The United States has announced plans to suspend visa approvals for Nigerians beginning January 1, 2026, as part of a fresh security policy introduced under Presidential Proclamation 10998
In a statement released on Monday, the U.S. Department of State explained that the action targets several visa categories, including B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M, and J student and exchange visas, as well as nearly all immigrant visa classes, although a few exemptions apply.
Nigeria is listed among 19 countries impacted by the directive. Others named include 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 order, officially titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” provides for specific exceptions. These cover immigrant visas for ethnic or religious minorities facing persecution in Iran, dual citizens applying with passports from non-affected countries, Special Immigrant Visa holders who worked for the U.S. government, certain international sports participants, and lawful permanent residents.
U.S. officials emphasized that the restriction only affects individuals who are outside the country on the effective date and do not already possess a valid visa by January 1, 2026. Visas issued before that date will remain valid, and none will be cancelled as a result of the proclamation.
The State Department added that applicants from affected countries may still file visa applications and attend interviews. However, under the new policy, such applicants could be ruled ineligible for visa issuance or entry into the United States.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
