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The USA is a popular destination for Nigerian students seeking higher education. The US offers Nigerian students world-renowned universities and a wide range of academic programs. The USA offers various scholarships, flexibility in the education system, and many scholarships to Nigerian students. In addition to this, many universities have strong connections with the industries to provide students with various internships and other programs. This will help them to grow in their career and build their resumes. Check the guide below to learn more about student visas to the USA from Nigeria.
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Check How to Get a Student Visa for the USA?
Latest Updates on the USA Student Visa for Nigerian Students
Check below the latest information on USA student visas for Nigerian students:
- The US mission in Nigeria has announced that they will expand operations to serve the student population of Nigeria starting from 24th November 2021.
- For students who need to renew their student visas to continue their course of study and attend interviews, special procedures will be introduced.
- Students of Nigeria who are studying in the US on an F1 or academic J1 visa will now be able to renew their visas without any interview. But to qualify for this procedure the students must be physically present in a student visa.
Types of USA Student Visas
Check the types of USA student visas:
| Types of Study Visas | Description | Duration to Stay |
| F1 Visa | Academic studies at colleges, universities, etc. | The duration of stay is for the length of the course study plus 60 days. |
| M1 Visa | For vocational and non-academic studies. | Duration of stay is for the length of the vocational program plus 30 days. |
| J1 Visa | Exchange Visitor Visa for students under a sponsorship program. | Duration of stay is for the length of the exchange program plus 30 days. |
Application Process for USA Student Visa for Nigerians
Check below the process to apply for a USA student visa for Nigerian students:
- Candidates are required to obtain admission documents from the SEVP institution
- Apply online to complete the DS-160 form
- Complete the application by paying the fees
- SEVIS I-901 application fees are also required to be paid
- An F1 visa interview is required to be scheduled
- Finally, submit the relevant documents for an F1 visa and attend the interview
Nigerians can renew their US student visa without an Interview
Requirements to Get a USA Student Visa
Check below the list of requirements to get a USA student visa:
- A valid passport
- Completely filled DS-160 form
- Pay the visa application fees
- Passport-size photographs as specified
- Issued I-20 Form by the US school
- Proof of financial funds to demonstrate the ability to cover educational and other living costs
- Diplomas and academic transcripts
- Standardized test scores required by the educational institution
- Confirmation of interview appointment
Check Types of E Visa USA
English Proficiency Tests Required for USA Student Visa
Check below the types of English tests required to get a USA student visa for Nigerian students:
| Level of study | English skill level | Scores |
| Undergraduate | Nigerian students should pass tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB and the PTE1. | TOEFL: 80 (minimum score required: 65), IELTS: 6.5 (minimum score required: 6.0) |
| Graduate/Masters | Nigerian students should pass tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB and the PTE1. | TOEFL: 80 (minimum score required: 65), IELTS: 6.5 (minimum score required: 6.0). |
| PhD | Nigerian students should pass tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB and the PTE1. | TOEFL: 90-110 (minimum score required: 65), IELTS: 6.5-9 (minimum score required: 6.0) |
Processing Time for Student Visa to USA from Nigeria
Check below the processing time for different types of student visas:
| Stream | 50% of Applications processed Within | 75% of Applications processed Within | 90% of Applications processed Within |
| F1 | 3-5 days | 10 days | 15 days |
| M1 | 4-6 days | 11 days | 16 days |
| J1 | 5-7 days | 12 days | 17 days |
FAQs
Many universities do not require IELTS but for some colleges, it is mandatory to ensure that international students have passed tests like IELTS and TOEFL.
The bank balance required may vary but on average, they must have enough to cover their tuition fees and other expenses.
The validity period of a US student visa depends on the course but most of the student visas allow students to stay for the duration of their program.
We hope you understand everything about a student visa to the USA from Nigeria. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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