last Thursday with my husband for visa renewal and both visas were approved, only for me to receive a 221G email yday stating that I should come for a follow up interview while my husbands visa was issued.(port picked).

So a little backstory, my last USA visa was used for birthing even if it was the normal tourist visa, I informed them of my intention to birth there and got the normal email of u can birth but pay your bills etc,

This also came up during the interview that I gave birth in 2017 in the us and all questions she asked was answered but she did not ask me if I paid my bills or ask to see the receipt though I had my receipt and zero balance with me.
She also asked if I wasn't pregnant and won't be using it for medical again as it has been banned since 2020.

So I am just here confused as to what the issue might be cos I haven't heard of anyone who went for physical interview and whose visa was approved but later told to come for follow up interview.

Please house any idea what the issue might be or anyone with similar experience.

Please help.

Dear House, please has anyone here been called in for a follow up interview after a 221g notification came in after a dropbox was done? As in the embassy called them to come on a particular date? I got a notification to schedule a follow up interview but I am unable to schedule the date on Avits...the button is not there to reschedule.

Please if you were able to reschedule on avtis, how did you do it? If you sent them an email and they responded, how did you do that as well? Than you.

The reschedule button is not showing under the IW application I did. I have sent emails but not getting any responses. Please has anyone experienced this or knows how to go around this? Thank you

Hi, I am also having same issue, I did my follow up interview since nov 21st and port not back yet...
I have logged on avits and also sent mail yet no response..
I also placed a call but I was directed back to avits site and mail...

I don't know what to do again...

ayotycoon:
Hi everyone I have a slight issue and its not related to visit visa but wanted to post it here as I could not find another relevant group

I did my H1b visa interview Dec 5 and was approved, I found out from the VO I made a mistake in the day of my date of birth but she corrected it. I checked https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?App=NIV and my port still says Approved but not issued. It's been 5 days and was wondering how long it usually takes to get the port back as I have a flight on Friday. Can any one pleas let me know if they have any idea and if they did their interview on the 5th too and if they have gotten their port. Thank you

Hi,

I was sent an email for my follow up interview a week after the initial interview with the date to come for the interview ..
First interview was Nov 7th and mail came Nov 14 for follow up interview on Nov 21...

Regards

quote author=FavouredMrs post=133236477]Hello @Tsanmama, please the situation I'm in is quite similar. I did a dropbox (1st dropbox was issued without any hitch in 2022) in October and was informed to schedule a 221g appointment. I have not been able to schedule this appointment since then, I have tried ing them via email several times but no response.
Please did the embassy call you or send you a mail on when to come in for your follow up interview? If yes, how long after the 221g notification did they you? Or did you have to them before your new appointment?

Please how can I pc chat? I want to please get some details about how the interview went. My first visa was for birthing and I declared during the interview in 2018 and paid and have all my receipts.

[/quote]

Hi,
The interview was pretty okay as it had to do with a date mismatch on their system which I answered with documents to show the real thing.

Also asked how long I stayed in the us the last time I visited which was for birthing and I told her, she looked up with a smirk and I immediately told her I had my email correspondence with me to show that I sent an email explaining my situation and I was told I could use the visa for birthing then.

She then said hope u know it's not allowed anymore and I answered yes and I was like I know if I have to use it for Medical's I would have to reapply again for a fresh visa even if I have a valid visa which she said correct to, visa approved.

Not sure it's a big deal, it would just be questions bout ur birth n all

Good luck

quote author=FavouredMrs post=133236477]Hello @Tsanmama, please the situation I'm in is quite similar. I did a dropbox (1st dropbox was issued without any hitch in 2022) in October and was informed to schedule a 221g appointment. I have not been able to schedule this appointment since then, I have tried ing them via email several times but no response.
Please did the embassy call you or send you a mail on when to come in for your follow up interview? If yes, how long after the 221g notification did they you? Or did you have to them before your new appointment?

Please how can I pc chat? I want to please get some details about how the interview went. My first visa was for birthing and I declared during the interview in 2018 and paid and have all my receipts.

[/quote]

My interview was on the 5th of December, when I got home I checked the status and it showed "Approved". On the 6th the Status changed to "Issued". I proceeded to check for my port on OIS website and it kept showing "port not ready for pickup" until yesterday morning when I checked and it showed "port ready for pickup". I filled out the necessary information and booked a pick up for this morning. Thankfully pick up is free till the 31st of December.
Hope this answers your question.

ayotycoon:
Okay thanks for responding, what was your interview time ? and did you get any notification ? that your port was ready ?

