OIS Visa Services 7th floor

Positive experience: 160 (application fee) + 55 (processing fee) + 60 for envelope (cash only) + 25 (if you need to reprint application like me) = $300 In summary if you don’t bring an envelope and don’t put Washington DC on the application: Money will leave your pocket sha plus parking . For those who are flying into LA, my sincerest apologizes . Their checklist is not comprehensive, read the Los Angeles Instructions as well Rule of thumb come ready to spend longer but the French lady at the front desk please keep her ohh. Even in frustrating situations and tempers are flaring. she is still able to be cordial and has a lovely personality. But overall they were very helpful, they tried their best to make sure it was processed that same day. At the minimum glad to a have a processing center at least on the west coast. Read the website well though before coming, like for instance use the DC embassy in the application and bring envelopes and stamps ‍♀️ (the entire cost of burden is pushed onto the person filling). One recommendation for this location that will REALLLLY help, attach a list of the complete list requirements plus instructions for the application like the Washington DC part and all in one document and send it out with the appointment reminder. Bam and you have more applicants ready with every single thing they need.

Negative experience: Went today and they were closed- no advanced notice given. Flew in from another city to be here, wasted $200 on a plane ticket. There was also another couple with a baby who had flown in for their appointment.

Fantastic experience: Was super simple to apply for my BVN number. Place was easy to find - only 5 minutes from LAX once you take the taxi bus to the uber ride/ Lyft parking lot. Appointment was on time, guy was super professional and fast - super lovely process all around I took about a month for the BVN number to come, but it did come.

Fantastic experience: Mr. Sydney was AWESOME!!! He was very patient with me when I made a mistake on my application and had to redo the application (had to pay again but understood) which took a while to process via my phone. Thank you Mr. Sydney for all that you do!!!

Negative experience: DO NOT use this service. These people stole my Visa and passport , then refused to refund my money. It is a scam. When i contacted the post office, they said my documents were mailed to to an unknown address which I have never lived. OIS refused to take any of my phone calls. Thankfully I was able to contact the governor of California who replaced my passport. DO NOT USE OIS!!!

Fantastic experience: Timely and organized service. I give it a 10

Fantastic experience: Very satisfied! We were set to travel May 29th. We did my finances online application on March 22nd, had his appointment on March 28th, with an expected return date of May 21st. He received his visa back in the mail on May 3rd! Couldn’t be more satisfied with the turn around time!

Fantastic experience: I want to write a review and thank Sydney for all of his help today, he really went above and beyond for me today. I have nothing bad to say about him, he was very professional and organized, and very considerate towards me in the situation I was in. By no means do I feel he does not care if you get your VISA or not, he was very patient in a situation where I could have been turned away, even though I was stressed and my husband was not helping the situation, he was calm and came up with a solution that would help me get my application mailed, as well not miss my flight home. He deserves more than 5 stars. Thank you so much for your kindness. Update 4/7/2025: I received my Passport back today with approved VISA for Nigeria . The actual turn around date was April 23rd, so this is well before. Thanks you again Sydney for all of your help.

Negative experience: Can't ever speak with a person the calls get drop and they don't even have openings for the dates you need your visa.my trip is for March 26 and my appointment for the visa is on April 1st how does that work

Fantastic experience: Sidney was a great help.

Positive experience: I had a great experience obtaining my Nigerian visa, thanks to a referral to a travel agent who helped me schedule my appointment through OIS Services in LA. I flew in for my 3 PM appointment but arrived early at 10 AM due to issues paying my $160 visa fee on the Nigerian portal. Syd was there alone to assist without hesitation, despite managing multiple clients who all seemed satisfied with their service. I had all my documents ready but needed an extra express envelope, which I quickly grabbed from a post office just 4 minutes away. Once I returned, the entire process—final document review, payment, fingerprints, and photo—was smooth and took only 15 minutes. Syd even provided his number for updates, and despite his busy schedule, he did his best to respond. I know we all want things done quickly, but it’s important to be considerate of those working behind the scenes to process these documents. Patience is a virtue, and that’s something I’m learning to embrace. Visa processing can take time, but Syd’s efficiency and professionalism made it stress-free. I received my visa within a few weeks, and I truly appreciate the great service.

Fantastic experience: First the office is right down the street from Airport. There is a shuttle that you can take back from the airport. 1) Have all your documents 2) Your payment and acknowledge slip needs to stay Washington DC (the payment you make for Nigeria immigration service) The man and I wish I remember his name was great and very helpful Here’s an update February 12, 2025, I had to get my visa renewed and I chose to use the service again. I went down early in the morning. I was there well before my appointment started. When the young man got there, he let right in He did all my documentation. I was literally done within 15-20 minutes. he told me that I would receive my Visa by February 22. I came home and my Visa was here. I got my Visa well before I needed it and I would recommend the service the first experience. I did not get my Visa on time but the second experience I got my Visa on time.

