-
The United States will partially suspend some visa categories for Nigerians starting January 1, 2026.
-
The restriction affects visitor, student, exchange and some immigrant visas, with specific exemptions.
-
Nigerians with valid visas issued before the effective date will not be affected.
The United States government has announced plans to partially suspend the issuance of certain visas to Nigerian nationals beginning January 1, 2026, citing border control and national security concerns.
The US Mission in Nigeria disclosed this on Monday, stating that the action follows a new presidential proclamation titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
The policy is expected to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Nigeria is among 19 countries listed under the new measure.
Other affected countries include Angola, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe, among others.
According to the proclamation, the suspension will cover non-immigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M and J visas issued to students and exchange visitors. Some immigrant visa categories are also affected, although limited exceptions apply.
The US Mission clarified that the restriction does not apply universally. Exemptions include lawful permanent residents of the United States, dual nationals applying with passports from unaffected countries, and Special Immigrant Visa holders, particularly eligible US government employees.
Other exempted groups include participants in major international sporting events and individuals who already hold valid US visas issued before January 1, 2026.
READ ALSO: US Embassy Issues Fresh Visa Ban Warning to Nigerians
“Foreign nationals who hold valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to the proclamation,” the statement said, adding that no visas issued before January 1, 2026, will be revoked as a result of the policy.
While visa applicants from affected countries may continue to submit applications and attend interviews, the US Mission warned that such applicants may be found ineligible for visa issuance or admission under the new rules.
The development comes amid increasing concern among Nigerians seeking to travel, study or migrate to the United States. In recent months, Washington has introduced several restrictive immigration measures affecting Nigerian citizens.
Earlier in the year, the US reduced the validity of most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians to single-entry visas lasting three months. Nigeria was also re-listed among countries accused of religious freedom violations, alongside renewed partial travel restrictions.
Despite these changes, US authorities have maintained that Nigerians who already possess valid visas or lawful permanent resident status will not lose their immigration standing under the new proclamation.
