US Halts Immigrant Visa Processing for Nigerians, Expands Travel Restrictions to 75 Countries

The United States has announced a temporary suspension of immigrant visa processing for Nigerians, deepening a tightening immigration posture that now affects citizens of roughly 75 countries worldwide.

Under the new directive, US embassies and consulates will stop accepting and processing immigrant visa applications from Nigeria. The suspension is scheduled to take effect on 21 January and will remain in place pending a review of existing immigration procedures.

Nigeria is listed among several countries impacted by the measure, including Russia, Somalia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and others across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The decision follows an internal policy order issued late last year as part of broader efforts to restrict immigration flows.

US officials say the move is aimed at preventing the entry of migrants deemed likely to rely on public welfare systems. A spokesperson for the US State Department said the government is exercising long-standing authority to deny entry to applicants assessed as potential public charges.

According to the State Department, immigration processing for the affected countries will remain paused while screening standards and enforcement mechanisms are reassessed. The review is intended to strengthen compliance with US immigration laws and reduce perceived abuse of public benefits.

The suspension adds to a series of recent measures targeting Nigerian travellers. Earlier this month, the US announced a policy requiring Nigerians applying for B1/B2 visitor visas to post bonds of up to $15,000, a measure also set to begin on 21 January.

In recent weeks, further restrictions were introduced affecting Nigerians seeking entry on multiple visa categories, including student, exchange, tourist, business, and permanent resident routes. US authorities have cited high visa overstay rates and security concerns as key reasons for the escalating restrictions.