0
0
The United States has announced plans to partially suspend the issuance of visas to Nigerian nationals starting January 1, 2026.
In a statement on Monday, December 22, the U.S. Department of State said the suspension affects 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 follows a new security directive issued under Presidential Proclamation 10998.
Other countries impacted by the suspension 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,” specifies certain exemptions. These include 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 entry into the United States under the new policy.
