The United States has announced that it will partially suspend visa issuance to Nigerians starting January 1, 2026, as part of a new security policy.
The US Mission in Nigeria said the decision follows Presidential Proclamation 10998, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. (US time). Nigeria is one of 19 countries affected by the measure.
Under the new rule, the suspension covers visitor visas (B-1/B-2) as well as student and exchange visas (F, M and J). Some immigrant visas are also affected, with limited exceptions.
The US Mission stated, “Effective January 1, 2026… the Department of State is partially suspending visa issuance to nationals of 19 countries, including Nigeria.”
US authorities clarified that the policy does not affect everyone. Nigerians who already have valid US visas before January 1, 2026, will not lose them, and their visas will not be cancelled. Lawful permanent residents, dual nationals using non-affected passports, and some special visa holders are also exempt.
The announcement has raised concern among Nigerians planning to travel, study or migrate to the US, especially following earlier restrictions that reduced most US visas issued to Nigerians to single-entry, three-month permits.
US officials insist that the new policy only applies to people outside the United States who do not already hold valid visas as of the effective date.
