The U.S. Embassy in Niamey is currently offering all consular services, including nonimmigrant visa interviews, which must be scheduled through their NIV scheduling system. For those seeking immigrant visas, the embassy directs applicants to visit the Immigrant Visa Process page.
Despite efforts to process visa cases promptly, the embassy acknowledges increased wait times and expresses regret that not all applicants can be interviewed before their intended travel dates. To address this issue, the embassy plans to add more appointments as capacity allows. Applicants are encouraged to book appointments even if their travel plans are not immediate, to facilitate future business and tourist travel to the United States. Those needing earlier appointments should regularly check the appointment scheduling website.
Expedited appointment availability is very limited, with most requests unable to be accommodated. However, expedited appointments may be requested for certain unforeseen travel needs such as death or funeral of a close relative; F, M, or J program students or exchange visitors needing to begin or resume a valid program of study before the first available appointment date; medical and humanitarian emergencies with life-threatening conditions; urgent business travel concerning an American business; and J-1 physicians.
Applicants requesting expedited appointments must provide specific documentation depending on their situation. For example, requests for F, M, and J expedites require a copy of the applicant's passport, I-20 form, and SEVIS payment receipt.
The consular staff will evaluate each case and respond via email regarding expedited requests. This service is only available for Nigerien residents.
Visa applicants are advised not to purchase airplane tickets or make other non-refundable reservations until they have been issued a visa. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of travel and other relevant facts under U.S. immigration law.
For more information on how to request an expedited appointment or determine which visa category might be appropriate for your travel purpose to the United States, applicants can refer to the Directory of Visa Categories provided by the embassy.