Everyday, hundreds of Nigerians apply
for Visas to foreign countries for different reasons – better standard of
living, employment opportunities and the most commonly used “in
search of greener pastures”. However, a large number of these applicants are
refused visas for different reasons. The Vice-Consul, United States
Consulate, Lagos, Mr.Christopher Richardson, has said that with regards
to the United States of America, many Nigerian applicants are refused visas
because they have not visited other countries.
for Visas to foreign countries for different reasons – better standard of
living, employment opportunities and the most commonly used “in
search of greener pastures”. However, a large number of these applicants are
refused visas for different reasons. The Vice-Consul, United States
Consulate, Lagos, Mr.Christopher Richardson, has said that with regards
to the United States of America, many Nigerian applicants are refused visas
because they have not visited other countries.
Punch reports
that he said this yesterday at a seminar on the ‘American Visa Regime: the
role of lawyers’ organised by the Immigration Lawyers Forum in Lagos.
“The
majority of the visa applicants prefer the US as their first outing. This
creates doubt, especially when the applicant has not visited any other
countries before.”
majority of the visa applicants prefer the US as their first outing. This
creates doubt, especially when the applicant has not visited any other
countries before.”
Richardson said applicants were also
rejected visas because of the kind of answers they give to test questions
during interviews.
rejected visas because of the kind of answers they give to test questions
during interviews.
“When
a question, such as ‘do you have a relation in the US?’ Most often, they are
quick to say ‘yes’, which of course, is in order. Such an answer creates
doubt that since the person has a relation, there is every tendency that the
person may not want to come back. So visas can be rejected on that ground.”
a question, such as ‘do you have a relation in the US?’ Most often, they are
quick to say ‘yes’, which of course, is in order. Such an answer creates
doubt that since the person has a relation, there is every tendency that the
person may not want to come back. So visas can be rejected on that ground.”
He also said that Nigerians were among
the countries with highest number of visa rejections.
the countries with highest number of visa rejections.
His responses put Nigerians in a tight
position. To obtain a visa to America, one stands a better chance if he or she
has visited other countries. What if one has no intention of visiting other
countries and just wants to go to America for valid reasons? And the part of
having relations in the US is also interesting. Nigerians, with our history of
overstaying our visas have reversed what was supposed to be an added advantage
in the visa application process. Now they think we probably won’t
come back to our country because we have relations in America. How sad.
position. To obtain a visa to America, one stands a better chance if he or she
has visited other countries. What if one has no intention of visiting other
countries and just wants to go to America for valid reasons? And the part of
having relations in the US is also interesting. Nigerians, with our history of
overstaying our visas have reversed what was supposed to be an added advantage
in the visa application process. Now they think we probably won’t
come back to our country because we have relations in America. How sad.
What are your thoughts on the
Vice-Consul’s statements? Have you ever tried to obtain an American visa?
Were you granted the visa or not? Please share your experiences.
Vice-Consul’s statements? Have you ever tried to obtain an American visa?
Were you granted the visa or not? Please share your experiences.