Thanks for your response

Zeni06:
My interview was on the 5th of December, when I got home I checked the status and it showed "Approved". On the 6th the Status changed to "Issued". I proceeded to check for my port on OIS website and it kept showing "port not ready for pickup" until yesterday morning when I checked and it showed "port ready for pickup". I filled out the necessary information and booked a pick up for this morning. Thankfully pick up is free till the 31st of December.
Hope this answers your question.

Wow Nov 21 is a long time have you tried creating a ticket on avits or something ? What kind of visa was yours ?

Tsanmama:

Hi, I am also having same issue, I did my follow up interview since nov 21st and port not back yet...
I have logged on avits and also sent mail yet no response..
I also placed a call but I was directed back to avits site and mail...

I don't know what to do again...

ayotycoon:
Wow Nov 21 is a long time have you tried creating a ticket on avits or something ? What kind of visa was yours ?

Yes I have created a ticket on avits so awaiting response and it's B1/B2 visa... dunno whats going on?

I can't even check status cos I booked this appointment since 2022 or so...

Oh ok, thank you so much.
I have been trying to reschedule since I received my port but there's no button to click. I have sent emails as well but not one response yet.
I'm shocked she did not request to see your zero balance and receipts.
But please why did she say birth tourism is banned? I've checked everywhere, haven't seen where it is banned. Did you see the news somewhere? Please share. Thanks

Tsanmama:


Hi,
The interview was pretty okay as it had to do with a date mismatch on their system which I answered with documents to show the real thing.

Also asked how long I stayed in the us the last time I visited which was for birthing and I told her, she looked up with a smirk and I immediately told her I had my email correspondence with me to show that I sent an email explaining my situation and I was told I could use the visa for birthing then.

She then said hope u know it's not allowed anymore and I answered yes and I was like I know if I have to use it for Medical's I would have to reapply again for a fresh visa even if I have a valid visa which she said correct to, visa approved.

Not sure it's a big deal, it would just be questions bout ur birth n all

Good luck

quote author=FavouredMrs post=133236477]Hello @Tsanmama, please the situation I'm in is quite similar. I did a dropbox (1st dropbox was issued without any hitch in 2022) in October and was informed to schedule a 221g appointment. I have not been able to schedule this appointment since then, I have tried ing them via email several times but no response.
Please did the embassy call you or send you a mail on when to come in for your follow up interview? If yes, how long after the 221g notification did they you? Or did you have to them before your new appointment?

Please how can I pc chat? I want to please get some details about how the interview went. My first visa was for birthing and I declared during the interview in 2018 and paid and have all my receipts.

FavouredMrs:
Oh ok, thank you so much.
I have been trying to reschedule since I received my port but there's no button to click. I have sent emails as well but not one response yet.
I'm shocked she did not request to see your zero balance and receipts.
But please why did she say birth tourism is banned? I've checked everywhere, haven't seen where it is banned. Did you see the news somewhere? Please share. Thanks

As regards zero balance and bill, I had every even on the first interview date but I wasn't asked but I said I paid all my bills n all but it wasn't an issue at all and like what everyone says one has to pray very well for Favour n all..

She said it had been stopped since 2020 so if you need to birth you will need to apply for a medical visa which is still same category of visiting visa but u would have to schedule interview to explain and all

That's what I was told

ayotycoon:
Wow Nov 21 is a long time have you tried creating a ticket on avits or something ? What kind of visa was yours ?

Hi is there another way to check status cos I have used my new application Id even the old one yet it keeps coming up as no status... and date created was the date I filled the form...
First appointment was booked in 2021 for 2022 Nov but I moved it up to 2024 as I was unavailable at the time so dunno why I can't check status

Kindly assist if u know what I can do thanks

I am a silent reader and in the same boat with you. Got my port back in early October and unable to schedule 221G interview appointment. I've sent mails using the formats shared on this forum, made calls to no avail. I got tired and scheduled my trip to somewhere else - thank God I was able to collect my port (port collection was another issue too as i did drop box in Abuja in August & requested for pick up in Lagos).
Would come back to it when i return in January...
I hope you get a solution to it soon.
Please share with us on the forum when you get the appointment.

FavouredMrs:
Oh ok, thank you so much.
I have been trying to reschedule since I received my port but there's no button to click. I have sent emails as well but not one response yet.
I'm shocked she did not request to see your zero balance and receipts.
But please why did she say birth tourism is banned? I've checked everywhere, haven't seen where it is banned. Did you see the news somewhere? Please share. Thanks

I really do not know sorry

Tsanmama:

Hi is there another way to check status cos I have used my new application Id even the old one yet it keeps coming up as no status... and date created was the date I filled the form...
First appointment was booked in 2021 for 2022 Nov but I moved it up to 2024 as I was unavailable at the time so dunno why I can't check status

Kindly assist if u know what I can do thanks

Thanks a lot

Tsanmama:

As regards zero balance and bill, I had every even on the first interview date but I wasn't asked but I said I paid all my bills n all but it wasn't an issue at all and like what everyone says one has to pray very well for Favour n all..

