Non-Immigrant Visas

Student Visas

Nigerians seeking to enroll in a U.S. high school or university, complete a technical degree, or participate in an exchange program must obtain an appropriate student visa.

Qualifying for a Student Visa

Under U.S. immigration law, applicants for many categories of non-immigrant visas, including student visas, are presumed to be intending immigrants. To qualify for a visa, applicants must clearly demonstrate their intent and ability to pursue a full-time course of academic instruction, that they have sufficient funds to cover the cost of their studies, and that they intend to depart the United States upon the completion of their studies.

Successful applicants generally demonstrate their intent to depart the United States by proving that they have a stable family and economic situation to which they plan to return.

Applying for a Student Visa

Student visa applicants must make an appointment for a visa interview by logging on to the VFS appointment system at https://www.usa-vfsglobal-ng.com/Index.aspx.  We encourage students to schedule their appointments as soon as possible after receiving the I-20 form.  The United States Mission to Nigeria reserves appointment slots every day for student visa applicants, to ensure they will be able to apply well in advance of the start of their studies. 

Once the applicant has made a visa appointment, he or she should gather all supporting documents and forms (see list below), and bring them to the interview. 

• Electronic, barcoded DS-156 non-immigrant visa application (for all applicants), available at the website listed above or at https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp?lang=1
• DS-157  (for males between the ages of 16 and 45)
• DS-158  (pdf) (for students)
• Endorsed, valid I-20  (for students)
• DS-2019  (for exchange visitors)
• International passport valid for at least six months
• Two passport (5cm x 5cm) photographs with full face forward against a white background taken within the last six months.  Hair must not cover the ears.  No photos with dark glasses or non-religious, tribal, or chieftaincy head coverings will be permitted.
• The UBA bank receipt (for the $131 visa application fee). 
• VFS appointment receipt
• All supporting documents that can establish the applicant's strong economic, social, and other ties to Nigeria.
• You also should be prepared to provide financial evidence demonstrating your ability or your sponsor’s ability to pay for tuition and living expenses.

Applicants must appear at the Consular Gate on the date and time of their appointment.  Before the date of the appointment, applicants who wish to reschedule may do so up to two times for free.

Additional information: For questions about student visas or the application process, email us at AbujaStudentVisas@state.gov or LagosStudentVisas@state.gov.  Complete information on student visas to the United States is available from the State Department website at http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html