US to Suspend Issuance of Visas to Nigerians from January 1, 2026
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The United States government has announced plans to partially suspend the issuance of visas to Nigerian nationals beginning January 1, 2026.
The suspension was disclosed in a statement released on Monday, December 22, by the U.S. Department of State.
According to the statement, the measure will affect nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M and J student and exchange visitor visas. It will also apply to all categories of immigrant visas, with limited exceptions.
The decision follows a new security directive issued under Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.” U.S. authorities said the proclamation is aimed at strengthening national security and immigration controls.
Nigeria is among several countries listed under the new policy. Others 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.
However, the proclamation outlines a number of exemptions. These include immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran, dual nationals applying with passports from countries not affected by the suspension, Special Immigrant Visas for individuals who have worked for the U.S. government, participants in selected major international sporting events, and lawful permanent residents of the United States.
The Department of State clarified that the suspension will only apply to foreign nationals who are outside the United States as of the effective date and who do not possess a valid visa on January 1, 2026.
It added that visas issued before that date will remain valid and will not be revoked under the new policy.
U.S. officials further noted that applicants from affected countries may continue to submit visa applications and attend scheduled interviews. However, such applicants may be found ineligible for visa issuance or admission into the United States under the provisions of the proclamation.
The announcement has sparked concern among prospective Nigerian travelers, students and migrants, as the policy is expected to significantly impact travel, education and migration plans to the United States from 2026.
