The United States government will partially suspend visa issuances for Nigerians beginning January 1, 2026. Specifically, this decision follows the signing of Presidential Proclamation 10998.
The primary goal of this order is to improve national and border security. Notably, Nigeria is one of 19 nations currently affected by these new restrictions.
The policy will officially take effect at 12:01 a.m. EST on New Year’s Day. It targets specific categories of travel and residency. However, it also provides clear exemptions for those who already have an established legal status.
Which Visas Are Affected?
The suspension covers a wide range of popular visa categories. If you are planning to travel for business, tourism, or education, you may be impacted by this change.
The partial suspension applies to:
- Visitors: B-1/B-2 visas used for business and leisure travel.
- Students: F and M visas for academic and vocational studies.
- Exchange Programs: J-class exchange visitor visas.
- Immigrants: Most permanent residency visas, with very few exceptions.
In addition to Nigeria, the U.S. has included other countries in this security mandate. These nations include Senegal, Tanzania, Venezuela, and Cuba.
Who Is Exempt from the New Rules?
Fortunately, U.S. officials have clarified that several groups are not subject to these restrictions. If you already hold a valid document, your travel plans may still be secure.
The proclamation does NOT apply to:
- Current Visa Holders: Anyone holding a valid U.S. visa issued before January 1, 2026.
- Lawful Residents: Current Green Card holders (Permanent Residents).
- Dual Nationals: Individuals traveling with a passport from a country that is not on the restricted list.
- Special Cases: Special Immigrant Visa holders and participants in major international sporting events.
Crucial Note: The U.S. Mission confirmed that they will not revoke any visas issued before the January deadline.
A Changing Immigration Climate
This announcement follows a series of policy shifts throughout 2025. These changes have made U.S. travel increasingly difficult for many Nigerians.
For example, earlier this year, the U.S. reduced the validity of many non-immigrant visas to just three months. Additionally, Nigeria was recently added back to a list of countries monitored for religious freedom violations.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria will continue to conduct interviews. However, they warned that applicants from affected countries may now be found ineligible for admission under these updated security guidelines. Consequently, travelers should review their status carefully before the new year begins.
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