The United States government has announced a partial suspension of visa issuance for Nigerian nationals. The policy takes effect on January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST. It follows Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.
The announcement introduces new limits on specific visa categories while maintaining exemptions for certain groups.
Visa Categories Affected
Under the new policy, the following visa categories are suspended for Nigerian applicants:
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B-1 and B-2 visitor visas
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F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas
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All immigrant visa categories
These restrictions apply only to new visa issuances and not to visas already granted before the effective date.
Exemptions Under the New Policy
Several categories remain exempt from the suspension:
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Immigrant visas for ethnic or religious minorities facing persecution in Iran
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Dual nationals applying with passports from countries not affected by the suspension
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Special Immigrant Visa holders under U.S. Code 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(D)
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Participants in selected major international sporting events
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Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States
These exemptions allow continued travel and processing under specific conditions.
Key Clarifications for Applicants
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No visa cancellations: Visas issued before January 1, 2026, remain valid
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Applications still accepted: Applicants may still submit visa applications and attend interviews
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Possible refusal: Applications may be denied under the new rules even after interviews
The policy does not automatically cancel existing visas or revoke lawful status.
Broader Immigration Context
The U.S. government stated that the decision forms part of broader efforts to strengthen national security and manage immigration systems more effectively. Officials say the measure is not a blanket ban but a targeted adjustment based on security assessments.
Travel expert Sassy confirmed that the policy does not invalidate existing visas. She noted that the restriction applies mainly to new entries under selected visa categories.
