Socialwork4god

It is for 24 months and I've planned a new trip for February.

All is well. My passport has arrived with visa inside

All is well. My passport arrived yesterday with approved visa inside.

Nope but it was a good thought

Do you have any Nigerian friends here in the states that can call for you / with you ? They will be much nicer to another Nigerian. ( Who will also know how to "talk" with them)

My fiancé has called them a few times and they just tell him what they told me originally...that it was mailed out on the 7th of October yet, I still believe this to not be the case. My ex-bf lives here in the states and is Nigerian but, he is currently petitioning to bring his mother here and states that he frequently can't get anyone to answer for him either.

I'm aware they are annoyed with me but I'm the one who's now out $370 bucks...not them. I have called the security office twice now but not able to speak to a person yet.

The issue with the passport not returned may be because you did send them an express mail prepaid envelope. So now there is no way to track it. I have a feeling they have not mailed it in your plain SASE because of security reasons. Try speaking to a manager when you call back.

Well, I thought so too but, they told me they mailed it to me and now every time I call, no one answers

**Moved from Tourist Visas" forums to The Sub-Sahara forum where regional specific people can chime in**

It's not as simple as just applying for another. When you called the Nigeria Embassy did you verify the address they are sending back to? And you aren't obligated to send to NY just because you are near it. You can choose whatever embassy you want. I like DC because its faster even though I am closer to Atlanta. You need to get on phone and keep calling day and night and leave no stone unturned.

Sorry for all your hassle. But there was no mistake sending to DC and yes they are harder than anything to get a hold of. Just call anyone in that blasted embassy. Are you calling this number (202) 986-8400? Also try Tel # 202-663-1225 OR 1600

Have you tried there email

http://www.nigeriaembassyusa.org/index.php?page=contact-us

 nu

Okay good. Well, the envelope was self-addressed so I know it has the correct address on it. I have been calling the 8400 number and I've tried extensions 1020, 1023, 1048, 1050...they all have full voicemails and I've called over 30 times in the last week. I don't believe have tried their email yet but will definitely try that. I know that I can't just apply for another but, I'm just confused about where my passport is because they tell me it was sent to me but, USPS says it would have been received my me already. I call every day though about 10 times before I give up and move on. I have a super hectic life going from work to class to internships to class to homework to work and I have a dog to care for and papers to write. It's just been hard to call at certain times of the day. I will keep trying though until I figure out where the heck my passport is haha. I will also try the other phone number. Thank you!!!

thank you

I would drive down and pick it up in person! If you are in N.Y. I did this a couple of times when I was dealing with the South African Embassy. For me it was just less hassle to go pick it up in person. If you have that option.

I could do that but, my problem is that they told me they already mailed it out to me...I just don't know if they are being honest or not.

Okay, so, I need some advice on a passport/visa issue.

I recently mailed in my passport, visa application, supporting info, postage paid self-addressed return envelope, etc to the Washington D.C Nigerian Embassy. It was received there on September 25th. I was told that my passport was mailed back out to me on the 6th of October (then I was told the 7th of October). Well, needless to say I still have not received my passport back. I made a few mistakes because it was not a next day envelope for return but, I asked the USPS for a tracking number that they never did so I am unable to track it.

A few days ago I was looking through my application and such a bit closer and say that it said my application place was New York. I assumed that was meaning I live in NY but, my friend is saying that means I should have mailed my Passport and other info to the Nigeria House in NYC. Again..my mistake but, I didn't realize it made a difference. I am located exactly 6 hours from both embassy locations. Well, my problem is this...Where is my passport and how likely is it that I will get it back?

Washington says they mailed it back to me but I don't have it yet and should have. I keep calling and either they don't answer, I leave a voicemail with no return call or when they answer they say it was mailed out on the 6th of October and hang up on me. I have called the NYC location several times and I can never get an actual person or even a line to leave a voicemail. I have emailed the NYC office but have yet to receive a reply.

My passport expires in 2017. Should I expect it's still in Washington D.C. and plan to go pick it up in person? Do I just admit the passport is long gone and apply for a new one? I need help!

P.S. Please be polite in your responses. I realize that mistakes were made but, this is my first time applying for a visa and all the different checklists I went by said something a little different. I am still very frustrated and upset about this issue and therefore may be a bit sensitive however truly want input and help on what to do from here. Thanks again!!!

I was told doing the visa upon entry or through an agent was not safe so that's why I did it this way. I did expedite but the post office screwed up and there were mistakes on both sides. I could potentially go to Washington d.c. myself. It's about 6 hours away but they said they already mailed it so not much I can do at this point.

I agree that I don't want to raise a kid on my own. We will make it. We have for 3 yrs already haha.

Another thing to keep in mind is how would you support yourself and a child? You seem to be strapped for cash already so how would you pay for daycare/diapers/etc. Even if you apply for a spousal visa the day you return it takes about a year for him to receive it and even longer if he has AP. Or what if the visa is denied? Then you and the child are here in the US and daddy is in Nigeria?

I know that. If you read my OP you would see that I don't want to have a baby without him already here full-time. I'm trying to prove to him that me being pregnant isn't going to help our case any. Thank you though.

Okay think about what you did ask "does anyone know if it's easier for a Nigerian to get a visitor visa if their American fiancé is pregnant?".

If the immigrant (lets talk in general terms cuz this isn't just a Nigerian issue) is trying to demonstrate STRONG TIES to his country how do you figure one having a fiance' in the US and a child on the way will help the matter.

