Sunday, August 3, 2025 - The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has called on Nigerian citizens travelling to the United States to adhere strictly to the terms and conditions of their visas in order to avoid sweeping travel restrictions on the country.
The advisory signed by NIS spokesperson AS Akinlabi, comes
in response to growing concerns from U.S. authorities about the misuse of visas
by Nigerian nationals. The NIS warned that violations of visa rules could lead
to severe consequences including visa revocation, deportation, and permanent
ineligibility for future travel to the U.S.
“Applicants are reminded that security screening by U.S.
authorities continues beyond initial entry,” the statement said. “Breach of
visa conditions, including overstaying, may attract severe penalties, including
removal from the U.S. and permanent ineligibility for future travel.”
The advisory specifically addressed common pitfalls for
students and tourists, two of the most frequent categories of Nigerian
travellers to the U.S.
“Nigerian students in the U.S. must remain in active study.
Withdrawal, absenteeism, or change of academic programme without notification
may lead to visa cancellation and loss of future eligibility,” the NIS warned.
On tourism, the agency highlighted the U.S. government's
strict stance on "birth tourism," where pregnant women travel to the
U.S. with the intent to give birth and secure American citizenship for their
child.
“U.S. consular officers will deny tourist visa applications
if they believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United
States to obtain U.S. citizenship for the child,” the statement said.
The NIS reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with
the U.S. mission in Abuja to promote lawful travel and ensure Nigerian citizens
remain compliant with U.S. immigration regulations.
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