The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced that it will partially suspend visa issuance to Nigerian nationals starting January 1, 2026.
Ejes Gist News reports that the directive was disclosed via the Embassy’s official X page on Monday night, highlighting that visa applicants should be aware that visa fees will remain non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Visa Suspension Applies to Multiple Categories
Nigeria is among 19 countries affected by the new US immigration directive under Presidential Proclamation 10998, aimed at “restricting and limiting the entry of foreign nationals to protect the security of the United States.”
The affected visa types include:
- Nonimmigrant visas: B-1/B-2 visitor visas
- Student and exchange visas: F, M, and J categories
- Immigrant visas: All categories, with limited exceptions
The list of countries impacted includes: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Exceptions to the Suspension
The US government has outlined several exceptions where visa issuance will still proceed, including:
- Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran
- Dual nationals applying with a passport of a nationality not subject to suspension
- Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for U.S. government employees under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(D)
- Participants in certain major sporting events
- Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs)
Ejes Gist News gathered that these exceptions are designed to accommodate humanitarian, diplomatic, and special cases, even as general visa issuance is restricted.
Implications for Nigerian Applicants
Applicants for B-1/B-2 visitor visas, student visas, and immigrant visas are advised to plan ahead, as the suspension is set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. EST on January 1, 2026. The Embassy emphasized that visa fees are non-refundable, meaning that applicants who apply but are denied or affected by the suspension will not be reimbursed.
Security analysts note that this move reflects Washington’s continued focus on immigration control and national security, while raising concerns among Nigerian students, professionals, and travelers planning to visit the United States in 2026.
US Government Statement
The Embassy’s post reads:
“Effective January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, in line with Presidential Proclamation 10998 on ‘Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,’ the Department of State is partially suspending visa issuance to nationals of 19 countries…with limited exceptions as outlined.”
Ejes Gist News reports that Nigerian authorities have yet to comment on the new visa restrictions, though the announcement is expected to trigger discussions regarding bilateral travel and educational exchange programs.
