US to Partially Suspend Visa Issuance to Nigerians, 18 Others from January 1

The United States government has announced a partial suspension of visa issuance to Nigerian nationals, effective January 1, 2026, as part of a broader immigration policy shift under a new presidential directive.

The measure affects citizens of 19 countries, including Nigeria, and follows a proclamation aimed at tightening entry controls in the interest of US national security. Other countries listed under the directive include Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and several others across Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Under the policy, US diplomatic missions will halt the processing of specific visa categories for affected countries. These include nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M, and J visas issued to students and exchange programme participants. Most immigrant visa categories will also be suspended.

However, the suspension is not total. The US government outlined several exemptions. Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States will not be affected. Dual nationals applying with passports from countries not listed under the restriction may still be eligible for visas. Special Immigrant Visas for certain individuals who worked with the US government are also excluded from the suspension.

Additional exemptions apply to participants in selected international sporting events and to specific humanitarian cases, including immigrant visas issued to ethnic or religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.

US authorities say the decision is rooted in security assessments and compliance concerns tied to immigration procedures and information-sharing standards. The policy forms part of a wider reassessment of entry requirements for foreign nationals, particularly from countries deemed to pose elevated immigration or security risks.

The announcement has already sparked concern among prospective Nigerian travellers, students, and families with pending immigration plans. Education consultants and travel agencies have warned that the suspension could disrupt academic admissions, tourism, and family reunification processes if it remains in force for an extended period.

While the US government has not indicated how long the suspension will last, officials noted that the policy could be reviewed or adjusted based on future evaluations and diplomatic engagements.

Further guidance is expected from US embassies and consulates regarding affected applicants and the implementation of the new rules.