She said it had been stopped since 2020 so if you need to birth you will need to apply for a medical visa which is still same category of visiting visa but u would have to schedule interview to explain and all

That's what I was told

Oh ok, it is well.
Sure, I'll let the house know how I was able to resolve it...hoping that would be very soon by God's grace.
Thank you.

yemochi:
I am a silent reader and in the same boat with you. Got my port back in early October and unable to schedule 221G interview appointment. I've sent mails using the formats shared on this forum, made calls to no avail. I got tired and scheduled my trip to somewhere else - thank God I was able to collect my port (port collection was another issue too as i did drop box in Abuja in August & requested for pick up in Lagos).
Would come back to it when i return in January...
I hope you get a solution to it soon.
Please share with us on the forum when you get the appointment.

US embassy issues fresh directive for visa applicants[color=#006600][/color]
https://guardian.ng/news/us-embassy-issues-fresh-directive-for-visa-applicants/

The United States Embassy has advised visa applicants with interviews scheduled after January 1, 2025, to visit the Consulate General in Lagos at least twice during their immigration visa process.

The US Embassy announced this directive on its official X (formerly Twitter) page on Tuesday, stating:

“For applicants with interviews scheduled after January 1, 2025, you are required to visit the Consulate General in Lagos at least twice during the immigrant visa process.

“This new process is designed to help you prepare for your visa interview and to prevent significant delays in processing your immigrant visa.”

READ ALSO: 3,270 Nigerians granted American citizenship through military service – US

Additional information from its website, as seen by The Guardian, states that the first visit to the US Consulate in Lagos is for an In-Person Document Review with a consular staff member. This review ensures that applicants are prepared for their visa interviews.

According to the US Embassy, the review allows applicants to retrieve any missing documents ahead of their visa interviews, helping to avoid delays in application processing.

The second interview, on the other hand, is with a Consular Officer. The date for this interview will be scheduled for applicants by the National Visa Center (NVC).

“If you do not complete the In-Person Document Review before your visa interview, you will be required to reschedule your appointment,” the US Embassy added.

https://guardian.ng/news/us-embassy-issues-fresh-directive-for-visa-applicants/

So you are on pre-approval now on the AVITS portal or you already booked appointment?
My own payment was successful as well; the receipt says so and the AVITS guys. They just said I need to wait for the system to process it. In your own case, what is your status on the portal right now?

MiddyO:

A first bank transfer I made on Friday was unsuccessful, but by the time I logged in on Monday (yesterday) the payment was reflecting on the profile. The bank advised me to give it 24 hours and it worked.

EasyPope:
US embassy issues fresh directive for visa applicants[color=#006600][/color]
https://guardian.ng/news/us-embassy-issues-fresh-directive-for-visa-applicants/

The United States Embassy has advised visa applicants with interviews scheduled after January 1, 2025, to visit the Consulate General in Lagos at least twice during their immigration visa process.

The US Embassy announced this directive on its official X (formerly Twitter) page on Tuesday, stating:

“For applicants with interviews scheduled after January 1, 2025, you are required to visit the Consulate General in Lagos at least twice during the immigrant visa process.

“This new process is designed to help you prepare for your visa interview and to prevent significant delays in processing your immigrant visa.”

READ ALSO: 3,270 Nigerians granted American citizenship through military service – US

Additional information from its website, as seen by The Guardian, states that the first visit to the US Consulate in Lagos is for an In-Person Document Review with a consular staff member. This review ensures that applicants are prepared for their visa interviews.

According to the US Embassy, the review allows applicants to retrieve any missing documents ahead of their visa interviews, helping to avoid delays in application processing.

The second interview, on the other hand, is with a Consular Officer. The date for this interview will be scheduled for applicants by the National Visa Center (NVC).

“If you do not complete the In-Person Document Review before your visa interview, you will be required to reschedule your appointment,” the US Embassy added.

https://guardian.ng/news/us-embassy-issues-fresh-directive-for-visa-applicants/

Emphasis is IMMIGRANT VISA please so this is for immigrant visa applicants.

majority of visa applicants in Nigeria are applyying for NON IMMIGRANT visas.

usinnigeria
Attention Immigrant Visa Applicants!

