IMMIGRANT visa applications from Nigerians, especially those rejected under the former President Donald Trump administration, are being revisited by the United States.
The U.S Mission in Nigeria had yesterday said it had contacted all immigrant visa applicants whose applications were affected by Trump’s presidential proclamations 9645 and 9983.
Former U.S President, Donald Trump, had imposed the ban on immigrant visa issued to Nigerians who sought to relocate to the U.S, as well as residents from six other countries after expanding the scope of the proclamations.
The ban has now been revoked by President Joe Biden on his first day in office.
“Immigrants have helped strengthen America’s families, communities, businesses and workforce, and economy, infusing the United States with creativity, energy, and ingenuity,” Biden had said.
In a statement released, the U.S Mission said that its Consulate General in Lagos “has already contacted all immigrant visa applicants whose applications were affected and is prioritizing the processing of these pending cases.”
It denied reports that the new window is open to all Nigerians whose visa applications were rejected under Trump.
The U.S Missions however made it clear that “The Proclamation announcement applies only to certain immigrant visa cases, and does not apply to tourist, business, student, or other nonimmigrant visas.”
“Our Consular Sections in Abuja and Lagos are gradually restoring routine visa operations in accordance with COVID-19 safety mitigation protocols.
“The validity of nonimmigrant visa payments (known as the MRV fee) has been extended until September 30, 2022, to allow all applicants who were unable to schedule a visa appointment as a result of the suspension of routine consular operations an opportunity to schedule and/or attend a visa appointment with the already paid fee.
“Non-immigrant visa applicants who were previously refused and would like to apply again will need to submit a new visa application (DS-160) and pay a new visa application processing fee.”