Fantastic experience: My visa arrive earlier than promised date. Completed Application 30 Dec 2024, visa arrived 1st week of Febraury. Not bad

Negative experience: Fine, but the computer system was down the day I had my appointment. And since I traveled to Los Angeles just for that appointment and was scheduled to leave the next day, there wasn't much that I could do. He did help me by telling me where I could get passport photos (next door at the fedex inside the Marriott) and cash to buy envelopes. I didn't get any email from him, so I assume it's all for naught. Also, the place was on the 5th floor when I was there. Edit: it is now a week past the date when they said I would receive my passport back, but I haven't. I don't travel for another 2 months, but I hope it arrives soon. Edit 2: it is now January, 3 months late, and still no visa or passport. It is frankly ridiculous. I had to cancel my trip, and other trips, since I have no passport. Good luck to you, future visa applicant.

Fantastic experience: I am very lucky my review is nothing like what I have read. I flew into LA for a 1 day turn around trip for my Visa interview at the OIS LA Office. I took my Uber to the building, was very grateful to see a waiting area in the lobby (your not allowed to wait in the OIS Office). I went up to the OIS Office just to make sure I knew where it was etc. I found it and knocked on the door. Sydney answered and I told him I was his 12 pm appt and just making sure I was where I needed to be. It was 10 something. He told me to come back at 11 instead of 12. I went upstairs at 10:45 and Sydney let me in and took me right back. I had all my documents ready for him and took them and sorted them how he needed them, stapling etc. I then did my biometrics. I sat back down at his desk and learned I have gotten the Visa and it would be here 12/1/24. I dont leave till 1/2025 so that was perfect. I was in the interview about 6 minutes. Once done I had hours before my flight and they have a Kitchen in the lobby, so I ate before i took my Uber back to the airport. My Visa arrived 11/23/2024. A great experience overall.

Negative experience: Do not, I repeat do not use this place or agency for no reason. My family of 5 submitted out passports for processing for a Nigerian Visa on June 11th, 2024. We paid all the fees including fees for the passport to be sent to Washington dc and back. We were given September 8th as the date to come and collect the passports with the visas. I made sure I tracked through their system and saw that the visas had actually been stamped on the passports on August 5th according to what I saw online. Unfortunately, our documents stuck at this stage for so long, so I began calling OIS. I made no less that 50 phone calls and sent over 15 emails. Not 1 email or 1 phone call was answered or responded to. After I complained to a friend, he shared a number that belonged to Sydney, the agent at OIS. I texted the number through Whatsapp and after a couple of days , Sydney responded. We were now in October. My family and I were supposed to travel for Fall Break to Nigeria, I was desperate at this time. Sydney said he would check their system. HE RESPONDED 1 DAY LATER THAT THEY COULD ONLY FIND 2 OUT OF THE 5 PASSPORTS SUBMITTED. According to him, I should try and contact the embassy myself. He connected me with another agent in their Maryland Office called Rae. This one told me that unfortunately that the Embassy lost 3 of my family's passports. I was in shock. I cried, I yelled and I begged. They told me that they could not do anything. That if I knew anyone at the embassy, maybe someone could help me. I was able to contact a family friend, who went to Rockville, Maryland or wherever OIS has there Washington office. The person can back and reported that it was a disorganized, unprofessional and almost cartel like place. There was not system to keep track of sensitive documents such as US Passports. They had peoples sensitive information just dumped together. I called the OIS agent, Rae and asked him what they were going to do about the passports. He told me without mincing words, "your family's passports are lost, we do not have them". I heard from a reliable source, that they use this place to sell and exchange peoples passports in the black market. They do it more when they see a family group. They feel like they can take 2 or 3 passports out of a family of 6 or 5. When I said that I could sue them, they said that I have to sue the embassy. according to Rae they do not bear any responsibility or are they liable for any stolen, or lost passports. This is a microcosm of the depth of corruption and illegalities happening in Nigeria and Nigerian run institutions all over the world. They would not even promise to refund the cost of express mail, which I paid to and fro for the now stolen passports. BEWARE , DO NOT USE Them. Best option would be to make arrangements for VISA ON ARRIVAL . DO NOT. IF I can rate this agency and the Nigerian Embassy in Washington DC a negative I would do so in a heart beat. They have frustrated and ruined our lives in ways that can never be imagined. I will rain curses on them and their generations unborn till the 20th generation. We lost over $15,000 in airline tickets.

Negative experience: We arrived for our appointment only to see a “closed” sign on the door. We flew in just for this appointment, 4 of us. So you can imagine the time, $, PTO and missed school that has happened. I understand things happen but I don’t understand why there is 1. Only one person who can come into the office to see that appointments are kept and 2. NOOO communication whatsoever about the office being closed despite having an appointment. No email, no working phone line. The phone number is useless. It asks you to select your choices then it hangs up on you. Those who are looking for visa services, DO NOT BOTHER. Take your energy and resources to other locations. This one is useless.

