TheNewsGuru

Tag: VISA

  • BREAKING: UK resumes processing of visitor visa applications from Nigeria

    BREAKING: UK resumes processing of visitor visa applications from Nigeria

    The United Kingdom (UK) has announced resuming processing of visitor visa applications from Nigeria, following the lifting of red list restrictions from 4am on 15 December.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the British High Commission had suspended processing of visitor visa applications from Nigeria over Omicron COVID-19 concerns.

    However, following outrage, the UK was forced to rescind the red listing of Nigeria and 10 other African countries.

    In a statement on Thursday, the British High Commission said UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) will lift the pause on processing visitor visas in all countries previously on the red list.

    The statement released by the British High Commission contains information for non-visitor visa applications, including student and work visas as well.

    The statement titled: UKVI Lift Pause on Processing Visitor Visa Applications reads below:

    “In line with the lifting of red list restrictions – following the UK Government announcement that from 4:00am on 15th December all countries who were on the red list will be removed – UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) will lift the pause on processing visitor visas in all countries previously on the red list.

    “Due to extremely high global demand, standard UK visitor visas are currently taking significantly longer than usual to be processed. UKVI are working hard to process visitor visa applications as soon as possible and sincerely apologise to all our customers affected.

    “Non-visitor visa applications (including student and work visas) are still being processed within published service standards and we are working hard to meet customer demand.

    “Applicants will be contacted by the Visa Application Centre (VAC) when their passport is ready for collection. They should not visit the VAC until they have been invited to do so.

    “You are not required to book any travel before applying for a visa, or before a decision is made on your application.

    “Those with an urgent need to travel to the UK for compassionate reasons will still need to apply for a visa in the usual way, including submitting biometrics at a VAC. Applicants should clearly explain the compelling or compassionate reasons for the visit in their application form and must alert the VAC staff during biometric submission.

    “If you have already submitted your visitor visa application, and you need to urgently travel to the UK for compassionate reasons, you can contact UK Visas & Immigration for help. Please note that this is a chargeable service for overseas customers.

    “Priority Visa (PV) and Super Priority Visa (SPV) services remain temporarily suspended for all visa routes in all countries coming off the red list. This allows UKVI to concentrate on assessing applications in date order for all our visa customers, and to deal equitably with the increased demand we are currently experiencing. This will be kept under review and we hope to be able to reinstate PV services in due course.

    “Students who may have planned to use PV services can speak to their course provider about options, including COVID-19 concessions or slightly later starts if necessary. However, students may wish to consider making their application early, rather than waiting for PV and SPV services to be resumed”.

  • U.S. Mission announces student visa surge days for applicants in Lagos, Abuja; list criteria

    U.S. Mission announces student visa surge days for applicants in Lagos, Abuja; list criteria

    The United States Consulate has carved out six days to attend to students needing visas for studies in the United States.

    A statement by the U.S. Mission noted that the students applying for new visas and those renewing their visas would be attended to on specific dates between this month and January 2022.

    It reads: “Starting November 24, the U.S. Mission once again will be expanding operations to better serve the student population of Nigeria. This approach will be two-fold: a special procedure for students who need to renew student visas to continue their course of study, and a series of dedicated interview days for prospective new students.

    “You may be eligible for a priority student visa interview slot if you are a prospective student seeking an F1 visa appointment and you have not been refused an F1 visa in the past six months.

    “Abuja student surge days will take place on December 8, December 15, and January 12. These surge days will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

    “Lagos student surge days will take place on November 24, December 8, and December 15.”

    While students in Abuja are required to check www.ustraveldocs.com/ng for instructions, those in Lagos are to book their appointments by emailing their documents to LagosStudents@state.gov.

    The students in both locations need to submit completed DS-160, approved I-20, I-901 SEVIS fee receipts, GTBank (MRV) receipt for visa fee, valid passport data page, and a scanned passport photograph.

    For students renewing visas, the statement listed separate requirements.

    It reads: “If you are currently studying in the United States, you may be eligible for a special application procedure. To qualify for this procedure, you must be renewing a student visa that is still valid or has expired within the past 24 months and are renewing your visa either to: (a) continue participation in the same major course of study even if at a different institution; or (b) attend the same institution even if in a different major course of study.”

    Abuja applicants: Go to www.ustraveldocs.com/ng and follow the instructions to complete your visa application. Visit a designated DHL facility and mail the following documents:

    A printout of your Confirmation page (printed from www.ustraveldocs.com/ng)

    A completed DS-160, an approved I-20, a receipt for your I-901 SEVIS fee

    A GTBank (MRV) receipt for your visa fee, your passport containing the expired student visa (if that passport is expired, a current valid passport is also required).

    A passport photograph meeting these requirements

    Proof of continued full-time enrollment (such as transcripts, tuition payment, etc.)

