The United States has announced a partial suspension of visa issuance to Nigerian nationals, effective from January 1, 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998 on border and national security. The US Mission in Nigeria said the measure will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Nigeria is among 19 countries affected by the proclamation, which restricts the issuance of nonimmigrant B-1 and B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M and J student and exchange visitor visas, alongside some immigrant visas.
The US authorities said the suspension applies only to foreign nationals outside the United States who do not hold a valid US visa as of the effective date. The statement clarified that visas issued before January 1, 2026, will not be revoked under the proclamation.
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Exemptions include lawful permanent residents, eligible US government employees applying for Special Immigrant Visas, certain dual nationals and participants in major international sporting events. Nigerian applicants may still submit visa applications and attend interviews, but may be deemed ineligible for visa issuance or entry under the new rules.
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