Negative experience: The due date (collection) is nothing but a placeholder..I've been waiting for the last three months.. I'm about to request for my passport and just forgot about traveling.

Negative experience: This appeared to be a clean process but my trip is October 4th I already changed it once Sydney told me by the 26th I would have my visa and passport it is now the 13th and there is no updates no one answers just like everyone says. I emailed ten people at the Nigerian embassy they told me that it is processing and to come back on the 26th and email them that is the embassy complaints. Seriously with what everyone is saying here this place needs to be reported and shut down. So many travel plans and some not even able to bury a family member. It’s just sad. I’m sending a screen shot of these reviews to the embassy as well as the United States government home security me where ever I can send it to. It’s a shame Nigeria is losing possible tourism and welcoming people to come spend money in ther economy because these travel agencies don’t know how to do thier job. I’ll prob have to change my plans again . You guys should be ashamed of yourself .

Negative experience: This office is unhelpful and very incompetent!! DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME APPLYING FOR A VISA. I had an appointment and submitted everything 4/4/24. Was told I would get my passport back by 6/5/24. I’ve received nothing and I leave tomorrow 6/13/24 evening. I have called them to no answer. Their blatant disregard for this matter is callous. I have a wedding to attend and I have already spent a great deal of money for this trip. In order to still go, I have had to pay $225 dollars for a new emergency passport + another $430 to do a visa on arrival process, after I’ve already spent close to $300 or more on the initial visa process that was supposed to give me my visa BEFORE I TRAVEL. STAY FAR AWAY FROM THIS OFFICE. SYDNEY IS AN UNHELPFUL, CALLOUS, NON RESPONSIVE, DISAPPOINTING HUMAN.

Negative experience: Please I am writing here in hopes that someone will atleast get to me since I have been calling and no response yet Please I am writing to express my urgent concern regarding my fiancé's visa application. We applied for the visa six weeks ago, and the representative at OIS service in LA assured us we would receive it before our flight on the 29th. However, despite tracking the application, we have not received any updates. Our flight is scheduled for the 29th, and we urgently need information about the visa status. If there are any delays, we need to know immediately to adjust our travel plans. I have been unable to reach anyone at the LA office, and this visa is crucial for our traditional wedding ceremony. The wedding date is set for July 6th, and all the arrangements have been made months in advance, including booking vendors. Please, I am begging you to expedite this process. Our departure date is fast approaching, and we are in a state of great distress without any word on the visa. The most frustrating part is that no one is picking up our calls Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.

Fantastic experience: Suite 557 for those wanting to know

Positive experience: 4/23 - UPDATE!!!! Had to increase my original rating. Finally got our visas that we applied for on Feb 16. Took 9 weeks to receive. I just wish we'd known how long it would take when we applied. We were promised a certain date, and when it didn't arrive on that date I was really upset and wrote my scathing review. What made it worse was the fact that I had to travel without my family because their visas didn't arrive when promised. My advice is to allow plenty of time for the visas to arrive before you travel. Nothing less than 10-12 weeks. Ours took 9 weeks, even though we were promised 4-5 weeks. But they gave us 5 year visas so I'm really happy now! :) ****************************************************************** Horrible, horrible, horrible! I paid $480 to apply for visas for my family in Feb and we were told our visas would be available by mid to late March. While at the office, mind you, I forked out an extra $155 for showing up even though we already had appointments. Anyway, it's now March 23 and our flights are scheduled for Feb 26th, and guess what, no visas! My family also does not have their passports back, so we can't seek out other alternatives like emergency visas or visas on arrival. It's pointless calling or emailing the OIS office because they never pick up the phone or respond to emails. I finally took time off from work and went to the office to get status of the visas, only to be told it would be impossible to get the visas before our travel date. And to top it off they don't give you any kind of refunds. Not even an apology or an explanation! I happened to look online and saw that so many other people had similar experiences. A lot of them say there might be a freeze at the embassy because the embassy ran out of paper for their visa stickers. Whether that's true or not, IT IS SO UPSETTING AND DISAPPOINTING! They don't tell you anything when you apply, instead they take your money and make you promises they can't keep, knowing they won't give you a refund if they can't deliver. Needless to say, my family that was so excited and had been looking forward to visiting Nigeria for the past 6 or 7 years now can't go. So much time, money and hope lost because OIS, the Nigerian Embassy and Immigration are so incompetent! I CANNOT BEGIN TO DESCRIBE HOW DISAPPOINTED AND UPSET I AM AT THE WHOLE PROCESS. Unfortunately my family will not be accompanying me because OIS and the embassy still have their passports hostage. SHAME ON YOU, OIS!!!!