    Lagos applicants: Bring all of the following to the U.S. Consulate in Lagos at 12:30-1:00pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, between November 25 and January 5:

    A completed DS-160, an approved I-20, a receipt for your I-901 SEVIS fee

    A GTBank (MRV) receipt for your visa fee, your passport containing the expired student visa (if that passport is expired, a current valid passport is also required), a passport photograph meeting these requirements

    Proof of continued full-time enrollment (such as transcripts, tuition payment, etc.)”

  • BREAKING: US removes reciprocity visa fees for Nigerians

    BREAKING: US removes reciprocity visa fees for Nigerians

    The federal government announced on Saturday that the United States has removed all visa reciprocity fees for Nigerians seeking visas to the country with effect from December 3.

    Disclosing this at the weekend, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the development was sequel to the removal of excess visa application, processing and biometric fees for American citizens applying for Nigerian visas.

    It would be recalled that the Donald Trump administration had in 2019 imposed the reciprocity fee for all approved non-immigrant visa applications by Nigerians.

    The fee was charged in addition to visa application fees for only applicants who are issued visas.

    The additional reciprocity fees which ranged from $80 to $303 depending on the class of visa, took effect from August 29 last year. The US Embassy in Nigeria said the reciprocity fees were in response to unsuccessful talks with Nigeria to adjust the fees it charges American applicants. It argued that the total cost for a US citizen to obtain a visa to Nigeria was higher than the total cost for a Nigerian to obtain a comparable visa to the United States.

    The Mission insisted that the reciprocity fee was meant to eliminate the cost difference as required by US laws. Announcing the removal of the reciprocity fee in a statement, the MFA spokesman, Ferdinand Nwonye, said, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that the United States Government has removed all visa reciprocity fees for Nigerian citizens seeking visas to the United States. “The positive development is in line with the removal of excess visa application, processing and biometric fees for United States citizens applying for Nigerian visas by the Nigerian Government.

    “The United States Government has, therefore, eliminated reciprocity fees for Nigerian citizens with effect from December 3, 2020.” The statement titled, ‘Update on removal of visa fees for Nigerian citizens by the US Government,’ advised prospective travellers to the US to visit www.travel.state.gov for details.”

  • FG commences Visa processing on reciprocity basis

    FG commences Visa processing on reciprocity basis

    The federal government has commenced visa processing on a reciprocity basis for applicants from countries that have reopened their international airspace and have begun issuing visas to Nigerian applicants.

    The Consulate General of Nigeria in South Africa confirmed this development in a statement issued yesterday, saying the federal government has granted payment waivers to certain categories of visitors/migrants affected by travel restrictions introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    It said: “The Consulate General of Nigeria, Johannesburg, wishes to announce the recommencement of visa processing, on Reciprocity Basis, for applicants from countries that have reopened their international airspace and have begun issuing visas to Nigerian applicants. In this regard, the federal government of Nigeria has granted payment waivers to certain categories of visitors/migrants affected by travel restrictions introduced during the Coronavirus pandemic.

    “All visitors/migrants whose permits expired from March 23 to September 5, 2020, should provide evidence of confirmed return tickets scheduled to travel out of Nigeria to obtain a free extension to depart on or before September 15, 2020.

    “All migrants whose permit/visitor’s pass expired before March 23, 2020, shall pay an Overstay Penalty for the number of days stayed before the lockdown on March 23, 2020.”

    The Consulate General added that all resident migrants whose permits expired outside Nigeria from March 23, 2020, would be allowed entry into Nigeria with the expired permits on or before September 25, 2020.

    It stressed that such returning holders of expired permits and their dependents are to renew the permits within 30 days of arrival in Nigeria to avoid sanctions under relevant immigration laws.

    It said that all migrants who processed payments for visa on arrival and all other categories of visas from Nigerian Missions before March 23, 2020, are to apply for revalidation and upload a copy of previous payments not later than September 15, 2020.

    The Consulate General said all migrants who obtained a visa on arrival pre-approval letters and all categories of visas from Nigerian Missions before September 23, 2020, whose approval/visas expired before September 5, 2020, are also to apply for revalidation without making fresh payments, by uploading copies of the expired pre-approval letters/visas not later than September 15, 2020.

  • UAE opens up over non issuance of visa to Nigerian visitors

    UAE opens up over non issuance of visa to Nigerian visitors

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Abuja has denied reports making the rounds that it is restricting the issuance of visa to Nigerian visitors.

    The embassy debunked the reports in a statement released in Abuja and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    “In an affirmation of the growing bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, the UAE Embassy in Abuja denies the accuracy of the information
    contained in these reports.

    “At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE took a number of precautionary measures to combat the virus’ spread, including the temporary suspension on issuing UAE visas to all
    nationalities as of March 17, 2020.