They need to show every reason why they have strong ties back home to return not stay.

I don't know why everyone is scared to apply If h wants to roll the dice pay the $160 submit the application and try. he should be applying now if he wants to even think of getting here in December. All they can say is no. And doesn't effect any future petitioning.

I know a few Nigerians who got visitor visas but they had very strong ties to Nigeria. A family, spouse, kids, thriving business. Also they were well traveled with multiple Visa stamps from their countries showing they could be trusted.

Now saying that i only know of one person who visited during the processing of his IR1/Cr1 but he already had a visitor visa since he woks for the airline.

It's just real remote chance because his ties are with you.

On your passport note. Something seems very wrong for it to take this long. When you call what do they say about your application? You did send a self-address envelope with your application right? You need to be on the phone tomorrow and find out whats up.

Yea, what your saying makes sense. I didn't think it fully through before I asked...duh haha. Thanks.

And yes, something does seem very wrong. They keep telling me it has been mailed but, when I try to prod them further the guy hangs up on me. Several times he has done that. I did include a self-addressed and paid for envelope for returned mailing and still nothing.

You getting pregnant will not make it easier for him to get a visitor visa. That's a strong tie to the US. It doesn't help him overcome the presumption that he will stay and not go home.

Pregnancy is not a basis for an expedite.

These are common misconceptions about pregnancy and getting a visa.

Thank you. I keep telling him that but, he seems to think otherwise. He's not as well versed in all of this visa stuff as I am though. This will help him to see what I'm saying better though.

Yes, I called them the Monday before my trip which was one week after they received it. The gentlemen said he would mail it Tuesday 6th. Friday 9th (the day I was supposed to leave) I called and they said they mailed it Wednesday 7th. I have yet to get it and the embassy guy can't make up his mind if they sent it on the 6th or 7th. Either way. I paid for the 3 day processing and they received it on the 25th of September. So.....it took them at least 6 business days to mail it...if that's truly when they mailed it out. I'm not a happy camper but, trying to remain calm about the situation.

Hey everyone,

I've heard several times that it's nearly impossible for a Nigerian to get a visitor visa to the states but, has anyone here tried to apply for it or know someone who has received one? My fiancé desperately wants to spend Christmas here with my family in the states but, we know it's so difficult for Nigerians to receive visitor visas. I have not been there yet due to the Nigerian Embassy in Washington D.C. not sending back my passport in time (still have not gotten it back). I'm hoping to get down there around Thanksgiving as long as I get my passport back.

Also, does anyone know if it's easier for a Nigerian to get a visitor visa if their American fiancé is pregnant? I don't have to try having kids until he is here full time but, he seems to think that he'd have a better chance at getting a visitor visa or expediting our visa process if I'm knocked up haha.

Thanks everyone for your help!

Just an update for everyone. I still have not received my passport back so I don't know if the visa was ever approved. I missed my whole trip to Nigeria. I have to reschedule...hopefully for around thanksgiving. I'm pretty bummed.

You have to wait until you get it. And no you do not have to provide flight information. You can just merely state your itinerary when you hope to leave and come back. If you happen to get a Visa that's short. It's usually 6 months some first time people get 2 year entry. It's all how you write you invitation letter.

WOW I thought you been gone last Friday like you stated. You still haven;t got your Visa back? What does the embassy say?

Thank you and Yes, I was supposed to leave Friday.

The embassy is saying it's not their fault and hung up on me. I'm very unhappy with them right now but, that's besides the point.

Thank you everyone!

I applied for multiple (3 entries).

Hey everyone. I've applied and am at some point going to receive a tourist visa to nigeria. If I don't get it in time for this trip (which I should already be on) can I use it for a trip in a few months? I only ask because I know you have to provide flight info to get the visa. Thanks!

Yes, I included the addressed and paid for envelope to mail it back but, can't remember if I did expedited or normal mail. I'm pretty sure I did the 2 day express mail. I did call Washington D.C. Monday and they said it was processed and being mailed out the next day but, I still don't have it. I have to get it in the mail tomorrow or else I will have to change my flight out.

Thanks everyone. Yes, I've been informed to get to Lagos airport early the day I leave but, was not sure how much earlier so that helps. Thanks. I sent my packet of info directly to the Embassy in Washington D.C. but, did my application through Innovation1 or whatever it's called.

There is really no way to know if it was approved. Although, there is a 99.99999% chance it will always be approved. I was getting nervous once waiting for mine to come because I was cutting it really close to the date I was supposed to leave. I was able to call the embassy in Washington and speak to someone. She asked when I sent it and then gave me generic information on when I should be getting it back. I don't think they will look into yours in particular unless maybe you have your call escalated. Did you do expedited or regular? They're estimated time of turnaround is usually always accurate, especially if you did the expedited one.

I did the expedited. They received it September 25th which they were not open so they first saw it Monday September 28th and it should have been back in the mail to me on the 1st of October. But, when I called on Monday the 5th I heard him shuffling papers and then said, we will put it in mail tomorrow. Well, now I'm freaking out and wondering where my visa is.

Hey everyone. I'm traveling to Nigeria soon and waiting for my visa/passport to be mailed back to me from Washington D. C. I live in Rochester, NY. Does anyone know about how long it should take for it to get to me.?I'm guessing 2 or 3 days...hopefully not 3 days haha. Thanks