The US Visa Process Is Basically a Nigerian Parent Interview
- Sean
- Dec 3
- 4 min read
If US visa process were a Nigerian parent, let’s be honest — half of us wouldn’t even bother applying. Because everything about that process carries the same energy as a strict mum or dad who must first confirm that you’re responsible, focused, trustworthy, and not about to go and “lose yourself in America.”
And the funny part?
The whole thing also feels like a talking stage with someone who clearly doesn’t trust you yet. You’re answering questions, proving your intentions, and trying your best not to say anything that will make the other person say, “Hmm. I don’t think we can work.”
The U.S. visa process is the ultimate Nigerian-parent talking-stage — full of interrogation, silent judgments, and requests for receipts. But in between all the drama, there’s real structure, real steps, and real things you should know if you actually want to scale through.
So let’s break it down in the most Nigerian, most relatable way possible.
First of all — know what you're asking for
Before you even greet your Nigerian parent, you need to know the type of permission you’re begging for. Same thing here. U.S. visas come in two major types:
Non-immigrant visas — short visits, like “I’m just going out to the junction. I’ll be back.”
Immigrant visas — the “I want to move out” conversation.
Within these, you’ll find the usual suspects:
B1/B2 – tourism, family visits, business. aka “I’m just stepping out small.”
F1 – students. aka “They admitted me oh!”
J1 – exchange, interns, scholars.
H1B – specialized work; you need an employer to vouch for you like, “He’s a good child. We trust him.”
L1/O1 – transfers and extraordinary talent.
K1 – fiancé(e) visa, aka “Bring who you’re marrying so we can see.”
The DS-160: Your ‘Introduce Yourself Properly’ Moment
This is the part your Nigerian parent would call “start from the beginning.”
The DS-160 is where you present your full self — your work, travel history, family, finances, intentions. And just like a parent, the U.S. doesn’t like story that doesn’t add up.
Key rule: Don’t lie.
Parents always know when you’re lying. Visa officers too.
Supporting Documents: Bring Your Receipts
Nigerian parents LOVE receipts. Birth certificate, WAEC, photocopy of NEPA bill.
U.S. visa officers are not different.
Things that matter:
Bank statements
Job letters / business registration
School admission (for students)
Property docs, family ties
Invitation letters (if someone is calling you)
But avoid overpacking. Don’t carry your entire file cabinet like you’re submitting NYSC clearance. Stick to what’s relevant.
Biometrics: The ‘Let Me See You First’ Stage
This is the first appointment — fingerprints and passport photo. No interrogation here.
Just like when your parents say, “Let me see your face,” before they decide whether to allow you out.
Go clean, go early, go with your documents.
The Interview: The Real Talking Stage Begins
This is the moment every Nigerian feels their soul leave their body.
You’ve ironed your shirt. You’ve rehearsed your answers. You’ve prayed. Because you know the next few minutes determine whether you’ll be pricing flights or going home to drink chilled water and rethink your life.
Typical questions:
Why are you going?
How long will you stay?
What do you do for work?
Who is sponsoring you?
Are you coming back?
If you answer rubbish, just know the “parent” will shake head and say, “Not yet.”
Pro-tips:
Be confident, not defensive.
Be clear, not confused.
Be consistent.
Keep it short.
Never, ever freestyle.
214(b): The “My Friend, Go and Come Back When You’re Ready” Moment
If you’ve ever collected 214(b), you know pain.
It’s the official version of a Nigerian parent saying:
“I don’t believe you’re coming back. Go and sit down.”
It’s not personal. They just want stronger proof of your stability:
Better financial evidence
Stronger employment ties
Cleaner story
More clarity in purpose
You can reapply when things improve, but don’t rush it. The system remembers everything like a mother who never forgets who broke her favorite plate in 2009.
If Approved: Congrats, You Got Permission to Leave the House
Your passport stays behind for stamping. When you collect it:
Check your name
Visa type
Validity dates
Number of entries
Don’t be too excited. Remember: Visa no be entry permit.
When you get to the U.S. border, CBP (Customs and Border Protection) can still channel small Nigerian-parent energy:
“Where are you going? How long? Where is your money? Who do you know here?”
Stay calm. You’ll be fine.
Duration of Stay vs Validity: Two Different Things
This part always confuses people.
Visa validity = how long the visa allows you to enter the U.S.
Authorized stay (I-94) = how long you can stay per visit.
For a B1/B2, you may get 2 years validity but only 6 months stay per entry.
Respect the dates. Overstay is how people enter blacklist.
Special Notes for Nigerians (US Visa Process)
Because let’s not lie — applying from Nigeria is its own category.
Appointment slots vanish like Lagos fuel: apply early.
Fees are paid in naira at the embassy rate, not black market trauma.
Interview waivers exist for certain renewals — use them.
Don’t rush reapplication after a rejection; rebuild your case.
The U.S. visa system isn’t wicked.
It’s just suspicious — like every Nigerian parent ever.
It wants to confirm:
You know where you’re going
You can take care of yourself
You’re not planning to vanish
Your story makes sense
You have reasons to come home
If you prepare properly, stay honest, and carry yourself with sense, you’ll be fine.
Because at the end of the day, the “parent” just wants reassurance.
Reassurance that you’re not going to go and embarrass the family name internationally.
This article is great! Enjoyed reading it...
lol I swear
One of the interviews I dread the most