Tuesday, December 23, 2025 - The United States has announced plans to partially suspend the issuance of visas to Nigerian nationals from January 1, 2026.
According to a statement by the U.S. Department of State on
Monday, December 22, the suspension applies to nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor
visas, F, M and J student and exchange visitor visas, as well as all categories
of immigrant visas, with limited exceptions.
The decision was taken following a new security directive
issued under Presidential Proclamation 10998.
Other countries affected by this development include Angola,
Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The
Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia
and Zimbabwe.
The proclamation, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry
of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” outlines
specific exemptions, including immigrant visas for ethnic and religious
minorities facing persecution in Iran, dual nationals applying with passports
of unaffected countries, Special Immigrant Visas for U.S. government employees,
participants in certain major international sporting events, and lawful
permanent residents.
U.S. authorities clarified that the suspension applies only
to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date
and do not hold a valid visa as of January 1, 2026. Holders of valid visas
issued before that date will not be affected, and no previously issued visas
will be revoked under the proclamation.
The Department of State also noted that affected applicants
may continue to submit visa applications and attend scheduled interviews, but
they may be deemed ineligible for visa issuance or admission into the United
States under the new policy.
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