Negative experience: This people are so unreelable we submitted an application for a nigerian visa on the 26th of February 2024 and was told we should get our visa back on the 24th of March 2024.As st today April we haven't still gotten the passports back and we have been trying to call all of their offices from DC,NY,Cali,Tx and no know will answer the phone or reply to your email. we travel in a few days. it's so crazy how OIS California made us pay extra and yet we have to go through this. The nigerian Gov need to look into this people and what they do. am so disappointed

Negative experience: Applied for visa back in November . Told I would receive by February. My flight was to leave out in February thinking that would be good enough time. Took my vacation off from work for my trip. By January no November movement on visa status. So I changed my vacation at work to May. Well here it is March, and guess what still no movement. I don’t know if it is God telling me not take this trip or is just good ol scamming. I hate to say as an American and this being my first international trip makes me never want to do it. Is too complicated. Now I was going to go for my oldest birth day in February we can’t go. My second oldest birthday is in March we can’t go for her birthday. My twins birthday is in April and we cant go anywhere because they have our passports . We were going on a cruise for my twins 13th birthday and can’t go to that now. Not even Nigeria related. WE HAVE NO PASSPORT! Thanks OIS THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ME AND MY FAMILY YEAR OF TRAVEL AND WE STUCK HERE BECAUSE YAH MESSED ALL OUR PLANS UP!

Fantastic experience: Gentleman is kind but due to most main consulates being in Washington DC visas will take 6-8 weeks to process ~ start super early with your planning

Negative experience: I am going to add to the bad comments. I submitted for my Visa in September, and I was schedule to fly end of November. I had to rush around to get a new passport the last 3 days before my flight because they had my new passport. I had to drive hours back and forth to LA mind you because LA will give (For a fee and cheaper than UPS to expedite) you a passport, but I still had to wait for them to get me a temporary passport the day be for I flew out. My old passport had the old visa that hadn't expired that I was able to use. This has cost me a lot close to $1000 including what I paid for visa and overnight mailing. It is the end of February and I have yet to get my new passport back with visa. Calling this place and emailing is useless. I have called all the offices Atlanta, DC, New York office as well. They never answer. I finally got email that said they ran out of visa stickers for the passport. To be honest it is frustrating, but I think this type of practice is the Nigerian way. I know people that in Nigeria that can't get passports because they ran out of booklets, and it seems like the workers are. waiting for them to drop out of the sky. I notice when I am there, they cause people frustrations on the simplest things that the people are forced to be accustomed to. I hate to have to give bad comments or to comment at all but this is ridiculous. To those that have gotten your visas I am happy for you. I am wondering if they lost mine, it has been 5 months. They need to change the information on their site regarding submission timeframe and the 90-day statement. Whoever is in charge or has an ear to make suggestions. Please suggest providing information or feedback to those who have submitted and paid all the fees. Now as far as the young man that works the process. He does his best and he can at least keep record of those he submitted and provide information like that fact they ran out of stickers for the visa. I am also curious of how long it takes to make and ship stickers.

Negative experience: OIS services have had my passport for the last six months. I have call and email no response. I guess I got to catch a flight to go and get my passport. This is so sad. More money to spend. I send all my documents every thing they ask for. I still have not heard from OIS services.

Negative experience: Had an appointment 12/22 went to see a piece of paper with closed written on it. Drove 6 hrs booked a hotel with my minor daughter. The visa was for her noone called me to say they were going to be closed and noone ever answers the phone. What a waste of time and money. Frustration to say the least. Til this day still calling to talk to someone and nothing.

Positive experience: Sydney gives top notch customer service, fast, efficient, and competent. The visa process is still backed up some, and we only discover this via the reviews, so be prepared to reschedule your flight. I was told 5-6 wks for visitor visa at this point.

Negative experience: This is a review of our visa application process so far, not the customer service at this location. In short: OIS is a poorly run company and terrible website. On 11/28/23, my friend and I made an appointment for 1/9/24 to do our biometrics interview at this LA office. Our flights are mid February. We got an email on 1/7/24 saying that OIS's "visa processing systems are down" and this office "will not be processing any visa biometrics until (01-12-2024)." Ok, guess we can do a walk-in on the 12th, right? The visa processing time should take 2-4 weeks right? No. My friend walks in on 1/8/24 just to ask (because the office does not respond to email nor phone call), and they tell her that the D.C. office (which LA office is a branch of) has visa processing times expected to be 2-3 months. It's only via reading Google reviews that I realize that the offices have had this issue for months and known this for the whole time. The LA office recommends we *fly to either Atlanta or New York offices* to get our visas done if we want to get our visas in time for our flights. Because I guess the Atlanta / NY offices use completely different systems? (Anyways, the current processing times for those is around 1 week supposedly. I have low hopes overall.) But really: no answering machine notice, no automated emails on the expected excessive processing times, nothing about this delay until we literally came in person to the office. We could have known about this need to fly to a different office 1 month ago -- the applications have our flight dates, for goodness' sake! OIS, why? All this is not even mentioning the poor setup of the OIS site, which makes the requirements so difficult to understand; and no email confirmations of the appointments. This is so frustrating and disappointing, especially as my friend and I had to travel INTO LA to get to our biometrics appointments. And now we have to buy last-minute flights to the other offices to get our visas on time. OIS should compensate us for these troubles or have ways of handling applications that are not so arbitrary, but honestly I have no hope that they would get their act together. Total shame. Advice? Number one: be prepared to waste a lot of money. Other reviews have detailed what to bring so I won't repeat it here. Small note that if you're determined to come to the LA office, don't forget to set Washington D.C. as your primary processing center (this is also not clear during application process).

