July 9 (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended Online Integrated Solution (OIS Services) from handling Nigerian visa applications in the United States, directing all prospective applicants to submit their applications directly to the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., and the country’s Consulates in New York and Atlanta with immediate effect.
The directive was contained in a public notice issued on Thursday by the Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, who said the decision takes immediate effect.
According to the NIS, OIS Services, which had operated Nigeria’s Visa Application and Submission Centres across the United States, has been officially disengaged from the collection and submission of visa applications on behalf of Nigerian diplomatic missions.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service hereby informs the general public, particularly prospective travellers and Nigerians residing in the United States of America who may require a visa to enter Nigeria, that Online Integrated Solution (OIS Services), the operator of Nigeria’s Visa Application and Submission Centres in the United States, has officially been disengaged from the collection and submission of visa applications on behalf of the Nigerian Mission, effective immediately”, the notice stated.
Consequently, the Service directed all applicants seeking Nigerian visas to submit their applications directly to the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., or the Consulates of Nigeria in New York and Atlanta until further notice.
The NIS assured the public that adequate measures have been put in place at the Nigerian missions to ensure seamless submission, processing and issuance of visas despite the transition from the third-party service provider.
It also urged applicants to rely only on official communication channels of the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerian Mission in the United States for updates on visa application procedures and any further directives.
While the Immigration Service did not disclose the reason for terminating the arrangement with OIS Services, the development marks a significant shift in the administration of Nigeria’s visa application process in the United States, where the company had served as the designated visa application and submission centre.
The Service expressed appreciation to applicants for their understanding and cooperation, reiterating its commitment to efficient service delivery and improved visa processing for travellers seeking entry into Nigeria.
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