In a major policy shift that directly impacts thousands of travelers, tourists, and the Nigerian diaspora residing in the United States, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has terminated its third-party contract with Online Integrated Solutions (OIS Services).
According to the official public notice signed by DCI Akinsola Akinlabi (Service Public Relations Officer, NIS Headquarters, Abuja), all prospective applicants must now route their physical visa submissions directly to the official Nigerian diplomatic missions in the US.
Whether you are traveling to Nigeria for business, tourism, or family reunions, here is a comprehensive breakdown of the new directive, direct submission centers, and step-by-step application procedures.
Why Did the NIS End the OIS Services Partnership?
While the official circular from the NIS did not cite the exact operational reasons for the sudden termination, this move points toward a broader federal effort to simplify consular services. By cutting out third-party middle-tier operators, the Nigerian government aims to reduce processing delays, eliminate extra administrative fees, and gain direct oversight of its document verification pipelines.
The transition represents a shift back to traditional consular-led processing, forcing embassies and consulates to scale up their direct-to-citizen administrative tools.
Where to Submit Your Nigerian Visa Application Now
All applicants previously serviced by OIS application centers (located in cities like Houston, Atlanta, New York, and Washington D.C.) must now book directly and present their applications to one of the three primary diplomatic missions depending on their geographical jurisdiction:
| Diplomatic Mission | Official Website (Outbound Link) | Regional Jurisdiction |
| Embassy of Nigeria, Washington, D.C. | Embassy of Nigeria, Washington D.C. | Mid-Atlantic, South-Central, and Midwest regions |
| Consulate General of Nigeria, New York | Consulate General of Nigeria, New York | Northeast region and surrounding states |
| Consulate General of Nigeria, Atlanta | Consulate General of Nigeria, Atlanta | Southeastern United States |
Step-by-Step Direct Application Process for US Applicants
To ensure your visa application is processed smoothly without delays under the new direct system, follow these key steps carefully:
Step 1: Complete and Pay for Your Application Online
Before visiting any mission, you must fill out the standard visa form, pay the required fees online, and print your payment confirmation receipts.
- Need help navigating the documentation? Refer to our updated Nigerian Passport & Visa Online Fee Guide
Step 2: Book Your Direct Appointment
Rather than scheduling through OIS, you must now book an appointment directly through the appointment portal of your respective regional Embassy or Consulate website.
Step 3: In-Person Biometric Capture (Unless Exempted)
Unless you are explicitly exempted, all applicants must appear in person at the diplomatic mission on their appointment day for fingerprinting and biometric verification.
Who is Exempted from Personal Appearance?
- Minors: Children aged five (5) years and below.
- Seniors: Adults aged seventy (70) years and above.
Exempted applicants can submit their application packets (including the physical passport, printouts, and supporting documents) via a recognized mail carrier (such as USPS, FedEx, or UPS) directly to the mission.
Step 4: Submit a Trackable Return Envelope
The Embassy and Consulates have implemented a strict no on-site passport collection policy to manage crowd control. You must bring a prepaid, trackable, self-addressed return envelope to your interview. Once processed, your stamped passport will be mailed back to you.
Does This Change Impact Nigerian Passport Renewals?
Yes. Because OIS centers previously assisted with passport application intake, processing logistics have temporarily shifted entirely back to the official Consulates.
If you are a Nigerian citizen in the US looking to renew your passport, you must apply directly through the Nigeria Immigration Service Portal and book your biometric capture slot directly at the Washington, New York, or Atlanta missions. For a complete guide on processing timelines and biometric requirements, see our Nigerian Passport Renewal in the US Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I still use my pre-booked OIS appointment?
A: No. OIS has temporarily suspended appointments for US-based applicants. You must bypass OIS and schedule directly with the Embassy or regional Consulate.
Q: Does this disengagement affect the electronic visa (e-Visa)?
A: No. The NIS has confirmed that the e-Visa (Visa on Arrival) pipeline remains fully functional and is completely unaffected by this change. Travelers can continue applying via the official Nigeria Immigration Service Portal.
Q: What happens if I already paid visa processing fees on the OIS platform?
A: You should monitor the official communication channels of the Nigeria Immigration Service and contact OIS directly regarding refunds or receipt transfers, as the missions are processing direct applications under new government channels.
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