    “After entering the recovery phase of the pandemic, the UAE eased some measures on July 7, permitting visitors from various countries to adhere to the necessary precautionary measures,
    including by showing negative PCR test results within 92 hours of traveling to the UAE.

    “This includes those visiting from Nigeria.

    “However, travel between the UAE and Nigeria has remained limited due to the closure of the Nigerian airspace.

    “And the UAE Embassy in Abuja continues to work closely with the Nigerian Government to obtain the necessary approvals to facilitate travel between the two countries.

    “The UAE Embassy in Abuja calls upon the public to verify the authenticity of such reports and to seek information from the official sources,” the embassy said in the statement.

  • Nigerians not banned from Dubai – Official clarifies

    Nigerians not banned from Dubai – Official clarifies

    An official from the Dubai Tourism has debunked the viral fake news that Nigerians have been banned from visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    Stella Fubara-Obinwa, its Director Africa, International Operations, made the clarification during a webinar organised by the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), themed “Tourism Business Opportunities in Face of New Normal.”

    Fubara-Obinwa said there was never a time, nor was there any publication, which reported that Nigerians had been banned from visiting the UAE.

    “I challenge people to show me any publication from the United Arab Emirates which states that Nigerians had been banned from the country.

    “This is fake news and am not happy with the development of the Nigerian travel agents.

    “Nigeria is very important to Dubai; Nigeria has the highest number of travellers to Dubai, out of the 41 sub-Sahara countries.

    “As a matter of fact, Dubai is ready to accommodate visitors, likewise every hospitality business, while we adhere to the new COVID-19 restrictions,” she said.

    Fubara-Obinwa said Dubai had been opened to tourists from July 7, adding that safety measures had been put in place across all hospitality and tourism outfits.

    She noted that Dubai was recently recognised as a safe destination by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

    According to her, in Dubai now, a tourist is expected to have a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test at any accredited laboratory in their countries, 96 hours before embarking on a trip to Dubai.

    She explained that this would make travellers ascertain their COVID-19 status prior to their journey to Dubai to guide against spreading the virus.

  • Online classes: Trump rescinds policy on cancelling visas for foreign students

    Online classes: Trump rescinds policy on cancelling visas for foreign students

    Facing a barrage of federal lawsuits and opposition from hundreds of universities and big tech companies, the Trump administration on Tuesday back-pedalled on a rule that would have invalidated the visas of foreign students.

    The rule required international students to transfer or leave the country if their schools held classes entirely online because of the pandemic.

    According to AP, the policy somersault was announced at the start of a hearing in a federal lawsuit in Boston brought by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

    U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs said federal immigration authorities agreed to pull the July 6 directive and “return to the status quo.”

    A lawyer representing the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said only that the judge’s characterisation was correct.

    The announcement brings relief to thousands of foreign students who had been at risk of being deported from the country, along with hundreds of universities that were scrambling to reassess their plans for the fall in light of the policy.

    Under the policy, international students in the U.S. would have been forbidden from taking all their courses online this fall.

    New visas would not have been issued to students at schools planning to provide all classes online, which includes Harvard.

    Students already in the U.S. would have faced deportation if they didn’t transfer schools or leave the country voluntarily.

    Immigration officials issued the policy last week, reversing earlier guidance from March 13 telling colleges that limits around online education would be suspended during the pandemic.

    University leaders believed the rule was part of President Donald Trump’s effort to pressure the nation’s schools and colleges to reopen this fall even as new virus cases rise.

    The policy drew sharp backlash from higher education institutions, with more than 200 signing court briefs supporting the challenge by Harvard and MIT.

    Colleges said the policy would put students’ safety at risk and hurt schools financially.

    Many schools rely on tuition from international students, and some stood to lose millions of dollars in revenue if the rule had taken hold.

  • NIS refuses departure of 58 Nigerian Medical Doctors

    NIS refuses departure of 58 Nigerian Medical Doctors

    Operatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja, Lagos, has refused departure of 58 Nigerian doctors.
    The Spokesman of the service, Mr Sunday James, disclosed this in a statement made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
    James noted that the doctors attempted traveling aboard a UK bound aircraft flight number ENT 550, registration number SP-ES that flew in from London.
    According to him, 56 of the doctors had no visa for entry to United Kingdom, while only two (2) had visa.
    “The 58 Medical Doctors were refused departure in line with Section 31 subsection 2a and b, of Act 2015.
    “This means, on powers conferred on the Comptroller General, NIS, Mr Muhammad Babandede, to prohibit departure of any person under the conditions stated in the Act.
    “The chartered flight approved for landing in Nigeria was to carry 42 medical doctors for a training program but they were 58 with only two having visa for entry into UK.
    “A situation that calls for refusal of departure, ” he said.
    James said that NIS as the agency saddled with control of entry and departure from Nigeria of persons would not allow individuals or groups of well-educated Nigerians to disobey the laws.
    He added that those who should know the procedures for travelling out of their country and the requirements, which include having a valid visa for entry into a destination country to leave, should not violate the laws.
    “This is to avoid refusal of entry and repatriation back to Nigeria amidst COVID-19 pandemic.
    “And also spreading of same as well as flouting the Federal Government’s directive on restriction of international flights unless for essential reason as approved by government.
    “There is no official communication to the Service from the Ministry of Health in Nigeria or any known Medical body notifying the NIS of the travel of this number of medical doctors.
    “The aircraft has departed for London without the medical doctors.
    “The Comptroller General is taking this opportunity to advise Nigerians to always adhere to travel protocols.
    “They should ensure they have valid passports with valid visa to the country they intended travelling to before going to any Airport, Seaport or Land Border Control to avoid refusal to depart.

