US Clarifies New Visa Rules for Nigerians: It’s About Security, Not Punishment

In response to growing concerns among Nigerians, the United States government has clarified that its revised visa rules are not punitive, but part of broader global security reforms.

During a joint press briefing in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, addressed the recent changes to U.S. visa reciprocity schedules. The policy now limits the validity of certain non-immigrant visa categories such as B1/B2 (business/tourism), F (student), and J (exchange visitor) to three months, with single-entry access.

Ambassador Mills emphasized that the changes are aimed at tightening security, improving processing efficiency, and ensuring better compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

“Let me be clear: the United States values its strong relationship with Nigeria,” Mills stated. “We welcome Nigerians for business, education, tourism, and family visits. But we also expect full compliance with visa rules.”

He warned that overstaying or providing false information during visa applications could result in deportation or a lifetime ban from entering the U.S.

Mills also highlighted that background checks have been made more rigorous. The U.S. is working with Nigerian authorities to gain access to criminal records and other relevant data to improve vetting procedures.

For student visa holders, the ambassador warned that skipping classes or abandoning academic programs without proper notice could lead to immediate visa revocation.

Minister Mohammed praised the U.S. Mission for clarifying the issue directly to the Nigerian public.

“This engagement reflects a healthy diplomatic relationship,” the minister said. “Nigerians travel widely, and we deserve to be informed about changes that affect our international mobility.”

He also affirmed that the Ministry of Information will continue working closely with the U.S. Embassy to improve public awareness on visa and consular matters, adding that the collaboration aligns with the Federal Government’s “New Hope Agenda.”

“This is not about punishment,” Mohammed added. “It’s about improving transparency, strengthening trust, and building better cooperation between our two nations.”

Both parties encouraged Nigerians to visit the U.S. embassy website for accurate, up-to-date information on visa regulations.