For applicants with interviews scheduled after January 1, 2025, you are required to visit the Consulate General in Lagos at least twice during the immigrant visa process.

This new process is designed to help you prepare for your visa interview and to prevent significant delays in processing your immigrant visa.

Kindly note that this information is specific to immigrant visa applicants only.

For more information, visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Supplements/Supplements_by_Post/LGS-Lagos.html

this is for IMMIGRANTS ONLY, not non-immigrants or visitors. Please check the US website for the correct information.

EasyPope:
US embassy issues fresh directive for visa applicants[/color]
https://guardian.ng/news/us-embassy-issues-fresh-directive-for-visa-applicants/

The United States Embassy has advised visa applicants with interviews scheduled after January 1, 2025, to visit the Consulate General in Lagos at least twice during their [color=#770077]immigration visa[color=#770077][/color] process.

The US Embassy announced this directive on its official X (formerly Twitter) page on Tuesday, stating:

“For applicants with interviews scheduled after January 1, 2025, you are required to visit the Consulate General in Lagos at least twice during the immigrant visa process.

“This new process is designed to help you prepare for your visa interview and to prevent significant delays in processing your immigrant visa.”

READ ALSO: 3,270 Nigerians granted American citizenship through military service – US

Additional information from its website, as seen by The Guardian, states that the first visit to the US Consulate in Lagos is for an In-Person Document Review with a consular staff member. This review ensures that applicants are prepared for their visa interviews.

According to the US Embassy, the review allows applicants to retrieve any missing documents ahead of their visa interviews, helping to avoid delays in application processing.

The second interview, on the other hand, is with a Consular Officer. The date for this interview will be scheduled for applicants by the National Visa Center (NVC).

“If you do not complete the In-Person Document Review before your visa interview, you will be required to reschedule your appointment,” the US Embassy added.

https://guardian.ng/news/us-embassy-issues-fresh-directive-for-visa-applicants/

Taal17:


Emphasis is IMMIGRANT VISA please so this is for immigrant visa applicants.

majority of visa applicants in Nigeria are applyying for NON IMMIGRANT visas.

Thank you o!

Ebrandt:
So you are on pre-approval now on the AVITS portal or you already booked appointment?
My own payment was successful as well; the receipt says so and the AVITS guys. They just said I need to wait for the system to process it. In your own case, what is your status on the portal right now?

When I logged in, it took me straight to the appointment page and I picked a date.

Hi did you manage to get past this ?

cutetopsey:
Good evening house. Pls is there anyone that is yet to receive an activation mail of new profile from usvisappt.com. I am an H1B applicant, I was unable to secure an interview appointment before the switch to the new website. It's bn weeks now and am yet to receive any mail to activate my profile on the new website. Anyone experiencing this? Any applicant on H1B visa category here?

Important Update: Effective January 1st, 2025, you MUST visit the Consulate General in Lagos at least twice during the immigrant visa process
IV’s

Consider yourself VERY lucky then.
Goodluck with your interview.

MiddyO:


When I logged in, it took me straight to the appointment page and I picked a date.

Hello everyone, please is there a way to confirm if appointments scheduled through the old system are still valid? I had appointments scheduled through the old system for Mid-December and I have received an email to migrate to the new AVITS and already created a profile. There is no information about that appointment on the created profile. Please how can I confirm if the appointment is still valid before travelling to Lagos? PS. I had the appointment letter printed before the Traveldocs system was closed.
Thanks ahead.

Please guys, I need help, and it's been more than a week now. I have created a ticket on the AVIST, and it's still on hold. I can't pay for MRV payment to book an appointment for the past one week now. Kindly assist with resolving my AVITS. I have a case on my that keeps saying "Duplicate applicant found for this ." I have created a profile on the AVITS website, but I cannot proceed with booking an appointment, which keeps saying "Duplicate applicant found for this ." It's for B1/B2 Visa and this is my first time applying for a US visa.

I’ve been unable to go beyond this step (picture below) I want to book my Dropbox, once I select a green date it keeps coming back to the same page

Bkoks:
I’ve been unable to go beyond this step (picture below) I want to book my Dropbox, once I select a green date it keeps coming back to the same page

look well at the top edge of your browser...there should be an error message that pops up for a few seconds

The error message is no dates available in your location (Lagos) I’m now in august still unable to click any of the green dates

Mjolnir:


look well at the top edge of your browser...there should be an error message that pops up for a few seconds

log1:


Can you explain further? How are you able to use two emails? Did you pay another visa fee and use a new email?

No now,, ing on the AVITS platform doesn’t require you pay first. You can use as many email as you like to on the platform