Negative experience: I had a smooth application process thanks to Sydney I also paid an extra $50 (I believe) for having no appointment, which I didn’t mind this was in the beginning of November 2023. Sydney was the only one working but the application process was pretty quick. The return date for my visa was around December 13 2023. My flight is Jan 4th 2024. Around Christmas time I still did not have a visa and my flight was coming up. I tracked my visa via the ois email and it was being assessed. You are unable to call the ois Los Angeles location they don’t answer emails and they don’t answer their calls. So I emailed the embassy in DC and come to find out in November, They ran out of visas So they stopped processing visas and accepting applications. They stopped accepting applications in November. Which they didn’t notify me. Long story short it’s currently Jan 2nd no visa so I have to cancel my flight and trip which I’m so sad about because this trip was to bury my grandfather and now I can’t because of the unprofessionalism and disappointment of the entire embassy process. My advice is to either go straight to Atlanta or DC or find a person who you can pay extra to get it done. Good luck

Negative experience: Applied back in November, the guy told me I will get in on the Dec 10 , I have not received anything my trip is on Dec 28 it’s 26th today , I called this did he said it was approved since 23rd , why why why does it have to be a hustle, if you got someone ticket to show you when they will be traveling why are you not working to ensure those folks get their documents.unbelievable!

Negative experience: Final Update - 12/10/23 - Got visa in the mail 2 weeks before my trip! When I asked for my passport back w/o the visa, they informed me that they are clearing out September/October applications that week. I said I will wait for mine. 9/29/23 - I flew into LA from UT. I just did a day trip for my appt. The office was very easy to find. It’s close to the airport. The office room is on the 7th floor. Sydney was the one who helped me with my paper work. It went by very fast (as long as you have everything on the list). Some items he didn’t ask for. Please make sure you bring the blue priority mail envelopes. If you don’t have them you’ll have to pay extra for them. We also did fingerprints and photos and it was done. I applied for the visitors visa. I was asked for my passport, 2 passport photos, bank statement, invitation letter and inviters passport data page, 1 copy of the visa application and paid the $55 fee. I believe that was it from what I can remember. I’m projected to get my passport back 10/26 but I was told to expect it a week or so later! ****Update: As of 11/22/23, I am still waiting on my passport and found out that the embassy in DC ran out of visas. SMH. So who knows when I’ll get my passport…. ***Update #2: 11/30/23: Still no update about when more visas will arrive. I have requested to get my passport back w/o the visa from OIS in DC. I would highly recommend for people to physically go to OIS ATL or NY for processing or another 3rd party agency (might pay extra $$$ but can be worth it)

Negative experience: ** 12/8 finally received my passport with visa today. ** ** 11/29 - Edited rating to reflect the lack of communication. There is a freeze w/ processing at the DC embassy and emails and phone calls go unanswered. No response as to when this freeze will be resolved and it remains a mystery when I will receive my documents. I recommend not using any OIS location that will route the application to the DC embassy as it seems that's where the issue lies. ** I did a walk-in on 9/29 and there was a walk-in fee; all the OIS office location appointments were past my travel date and this office is a few hours from me and I took a chance. It's a small office with room for about 2-3 people to wait. Sydney (hopefully spelled correctly) was the only one working at the time. There was one person being serviced and another waiting when I arrived around 10-ish. My wait time was less than an hour. Once it was my turn, it took less than 20 minutes and I received a collection date of 10/26. The service was quick and efficient and Sydney was great. This is the first time I've applied for the visa. As of 11/1, I have not yet received my visa and the tracking system is still in the Transferred phase.

Negative experience: Nigeria embassy Washington DC is the worst nightmare for you. I applied for visitor’s visa on October 23 2023 to travel on December 05 2023 .they told me you will get your passport back on December 04 2023 today is December 05 I haven’t received my visa and passport.And nobody is answering my phone calls.may Nigeria never happens to you.big lesson learned!

Negative experience: Shout out Sydney for the work he does, but OIS is unreliable. Had my passport for 8 weeks until I went back and asked what is going on with my visa. My trip to Nigeria was 2 weeks away and I still did not have my passport back from OIS after 8 weeks in their possession. I was then told that the DC embassy ran out of visas to place on our passports. This is absolutely nonsense bc they require you to show proof of ticket. So if you are aware of your clients flight date, why not make this an urgent matter? Is this an issue of incompetence? So all this time there was no common sense to inform the applicants? Will be missing my flight now, burning through funds, and scrambling to make arrangements to make it to Nigeria if possible.

