The United States government has announced a significant change to its immigration policy, directly impacting Nigerian citizens and nationals from 18 other countries. Effective January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, the US will partially suspend the issuance of several key visa categories.
Which Visas and Countries Are Affected?
This policy shift, enacted under Presidential Proclamation 10998 titled "Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States," was detailed by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria via its official X account on Monday, December 22, 2025. The suspension targets a broad range of visas for the listed nations.
The affected visa categories include:
- B-1/B-2 visitor visas for business and tourism.
- F, M, and J visas for students and exchange visitors.
- All immigrant visas, which are for those seeking permanent residence.
The 19 countries subject to this proclamation are:
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.
Important Exceptions and Key Clarifications
The U.S. Mission was careful to outline specific groups that will be exempt from this suspension. These limited exceptions are crucial for affected individuals to understand.
The proclamation does not apply to the following:
- Ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran applying for immigrant visas.
- Dual nationals who apply using a passport from a country not on the suspension list.
- Applicants for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) who are current or former U.S. government employees.
- Participants in certain major sporting events.
- Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs or green card holders).
Furthermore, the U.S. Mission provided critical clarifications to prevent panic among current visa holders. The proclamation only applies to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on January 1, 2026, AND do not already hold a valid visa at that time.
"No visas issued before January 1, 2026, have been or will be revoked," the statement assured. Individuals with valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to the new rules, even if they are outside the country.
Immediate Reactions and Practical Implications
The policy, formally published in the Federal Register on December 16, 2025, is framed as a security measure aimed at restricting entry from countries deemed higher-risk. However, the announcement has sparked immediate concern and frustration among Nigerians.
Early reactions from the public highlight worries over potential financial losses from already-paid visa application fees. Some comments expressed sarcasm, suggesting the US should make the ban permanent, reflecting the emotional and economic impact on hopeful travelers, students, and families.
Practically, the U.S. Mission stated that visa applicants subject to the proclamation may still submit applications and schedule interviews. However, they are warned that they may be found ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States under the new guidelines.
This development marks a significant tightening of travel and immigration pathways for Nigerians and citizens of the other listed nations, with the full impact to be felt starting in the new year.
