Nigeria Ends OIS Role in US Visa Applications

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has removed Online Integrated Solution (OIS) Services from handling Nigerian visa applications in the United States with immediate effect.

The decision was announced in a statement signed by the Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, on Thursday. The change affects prospective travellers and Nigerians living in the US who need visas to travel to Nigeria.

In its statement, the Nigeria Immigration Service said, “The Nigeria Immigration Service hereby informs the general public, particularly prospective travellers and Nigerians residing in the United States of America who may require a visa to enter Nigeria, that Online Integrated Solution (OIS SERVICES), the operator of Nigeria’s Visa Application and Submission Centers in the United States, has officially been disengaged from the collection and submission of visa applications on behalf of the Nigerian Mission, effective immediately.”

The NIS directed all applicants seeking Nigerian visas in the US to submit their applications directly at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C. or the Nigerian Consulates in New York and Atlanta until further notice.

The service added that the embassy and consulates have introduced measures to support smooth visa application processing and ensure applicants can complete submissions and receive decisions efficiently.

The Nigeria Immigration Service also advised travellers and Nigerians abroad to follow official communication channels from the NIS and Nigerian missions in the United States for future updates on visa procedures.

The agency thanked applicants for their understanding and cooperation, while reaffirming its commitment to improving immigration service delivery.

With the new process now in place, how can Nigerian authorities ensure a smooth transition for visa applicants in the United States?