Positive experience: I was a walk-in and the process went surprisingly fast. The only issue is the site does a very poor job of providing the details of what's needed.

Positive experience: I have been to this place a couple of times and had no issue with them. If you have enough time, it’s better to book an appointment otherwise you can walk in and pay $50 if your situation is urgent. The staff has always been helpful to me for the number of times I visited either for visa or BVN application. One time I went to process visa application for my daughter and was told it will be delivered in 4 weeks. Surprisingly, it was delivered in three weeks. My only concern with them is that they are not good with returning phone calls or emails except they told you to send a missing document. So, don’t waste your time calling or sending emails. Overall, they are not bad.

Negative experience: It is a shame that as a Nigerian living anywhere in the world. we go through stress from the day we were born till the day we die all because we keep dealing with the entity called Nigeria My daughter and babe applied for visa since August and as we speak they have not received their visa and our flight is wednesday (next tomorow ) all effort to reach the embassy in Washington and Los Angeles proof abortive as nobody is picking or returning our calls not respond to email Is this a country ? Where you can not take your child home to know where she is from ? Is this one a country where as a Nigerian you are treated like a stranger No be una fault na me carry myself come knock una door Please send back the passport and expect to hear from me through my attorney because any expenses incurred due to your fault will be returned to me I bet u all

Negative experience: They don’t return emails or phone calls, they cancelled my appointment day before, had to cancel plane ticket, cost money, not any dedicated call center. Just go to dc, save paying these guys for no service. Sydney was very pleasant. I did get my visa back 5 days after the day they reviewed it

Negative experience: The refund policy here is trash I sent an email requesting a refund they closed my ticket without even giving me my money back..OIS are scammers

Fantastic experience: I was told today 7/21/23 that VISA are taking 6 weeks to process. *application needs to have Washington DC as processing embassy ****received my visa in the mail 9/1/23**** 1)2 passport pictures 2)Application printed off 3)Payment receipt printed off 4)Invitation letter addressed to Nigeria Embassy Washington D.C w/ their signature 5)Passport Data page of inviter 6) Paid flight itinerary 7) Bank statement with at least $500 8)2 USPS priority envelope with paid stamp. This will cost $27 per stamp. It will be a 8x11 envelope and a large stamp. You won't address it to anyone until you get to the OIS office. You'll get your photo taken and fingerprints. It's right next to the Hilton hotel. Take the tower elevator to the 7th floor. It took 20 mins for the appointment.

Fantastic experience: The negative reviews definitely made me nervous, but I have a funeral to attend and didn't really have many other options and needed to get a Nigerian Visa. Set an appt a few weeks out and showed up to an empty office with Sydney who got my partner and I handled within 16-20 mins and we were out of the door. Make sure you are prepared with all of the necessary documents listed in other reviews and online. The expected return time was 27 days out and my passport was delivered back to me within 16 days. Super early and I am super grateful. I have nothing bad to say honestly and as a 1st generation Nigerian, I'm so proud of my people. Also, some folks mentioned really expensive parking, but we parked in the building garage which maxes out at under $17 and since our appt was super short we ended up only paying around $5. Sydney did mention there were delays over the summer but I guess we went during a really great time. Ask all questions while on site because once you leave, good luck getting into contact with anyone. Also also, in case anyone wants to know they do accept walk-ins for an additional fee if you cannot get an appt on their site. Hope this is helpful!

Fantastic experience: Much more pleasant experience than the reviews led me to believe. I made sure to read everything thoroughly before I came in so I was fully prepared. Don’t forget to get your two USPS priority mail envelopes plus the stamps. Appointment was on the 8th Sidney said we would have it back on Sept.4th. Our passports and visas came back much sooner. On Aug 24th. Just make sure you read everything on the list before hand and you will be fine

Negative experience: its a shame the way they ignore all of our calls and emails.

Fantastic experience: No waiting in line. Efficient. Visa took a week longer than anticipated.

Negative experience: The whole visa application process is such a joke. It took almost 3 months to get my passport back, then why tell me that I will get it in 4 weeks and there is an expected date to receive it? It made me missed my flight and the trip, and my friend's wedding. The office never picks up the phone call, and people who works there don't care whether you get your passport back, not professional at all.

Positive experience: First time visiting. Great customer service. Emails and phone calls are null and void essentially so it’s best to visit in person. It may take a long time to get your items in the mail. I recommend.

Negative experience: Disappointing. Not helpful at all

Fantastic experience: It was a bit of a wait, but if you have everything you need ready it can go more smoothly

Positive experience: The office assistant provided clear answers to questions.

Fantastic experience: Everything was quick and easy, just have all required documents on the checklist of whatever visa type you're applying for. Pray. And you'll be in and out in no time.

