BY DAYO ADESULU
THE United States of America has explained reasons Nigeria must pay more to get a Visa to the US. Effective worldwide on 29 August, Nigerian citizens will be required to pay a visa issuance fee, or reciprocity fee.
Nigerians would pay for all approved applications for nonimmigrant visas in B, F, H1B, I, L, and R visa classifications. The US Consulate General, Public Affairs Section explained that the higher fees was derived from the principle of reciprocity.
U.S issued fees under reciprocity principle
The Consulate General in a release said:”Visa issuance fees are implemented under the principle of reciprocity. When a foreign government imposes additional visa fees on U.S. citizens, the U.S will impose reciprocal fees on citizens of that country. “U.S. law requires visa fees and validity periods to be based on the treatment afforded to U.S. citizens by foreigners.
The U.S government explained that Nationals of a number of countries worldwide are currently required to pay this type of fee.
It said the reciprocity fee will be charged in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee. The fee would be charged as the MRV fee, which all applicants pay at the time of application.
Denied Nigerian applicants will not be charged
“Nigerian citizens whose applications for a nonimmigrant visa are denied will not be charged the new reciprocity fee. Both reciprocity and MRV fees are non-refundable, and their amounts vary based on visa classification. Non immigrants are expected to pay this fee after their nonimmigrant visa application is approved.”
Nigeria visa fee higher than U.S
U.S explanation: “The total cost for a U.S. citizen to obtain Nigerian visa is currently higher than the total cost for a Nigerian to U.S. The new reciprocity fee for Nigerian citizens is meant to eliminate that cost difference.
“Since early 2018, the U.S. government has engaged the Nigerian government. It requested that the Nigerian government change the fees charged to U.S. citizens for certain visa categories. “After eighteen months of review and consultations, the government of Nigeria has not changed its fee structure for U.S. citizens. That requires the U.S. Department of State to enact new reciprocity fees in accordance with our visa laws.
“The reciprocity fee will be required for all Nigerians worldwide, regardless of where they are applying for a U.S visa. The reciprocity fee is required for each visa that is issued. It means that both adults and minors whose visa applications are approved will be charged the reciprocity fee. “The fee can only be paid at the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulate General. The reciprocity fee cannot be paid at banks or any other location.”
Below is reciprocity fee: B1-$110, B2-$110, B1/B2-$110, F1F2-$110, H1B/H4-$180, 1-$210, L1/L2-$303 and R1/R2-$80.
websites: https://ng.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/ and http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng
