I Was Denied US Visa – How To Apply For US Visa In Nigeria

This honest and detailed guide will walk you through how to apply for US visa in Nigeria, avoid mistakes, and strengthen your chances.

I had the most heartbreaking moment of my life at the US embassy when I was given the green paper and informed that my visa had been denied.

It was a shocking experience because everything checked out – I didn’t lie in my application. I did everything perfectly well. I even filled out the form myself.

My head was spinning. What could have gone wrong?

I was so confused because I had been confident I would get the visa, but now I had been denied. What did I do wrong?

In this article I will share how I was denied a US B1/B2 (Business/Tourism) visa just because I didn’t answer a question well (unknowingly to me), how it tormented me for weeks until I realized what I did wrong, and how to apply for US visa in Nigeria, including common mistakes to avoid and some other helpful tips.

Let’s get into it.

What is the US B1/B2 Visa?

The US B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States government for short-term visits. It combines two types of travel purposes:

• B1 Visa (Business): This is for travelers visiting the U.S. for business-related purposes such as:
  
  • Attending business meetings or conferences
    
  • Negotiating contracts
    
  • Settling estates
    
  • Attending short-term training (not employment)
    
• B2 Visa (Tourism): This is for people traveling to the U.S. for personal or leisure reasons, including:
  
  • Vacation or holiday
    
  • Visiting friends or family
    
  • Medical treatment
    
  • Attending social events, such as weddings or family gatherings
    

Who Needs a US B1/B2 Visa and When Should You Apply?

You need a US B1/B2 visa if you:

• Are not eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (applies to many African and Asian countries, including Nigeria)
  
• Plan to visit the U.S. temporarily for tourism or business purposes
  
• Do not intend to work or study in the U.S.
  

When should you apply for a US B1/B2 Visa?

It’s best to apply at least 2 – 3 months before your planned travel date, as appointment wait times and processing can vary by country and season.

How Long is a US B1/B2 Visa Valid For?

• In most cases, the visa is valid for 2 to 10 years, depending on your country of origin and U.S. visa policy.
  
• It typically allows for multiple entries, which means you can travel to the U.S. more than once while it’s valid.

Note: The number of years given to you is at the discretion of the issuing officer at the immigration.

However, each stay is usually limited to a maximum of 6 months per visit, and your actual allowed stay is determined by the U.S. Customs officer at the port of entry.

What You’re Allowed (and Not Allowed) to Do With a US B1/B2 Visa

✅ Allowed:

• Attend business meetings or conferences
  
• Go sightseeing or tour major cities
  
• Visit family and friends
  
• Receive short-term medical treatment
  
• Participate in non-paid amateur cultural or sports events
  

❌ Not Allowed:

• Work or get paid in the U.S.
  
• Enroll in long-term academic programs
  
• Stay permanently or overstay your approved duration
  
• Use it to immigrate or change your status without permission

Why Was I Denied a US Visa?

I was simply denied a US visa because of misinformation. 

To be honest, I actually needed a transit visa for another country, and I could either go for a US or France transit visa, but I chose a US tourist visa because I also wanted to visit cities in the US. So, I thought I could kill two birds with one stone.

Simply put, I needed a transit visa, but I applied for a tourist visa because it would work either way. And if it did work, I wouldn’t even need a visa to the country I was going to.

I had all my documents ready, perfect, and completed.

“Nothing can stop me now.” I thought

I was so confident.

The funny thing is, if I had applied for a US transit visa, I would have gotten it, but I didn’t. I wanted to get the tourist visa so I won’t need to apply for a US tourist visa when I need it.

I even got lucky. I got an interview date months before my travel date without paying any extra money to an agent.

The D-Day

On the day of the interview, I was so confident I would get it.

I waited in the queue for a while until it was my turn.

The interviewer asked for my name and how many countries I had been to.

I answered confidently.

I had decided I would not lie for any reason because I had no reason to do so.

She asked me what state I would be visiting in America; then I said – “Oh no. I will be transiting.”

She said, “Okay, so you’re not going to the US?” I said, “Yes.”

A few minutes later. She passed me the green paper and said I had been denied. 

I was so confused and dejected. “What did I do wrong?”

Eventually, after about a week, I met a travel agent in my church, and he told me I should have said I was going to the US for the business conference instead of saying I was transiting because the visa I applied for was tourism and not transit.

I felt so stupid. Gosh.

I am better now. I eventually applied and got a France transit visa. So, I’m fine. I think I will give the US visa another try because it’s so easy to get (check the steps below). 

This time, it will be when I am really going to the US and not transiting. I will update you when I get it. LOL.

I was even told to apply again for a US transit visa, but I was too traumatized to try again because it was my first (physical) visa interview, and it really shook me. 

However, I have applied for other physical visas since then and gotten them, so my confidence is back. *This happened in late 2024.

How To Apply For US Visa In Nigeria

I did everything right up until the interview. So, I will be sharing the surefire ways to apply for a US visa in Nigeria and get it. 

If all is done right and the consular officer is convinced, you will get it without an agent.

Step 1: Fill Out the DS-160 Form

This is the first thing to do before anything else. Visit the U.S. Department of State website:

The DS-160 is the official U.S. non-immigrant visa application form that you must fill out online.

For a B1/B2 Visa, click on the DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application under nonimmigrant

Click on start an application. Read all instructions thoroughly and carefully.

Do not forget your application ID and the answer to your security question. Write it down somewhere immediately because the US application page closes on its own after some minutes.

Also, if you cannot finish filling out your form immediately, you may have to come back to it by retrieving your application, and you will need to have that information at hand.

Tips for Filling It Correctly:

• Have all your personal details, travel plans, and passport handy.
  
• Be consistent: Your answers must match your supporting documents.

• You will be asked what you filled in on your form during the interview, don’t forget. Also, don’t lie (You may get caught and denied). 

We had a laugh at the embassy because you can hear other people’s ongoing interviews, and there were people who lied on their forms. 

Some were filled by agents, and the owners didn’t know what the agents filled. If you can, fill it yourself or read your form beforehand.

• Save your Application ID (found at the top) so you can return to complete it later.

• Upload a recent passport-style photograph that meets U.S. requirements.
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Typos in name or passport number
  
• Giving vague or conflicting travel reasons
  
• Leaving required sections blank
  
• Using an old or incorrect passport photo
  

Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee

The visa fee is a non-refundable payment you must make before scheduling your appointment.

Sign up here to pay the fees and schedule an appointment.

How Much Is US Visa Fee From Nigeria?

• For B1/B2/visitor visa applicants: $185 USD. Here is the page to get the price for other types of visas.
  
• Currency conversion and local bank fees may apply

Payment Methods and Confirmation:

• The payment method is quite hard to do. I could not pay with my dollar card. I had to send it to someone who paid in naira for me.
  
• After payment, keep your receipt safe, you’ll need it to book your appointment

Step 3: Schedule Your Appointment

Now you can schedule an appointment. 

Note: US visa appointment is not the easiest to get. But I was lucky. Before you pay someone for an appointment, try checking all the available dates first, and you may find one.

But if you don’t get one or the next available date is too far, you can reach out to agents to help you with an appointment.

Step 4: Prepare for Your US Embassy Interview

This is the main interview where a consular officer will decide whether you get the visa.

Required Documents to Bring:

• Confirmation page of the DS-160
  
• Appointment confirmation printout
  
• Valid passport
  
• Visa fee payment receipt
  
• One or two recent passport photographs (in case the upload fails)
  
• Supporting documents (see next step)
  

Prepare Your Supporting Documents

These documents prove your intention to return home, your financial capacity, and your purpose of travel:

• Bank Statement: Recent 3 – 6 months showing sufficient funds. A minimum of $5000 and a consistent salary or business funds should also be there. So, you can’t just have a large sum of money in your account for that month. It should show that money has been entering your account for a while. You can also explain any strange sum of money in your cover letter.
  
• Employment Letter or Proof of Business: This shows you’re tied to your home country
  
• Invitation Letter (if applicable): From a U.S.-based friend, relative, or business, especially if you are going on a business trip.
  
• Travel Itinerary or Purpose Letter: Outline your plans, places you’ll visit, and estimated duration
  
• Other helpful docs: Business registration, property papers, marriage certificate, family ties, etc.
  

How to Ace the Interview

This is the most important part of your application. You’ll be interviewed briefly by a U.S. consular officer.

What to Wear:

• Dress smartly, formal or business casual
  
• Avoid overdressing, but look neat and confident
  

What They Really Want to Hear:

• Your true intention for visiting the U.S.
• No lies, but answer intelligently. Don’t be like me. LOL.
  
• Proof that you have strong ties to your home country (job, family, property, etc.)
  
• Confidence in your ability to fund your trip
  

Practicing Your Answers:

• Be clear and honest about your reasons for visiting
  
• Practice answering:
  
  • Why do you want to go to the U.S.?
    
  • Who will you visit or where will you stay?
    
  • What do you do for a living?
    
  • Who is sponsoring your trip?
    

Being Honest and Concise:

• Don’t give long stories.
  
• Stick to direct answers.
  
• Don’t lie or exaggerate, officers are trained to spot inconsistencies

Also read: Countries Nigerians Can Visit Without a Visa: Visa-Free Countries for Nigerians (2025 Guide)

What Else Will Help Your Application

Beyond the documents and interview prep, there are other key factors that can significantly increase your chances of getting approved for a B1/B2 visa:

1. Build a Strong Travel History

Having stamps from other countries in your passport, especially countries with visa requirements, shows the U.S. embassy that:

• You’ve traveled before and returned to your home country.
  
• You are less likely to overstay your visa.
  

If you haven’t traveled internationally before, consider visiting visa-free or easily accessible countries like easily accessible countries in West Africa or East Africa before applying.

2. Be Financially Consistent

The embassy isn’t just looking at how much is in your account, they’re looking at how that money got there.

• Large, unexplained deposits right before your application raise red flags.
  
• A consistent flow of income, even if it’s modest, looks better than sudden lump sums.
  
• Make sure your financial documents match your employment or business story.
  

3. Watch What You Say at the Interview

The U.S. visa interview is short, and every word matters. Avoid saying things like:

• “I want to stay for as long as possible.”
  
• “I have no plans after this trip.”
  
• “I might look for work while I’m there.”
  Even if you don’t mean to sound suspicious, these kinds of answers can lead to instant denial.
  

4. Why Less is Sometimes More

Don’t overexplain. Be clear, direct, and honest.

• Only answer the question asked.
  
• Don’t offer unnecessary details that can create confusion or suspicion.
  Let your documents speak, and your answers simply support them.
  

5. Stay Confident, Even if You’re Nervous

Confidence doesn’t mean arrogance. It means knowing your purpose and being able to explain it calmly.

• Take a deep breath before speaking.
  
• Maintain eye contact and don’t fidget.
  
• Practice common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror.
  Nervousness is normal, but preparation gives you peace of mind.

If You’ve Been Denied Before: What to Do

Getting denied can feel discouraging, but it doesn’t have to be the end. Many people get approved on their second or third attempt after improving their application.

1. Can You Reapply? When?

Yes, you can reapply anytime, even immediately after a denial.
However, it’s best to wait until something about your situation has genuinely changed (e.g., better financial documents, improved travel history, clearer purpose).

2. Should You Mention Your Previous Denial?

Yes, always be honest on your new DS-160 form.
There’s a section that asks if you’ve been denied a visa before.

• If you lie, the embassy may ban you from applying again.
  
• If you’re honest, they’ll appreciate your transparency.

3. How to Strengthen Your New Application

• Review your previous mistakes. What went wrong?
  
• Update your bank statements, job documents, or travel plans.
  
• Show stronger ties to your home country.
  
• Consider adding more travel history before reapplying.
  

4. Should You Consult a Visa Expert or Not?

• If you’re truly unsure what went wrong or want professional help, a reputable visa consultant might help.
  
• However, be cautious, avoid agents who promise guaranteed approvals or ask you to falsify information.
  
• You can also learn from travel communities, blogs, and YouTube, where real people share their experiences.
  

Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Discouraged

To be honest, this denial shook me to the core. I was so angry at myself. Because I had a great opportunity and I lost it, at the time.

But I feel better now, and I know I will do better next time.

If you have been denied before, don’t be discouraged. Go for it again.

One thing that really motivated me was hearing stories from top travel creators I follow and how they spoke about the times they were denied visas before they eventually got it. 

It kept me going, knowing I would also get it if I tried again.

And if I don’t, I would still try again or go to another country that will accept me.

If it’s your first time, don’t be discouraged. Go with all the right documents, a smile, and a big confidence. 

If you’ve ever applied for a US B1/B2 visa, approved or denied, I’d love to hear your story.

What was the experience like? What did you learn?  

If you’re about to apply and have questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below. I’m happy to help however I can.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with others and bookmark it now so you can come back to it anytime during your visa application journey. 

You never know when a quick reminder or tip might save you time, money, or stress!

Let’s make travel easier – together.

–

Here is a blog post you may like: European Countries Nigerians Can Visit With a Schengen Visa – Schengen Visa Countries

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