Fantastic experience: Good experience, started at appointment time. BVN took 4 business days longer to receive than what they mentioned. This office never picks up the phone or respond to voice mails. I watched them ignore the phone calls. I was warned to be very patient as everything moves slower in Nigeria. Parking is expensive; you can park at the Marriott next door; it's about $50 for the first hour. There is a long term parking also that was completely full for about $17. However the gate automatically opened on my way out so I guess they weren't charging at that time.

Negative experience: This place would not pick your call whatsoever, I have had my interview since the 16 and there’s no update whatsoever on my visa application and there’s no way to reach anyone, not sure why they have a phone number and email address because it’s useless. My travel date is coming up and I do not have my passport yet.

Negative experience: DO NOT TRUST THEM WITH YOUR PASSPORT! they held my passport hostage for no reason when applying for a business visa and would not return it back to me. I attended my appointment with them on 4/25, they made me pay for priority express 1-2 day delivery, yet, they did not mail in my application and passport to their DC office until 5/2. Took them two weeks instead of two days!!! They promised my passport would come back to me by 5/22 at the latest, but the DC office said due to their delay in mailing, it won’t get back to me until 5/29 or even later. What’s worse is that they would not let me withdraw my application either, and simply would not give me my passport back!

Fantastic experience: I was not seen by my appointment time, there was only 1 person working and he did an amazing job. Be prepared to wait but it wasn’t long. Waiting room and bathroom are clean and as long as you have all the required documents you will be in and out.

Negative experience: I submitted my visa application on 3/18/2023 and went to Los Angeles office in 3/20/2023 for my appointment. I had all the documents required and paid unjust processing visa of 50$ and also express overnight postage 60$ cash only ! It’s been almost four weeks now and I still haven’t received my passport and all my travel plan is ruined because of unorganized and unnecessary wait times while paying a lot of money and time wasted . I had to flew to lax and stayed overnight so that I could make it on my appointment. I wouldn’t not recommended anyone to go through what I have been going through for the last four weeks. They don’t even answer the phone and also don’t bother sending emails it’s waste of time. It’s chaos I wouldn’t even bother going. I need my passport back asap !! Chaos chaos chaos

Fantastic experience: I flew into LAX just for this. Read through someone else's rating who suggested taking the spectrum shuttle (located outside level 2. There's a section for private/hotel shuttles that you wait in with a red sign). Was dropped off at the door of the building. Went up to 7th floor and since I arrived about 30 mins early I was thinking I was going to have a bit of a wait... nope. He was like "let's knock this out right now". Bet! I was up for it. As long as you have everything on the checklist they provide online, you should be in and outta there within 10-15mins. If you're unsure if you need something, just bring it anyway to be safe. I had a copy of the application, payment slip, acknowledgement, invitation letter, receipt of paid flight (which I didn't really need since I had the invite letter), copy of invitee's passport data book, bank statement (he only took page 1 of my statement), 2 passport photos, my passport, and the 2 prepaid envelopes. He then took my pic, did the fingerprinting, had me pay the $50 fee, and gave me a confirmation with the latest date I would receive my passport back by. Easier process than I thought it would be and I took the spectrum shuttle back to the airport for my flight back home. There was no fee for the spectrum shuttle, but I did tip the driver. ***edit- got my passport w/visa back 2 weeks later

Fantastic experience: Me and my husband were late to our appointment due to our flight be delayed. Sydney Was so kind and understanding and still took us. The process for both of us took about 15mins. The whole process was fast and easy as long as you have all your documents needed. Sydney Was amazing and helped the appointment run smoothly. We only had to pay the processing fee of $55 each via card since we had everything else taken care of before the appointment

Fantastic experience: I saw so many reviews saying that it’s a disaster here but I didn’t experience that. Sydney (sp?) was extremely helpful! I had everything on the list and didn’t have any problems. I took all kinds of cash after seeing the reviews but it was smooth and fast. It only took 15 minutes. I only had to pay a processing fee with a card, not cash. Just check the site for your appointment and be prepared.

Fantastic experience: Sydney was very efficient. He made the process smooth with his knowledge and kind demeanor.

Negative experience: I went to the OIS office back in August to get BVN . I was told I would receive it in 6 days it’s almost been 3 weeks I’ve emailed and also contacted office in Dubi no response from LA office on don’t live in LA area I’m Having ti fly all the way back just to speak to someone it’s so frustrating

Fantastic experience: Sydney is a great guy,tremendous help,kudos to him,very professional,ready to help and assist.

