The United States will partially suspend the issuance of certain visas to Nigerian nationals starting January 1, 2026, following a new presidential proclamation on border and national security.
The US Mission in Nigeria announced the restriction on Monday, stating that it aligns with Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”
Nigeria is among 19 countries affected by the measure, which also includes Angola, Benin, Cuba, Senegal, and Zambia.
The partial suspension covers nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas. It also applies to certain immigrant visas, though some categories are exempt.
Exemptions include immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution, dual nationals applying with a passport from an unaffected country, Special Immigrant Visas for eligible US government employees, lawful permanent residents, and participants in certain major international sporting events.
The US Mission clarified that the proclamation applies only to foreign nationals outside the United States on January 1, 2026, who do not hold a valid US visa.
“No visas issued before January 1, 2026, will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation,” the statement read.
Applicants from affected countries may still submit applications and attend interviews. However, they “may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States” under the new rules.
The announcement follows a series of restrictive measures by the United States affecting Nigerians this year.
In October, Nigeria was added back to a list of countries accused of violating religious freedom, linked to ongoing insecurity and attacks on Christian communities.
Earlier, the US reduced the validity of most nonimmigrant visas for Nigerians to single-entry, three-month visas.