The United States government has made a significant announcement that will impact thousands of Nigerian travelers and migrants. Starting from January 1, 2026, the US will implement a partial suspension on the issuance of visas to Nigerian nationals.
Which Visas Are Affected by the US Suspension?
According to an official statement released by the U.S. Department of State on Monday, December 22, 2025, the suspension covers a broad range of visa categories. The affected visas include:
- Nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas for business and tourism.
- F and M student visas for academic and vocational studies.
- J exchange visitor visas for programs like work-and-travel or research.
- All categories of immigrant visas, which are for those seeking permanent residency.
The policy is a result of a new security directive established under Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”
Key Exemptions and Who Is Not Affected
Importantly, the proclamation outlines specific exemptions. Nigerian applicants may still be eligible under the following circumstances:
- Applications for immigrant visas by ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.
- Dual nationals who apply using a passport from a country not on the affected list.
- Special Immigrant Visas for current and former employees of the U.S. government.
- Participants in certain major international sporting events.
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) of the United States.
U.S. authorities have provided crucial clarifications. The suspension only applies to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on January 1, 2026, and do not already hold a valid visa. Anyone with a valid visa issued before that date will not see their visa revoked and can still use it for travel.
Global Impact and Next Steps for Applicants
Nigeria is not the only country facing these new restrictions. The US list includes 18 other nations:
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 Department of State has noted that affected applicants may continue to submit their visa applications and attend scheduled interviews. However, under the new policy, they will likely be deemed ineligible for visa issuance or admission into the United States.
This development marks a major shift in U.S. immigration policy and is set to affect study abroad plans, business travel, family reunification, and tourism for Nigerian citizens. Prospective travelers are advised to seek official guidance and consider their options well before the January 1, 2026 effective date.