Fantastic experience: Had a smooth experience here. Sydney is very helpful and a pleasure to work with. The one big drawback is how the documentation requirements aren't specified very clearly in one place and it's impossible to reach the office on the phone. I have been told that they are responsive on email but we never tried. Listing the paperwork we submitted for our visitor visas here for others who are potentially confused- 1. Passport 2. Invitation letter from our host 3. Invitee's passport copy and their resident permit's copy 4. Bank statement of the traveler 5. 2 recent passport photos 35 by 45 mm 6. Payment and acknowledgement slips for the visa application 7. Visa application copy 8. 2 USPS priority mail express envelopes with stamps (~27$ each). You can alternately pay them in cash for these, so carry the 54$ in cash.

Positive experience: Overall experience was ok. But the agents in the office were very helpful!! The checklist is much need with some additional details. (Thanks to a previous review that I read it helped but I still missed a MAJOR detail.) Make sure you have the application printed with the Nigerian Immigration green heading at the top of the application-that is the only one they will accept. If going to LA office, you MIST select the Washington DC embassy or will have to fill out another application and pay an additional $160 application fee and request a refund. (I had the wrong embassy. Make sure the letter of invitation has all the details listed. The envelopes: one is addressed to you(so you can get your visa/passport back in the mail.). One is addressed to the embassy in Washington DC(so they can mail your application to the embassy.). They will purchase the postage for you but you have to leave them cash for postage. They are very helpful but come prepared to make some corrections and spend more money!! Hope this helps someone else.

Negative experience: They do not answer their phones at all and do not clear their voicemail

Fantastic experience: The man was very polite and helpful in every way. I was frustrated because I didn't know what to do on many things that were needed but he help by guiding me in the right direction to get everything done

Fantastic experience: Had a 10 AM appointment but came in 15 minutes later. Was out of there in 30 minutes. Very sure you have all required documents. The major problem I encountered was parking because of lack of definite directions

Fantastic experience: I know exactly how some of you guy's feel!! But when I got there, I understood why they couldn't answer the phones and their voice-mail is full. *$55.00 processing fee *take the two black & white mini pic's that you received from the post office. This pic is also the one you will upload to the application when filing online. Your passport booklet will accompany your application. You'll gt it bak along with yur Visa. DO NOT ASK ANY1 INSIDE @LAX ABT THE OIS BUILDING OR HOW TO GET THERE. THEY WILL HAVE YOU PATROLING THE ENTIRE COMPLEX..They're tooooo busy on their fon, cackling with ea other, CONFUSED, or just pretending to be important. QUITE FRANKLY, IF U SHOULD JUST TAKE A CHANCE TO FIND OUT, GO AHEAD- ASK, I DARE YOU!! *wen u arrive, you'll be at terminal 2,cde. Follow the signs for shuttle/ground transportation and/or baggage claim. It should put you outside IN FRONT, LEVEL 2. Catch the SPECTRUM shuttle and let the driver [eager to help, call's out point of origin so psgr will kno the correct stop, friendly, informative] kno yur going to the OIS BUILDING. His passenger's route also include that destination. He will pick up and drop back off at LAX. *Sydney, the gentleman conducting the intake is VERRRRY NICE, POISE, HELPFUL & QUICK. If hopeful, there's a chance you can be seen b4 yur appointment time. He's just that efficient! Once you've released the requested docs for processing {no errors}, taken yur biometrics.. Go home, wait on yur Visa. Ijs

Fantastic experience: Sydney customer service is Top Tier!! Literally one of the best customer services I've ever received. He makes the visa process so smooth. He actually wants to help the applicants.

Negative experience: Presently, I am working on obtaining my VISA for Nigeria. When I first made the appointment on the OISServices website, there was a checklist to download with my appointment slip. The checklist did not have anything listed, therefore, I am not sure what documentation I should take to my upcoming appointment. I've emailed on 3/7/22, and have not received a response as of yet. I've called everyday since then, to no avail, the mailbox has been full and cannot accept messages at this time. I will be updating my review throughout this process. For now, I am giving only 2 stars based on the checklist error, response time, and mailbox being full. I understand that this is a busy office and everyone wanting to get a VISA to finally travel. Let's hope and pray that this will be the only minor inconveniences I will have to experience.

Fantastic experience: Sydney was excellent and should be promoted. For being here a short time he is professional, helpful patient and kind...He makes a stressful situation calming. Thank you!!!

Positive experience: They were helpful in person but having trouble getting ahold of them via email or phone

Fantastic experience: Best experience ever at a Nigerian office

Fantastic experience: Weird to find but the staff are great.very helpful

Positive experience: They helped up really good despite we didn't make appts for our children or knew we needed consent forms. They typed it up for us and everything went smooth.

Negative experience: Dealing work Nigerian anything is not for the faint hearted or broke. They make the process expensive and hard and make you pay more for 'expedited' anything. A lady came in our meeting (sensitive info we had to share) complaining about her visa process and her passport, which in turn scared my dad. If you want to deal worth anything Nigerian... Just be prepared and have high blood pressure medication.

Negative experience: No one ever answers the phone. You’ll be on hold for so long only for it to hang up, or the machine to say “error” and hang up. Who is working there? Very unprofessional. What a disgrace.