NewStats: 3,264,682 , 8,184,406 topics. Date: Thursday, 12 June 2025 at 02:06 AM 15i1d

The drop box visa processing option is no longer available for US visa applicants in Nigeria, marking a significant shift in the visa renewal process.

Nairametrics sources confirm that the service, which previously allowed eligible applicants to renew their visas without an in-person interview, has been quietly removed from the appointment booking system.

While the US Embassy in Nigeria has yet to issue an official statement on the change, applicants attempting to schedule visa renewals have reported that the drop box feature is no longer an option on the appointment booking platform.

Appointment backlogs
Applicants who spoke to Nairametrics stated that they have not been able to access the platform suggesting that it may have been removed.

However, Nairametrics sources confirm the feature may have been removed as a slew of executive orders from Donald Trump started to impact the world.

This development is coming amid a backlog of visa applications, with many applicants waiting months to secure drop box appointments before this removal.

Some even reported waiting nearly a year to get a physical appointment, adding to the frustration of an already tedious process.

This change comes at a time when many applicants had already been struggling with long wait times—some as long as a year—to secure an in-person visa appointment.

As of January, dropbox appointment slots were unavailable in Lagos, pushing many applicants to seek alternatives in Abuja.

Now, with the complete removal of the drop box feature, all applicants will have to go through in-person interviews, returning to the process that was in place before 2020.

What you should know

The drop box (Interview Waiver) program in Nigeria was initially introduced to ease the visa renewal process by allowing certain applicants to submit their documents without attending an in-person interview at the US Embassy or Consulate.

To qualify, applicants had to meet specific criteria, including:

Having a prior US visa that expired within the last 24 months.
The previous visa must have been issued in Nigeria as a full-validity, multiple-entry visa.
Applying for the same visa classification as the prior approved visa.
No record of overstaying, working without authorization, or having criminal convictions in the US.
In August 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Department of State expanded eligibility, allowing those whose visas expired within 48 months to apply through the drop box system.

This measure aimed to streamline visa renewals and reduce in-person interactions amid pandemic restrictions.

However, the drop box service in Nigeria has faced previous suspensions. In 2018, during Donald Trump’s first istration, the US government removed the option, citing concerns over visa overstays by Nigerian travellers.

At the time, the US mission mandated in-person interviews for all applicants, leading to longer processing times and delays in securing visa appointments.

With the recent removal of the drop box feature, Nigerians applying for US visas will now revert to full in-person interviews, adding to the already extended wait times for visa appointments. This policy shift may significantly impact business travelers, students, and frequent visitors who previously relied on the drop box system for faster renewals.

https://nairametrics.com/2025/02/08/us-visa-drop-box-provision-no-longer-available-in-nigeria/

America doesn't want immigrants in their country anymore, but Nigerians don't understand.

Massive population comes with overwhelming challenges for working societies. America is not like Nigeria where Buhari announced that any idiot is free to come into, whether they have visas or not.

SmartPolician:
America doesn't want immigrants in their country anymore, but Nigerians don't understand.

Massive population comes with overwhelming challenges for working societies. America is not like Nigeria where Buhari announced that any idiot is free to come into, whether they have visas or not.

Do you even understand the concept of Dropbox visa application?

It's time to stay home and chase these wolves in power away, Nigerians!

Golan007:


Do you even understand the concept of Dropbox visa application?

I am reacting to people waiting for nearly a year to be invited to physical interviews at the US embassies and consulates.

Now, asking people not to automatically renew their existing visas without appearing at those offices means things will be worse than it already is. The message is simple - we don't want you folks in our country.

You can do with this piece of information whatever you damn please.

Golan007:


Do you even understand the concept of Dropbox visa application?

Even me wey no under the concept of the Dropbox visa application before now already did just by reading it up there....

The US embassy is basically saying no more automatic renewal of visa via the Dropbox anymore for Nigerians meaning you will have to come in personally for interviews henceforth. That's a subtle way of denying visas because we all know how tough they are with the interviews even before now.

Wetin kwansan me.

Trump, I dey craze?

Sango(trump) don't allow any agbadoriam to leave Nigeria

Nawa Nlfpmod. Trump dey behave like Ramat Park pipu.

Their problem..

No be by force to go Amelika..

Golan007:


Do you even understand the concept of Dropbox visa application?

What he said is in line with the topic.
In a nutshell, America is no more for everyone that can afford the bills..

If I see 1m. I no fit japa Nigeria.

For 9ja I get rights. Na just to know few connects and you are good to go

Ok

Y'all should go back and fix your country.

ogododo:


https://nairametrics.com/2025/02/08/us-visa-drop-box-provision-no-longer-available-in-nigeria/

No leyley we moved on.

Where are those idiots always shouting “Nigeria is a sovereign nation”….

What do you produce? What do you export?
Time don reach to do the do

SmartPolician:
America doesn't want immigrants in their country anymore, but Nigerians don't understand.

Massive population comes with overwhelming challenges for working societies. America is not like Nigeria where Buhari announced that any idiot is free to come into, whether they have visas or not.

Na America wants only White immigrants..... Cuz the none White population is growing rapidly

So what does that mean for you ??

Sheybi na that America 🇺🇸..??
We must find a way to enter there, because even if you give Nigeria 🇳🇬 to the same people wey build America, after 100 years we go still dey hear say Naija go better.

Dem do scatter this country kpata- kpata beyond repairs.
No sign of hope, we bin think say Buhari na bad person, con imagine T-Pain.

SmartPolician:
America doesn't want immigrants in their country anymore, but Nigerians don't understand.

Massive population comes with overwhelming challenges for working societies. America is not like Nigeria where Buhari announced that any idiot is free to come into, whether they have visas or not.

the people using drop box are people who have traveled to usa and come back lol

Not surprised

SmartPolician:
America doesn't want immigrants in their country anymore, but Nigerians don't understand.

Massive population comes with overwhelming challenges for working societies. America is not like Nigeria where Buhari announced that any idiot is free to come into, whether they have visas or not.

Stop using the word Americans use Trump. There were presidents before him all these did not happen.

It seems you just woke up, the dropbox has not been available for several years now, at least since 5 years, this isn't news anymore.

The right pictures to use for this news 👍🏾

HugeBlessings:
Trump means business!

. U right bro

Gozie1884:
. U right bro

. Yes my brother

MufasaLion:
Y'all should go back and fix your country.

What have as a person done to help the country?

😢