For Nigerians and other travelers in the United States seeking to visit home, the process of getting a Nigerian visa has changed again. From July 1, 2026, the private centers that have handled applications across US cities will shut down indefinitely. The Nigeria Immigration Service says it is pulling the plug on OIS SERVICES and returning the job to its embassies and consulates. It is a move that will mean longer queues and direct visits for applicants, even as the government insists online applications remain untouched, Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka Our Managing Editor reports.
The Nigeria Immigration Service has informed the general public of a major change to visa processing in the United States.
Effective from 1st July, 2026, the service of Online Integrated Solution (OIS SERVICES) has been suspended until further notice.
OIS SERVICES is the operator of Nigeria’s Visa Application Centers in the United States of America.
The announcement was contained in a press release e-signed by DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, Service Public Relations Officer, NIS Headquarters, Abuja on Thursday.
The directive specifically targets prospective travelers and Nigerians residing in the US who may require a visa to enter Nigeria.
With the suspension, all applicants seeking Nigerian visas are now required to submit their applications directly.
The designated points are the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., and the Consulates General of Nigeria in New York and Atlanta.
The Service stressed that the change does not affect all channels. It clarified that the notice applies only to visa application submissions at the Embassy and Consulates.
The e-Visa System remains operational.
Applicants can continue to apply online via https://www.evisa.immigration.gov.ng.
To manage the transition, the NIS said adequate measures have been put in place. The goal is to ensure seamless submission, processing, and issuance of visas at the missions.
In this regard, applicants were advised to monitor official communication channels. They should follow updates from the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerian Mission in the United States on visa application procedures.
The Service ended the statement with an appeal. “The Service appreciates the understanding and cooperation of all applicants and remains committed to providing efficient Service Delivery.”