  • How American Embassy thwarts citizen’s will for burial

    Relations of a Nigeria-born American are now in a quandary after the American embassy in Lagos denied them visas to attend her burial.

    Reverend Sister Angela Egbikuadje, a nun and doctorate degree holder,had spelt out how she should be buried in her will dated March 26, 2019.

    In the Will, the late Sr. Egbikuadje declared under “Statement of Interment, Cremation and Wishes,” that, “it is my desire to be interred in a burial spot.”

    She also asked that her “funeral mass will be at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church and a Catholic funeral in a cemetery in Bakersfield, California.”

    All that now appears frustrated after the embassy turned down the visa applications of Mrs. Anthonia Nwosu and Mr. Emmanuel Egbikuadje, under the pretext “that you have been found ineligible for a nonimmigrant visa under Section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act.”

    The congregation of the deceased , the Secular Institute of the Missionaries of the Kingship of Christ, (SIM),is in no position to inter her remains.

    A member of the Secular Institute of the Missionaries of the Kingship of Christ,Dr. Franca Niameh,said: “We can only pray that the Embassy will grant you the permission you need to come and bury your sister, as the religious congregation, the Secular Institute of the Missionaries of the Kingship of Christ, she belongs to, does not take care of funerals.”

    The Zonal Council President, Secular Institute of the Missionaries of the Kingship of Christ, Dr. Susan Larkin had explained to the U.S. Embassy in Lagos: “We are awaiting the presence of the family to hold the funeral services and burial for Angela (Egbikuadje).”

    The remains of the late nun remain in the mortuary, unless the American Embassy reviews the decision to grant her family members entry visas to the U.S.

  • Controversial Naira Marley secures U.S. visa amid restrictions

    Controversial Naira Marley secures U.S. visa amid restrictions

    Amid new visa restrictions slammed on Nigeria by the United States (U.S.) recently, controversial Nigerian musician, Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley has secured P2 visa to enter the U.S. for a music tour.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the P2 visa issued Naira Marley by the U.S. is for artists and entertainers who wish to participate in government permitted programs in the country.

    It is a temporary work visa for non immigrants to perform in the U.S. through the government reciprocal program between an organization in their own country and the U.S.

    Recall U.S. President Donald Trump recently signed a presidential proclamation that imposed an immigrant visa ban on Nigeria and five other countries in an expanded version of his travel ban list, sparking outrage from many of the countries, including Nigeria.

    The development meant that citizens from Nigeria, Eritrea, Sudan, Tanzania, Kyrgyzstan and Myanmar are now blocked from obtaining an immigrant visa.

    U.S. officials have said the six countries failed to meet U.S. security and information-sharing standards, necessitating the new restrictions.

    However, the option of P2 visa is available for artists and entertainers to exploit.

    The artist or entertainer, who must possess skills that are equal to those of artists of U.S. performing outside the U.S., must enter U.S. through the government recognized reciprocal exchange program.

    A US organization or employer must file Form I-129, Petition for a Non-Immigrant Worker, and the individual artist, entertainer or group should be invited through reciprocal program. The applicants must meet the health and character requirements as well.

    Also, a P2 visa holder can participate in any exchange program in the U.S. The visa is granted for the duration of the program but can also be extended. A P2 visa holder can apply for green card and remain in the U.S. permanently. The spouse and dependent children can apply for P4 visa and stay in U.S. with the P1 visa holder. The spouse and children are entitled to study in the U.S. but not employment.

    Naira Marley, who at various times has been arrested by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for sundry financial related crimes, has secured this visa option as he is billed for a performance tour in the U.S. in March. All the crisis seems to be far behind him now.

    The controversial musician, who his American fans refer to as ‘Africa’s snoop Dogg’, will perform in Dallas and other cities, with his show titled ‘Marlays Yankee’.

    TNG learnt Naira Marley is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. on or before March 4. He will be performing to a crowded fan base in Swayz Ballroom in Dallas on March 6.

    After a successful performance in Dallas, Naira Marley will proceed to Chicago, Maryland, Washington DC and North Carolina.