It was a sweet relief yesterday for non-immigrant visa applicants in Nigeria, following the kick-off of the no-interview visa renewal regime by the United States (U.S.) Mission in Lagos.

The new visa application regime, which was unveiled at a briefing at the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, is a pilot project, which the mission plans to extend next month to its embassy in Abuja.

“The number of qualified applicants who can apply using the new procedures will be limited initially. Applicants who meet the criteria may apply in Lagos until the service is extended to Abuja. Please note that only one member of the family unit is required to drop-off the application documents, children are not required to come drop-off in person,” a statement by the mission said.

It added: “Processing may take up to two months. Although we anticipate most cases will be processed within a few weeks, once you submit your travel documents, we will be unable to return these to you until your has been completed.”

On eligibility criteria, it said: “You may be eligible for a visa renewal without an interview if your application in for a B1/B2, F. M. J (academic only), H. L or CD (combined only) visa, and you meet each of the following criteria.

“Your previous visa was issued in Nigeria. Your previous visa is in the same classification as your current application. Your previous visa was a full validity, multiple entry visa.

“Your previous visa expired within the last 24 months or will expire in the next three months from the date of application.

You have all your passports covering the entire period since receiving the previous visa and the passport with the most recent visa.

“You have never been arrested or convicted of any crime or offence in the States, even if you later received a waiver or pardon.

“You have never worked without authorisation or remained beyond your permitted time in the United States.”

Speaking with reporters, U.S. Mission Country Consular Coordinator Susan Tuller, cautioned applicants against patronising third parties to enjoy the service. She urged applicants to rely only on information from genuine sources.

The statement further reads: “Third parties unaffiliated with U.S. Embassy, Abuja, and Consulate General, Lagos, may seek to take advantage of various visa services to target visa applicants with fraudulent offers or claims.

“Applicants should fill out their own forms and make their appointments themselves via the official websites.

“As future opportunities for interview waiver appointments become available, they will be communicated via our website.

“Remember to rely on information only from genuine sources the statement by the Mission also urged applicants to shin third parties.”

It urged those with life-or-death emergency to request an expedited visa appointment.