The United States has announced a partial suspension of visa issuance to Nigerian nationals, set to take effect from January 1, 2026, following a new presidential proclamation aimed at strengthening border and national security.
In a statement issued on Monday, the US Mission in Nigeria confirmed that the restriction would commence at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time in line with Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.” Akahi News learnt that Nigeria is among 19 countries affected by the measure.
Other countries listed 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.
Visa Categories Affected by the Proclamation
According to details released by the US Mission, the proclamation introduces a partial suspension covering both non-immigrant and immigrant visa categories. The affected non-immigrant visas include B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M and J visas issued to students and exchange visitors.
The restriction also extends to certain immigrant visas, although the US authorities noted that limited exceptions apply. Akahi News gathered that the policy does not amount to a blanket ban on Nigerian travellers or migrants but introduces stricter eligibility checks under the new framework.
Exemptions and Who Is Not Affected
The US Mission clarified that several categories of applicants are exempt from the suspension. These include immigrant visas issued to ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran, as well as dual nationals applying with passports from countries not affected by the proclamation.
Also exempted are Special Immigrant Visas for eligible US government employees, lawful permanent residents of the United States, and participants in certain major international sporting events.
Crucially, the US government stressed that the proclamation only applies to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and who do not hold a valid US visa as of January 1, 2026.
“Foreign nationals, even those outside the United States, who hold valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998. No visas issued before January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation,” the statement read.
Applications Still Accepted, but Issuance Not Guaranteed
Despite the new restrictions, visa applicants from Nigeria and other affected countries may continue to submit applications and attend scheduled interviews. However, the US Mission cautioned that such applicants “may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States” under the new rules.
This clarification has raised concerns among Nigerians planning to travel, study or migrate to the US, particularly students and families awaiting visa decisions. Akahi News reports that uncertainty remains over how strictly the rules will be applied in practice.
Part of a Broader Pattern of US Restrictions
The latest proclamation comes amid a series of restrictive measures by Washington that have intensified anxiety among Nigerian travellers in recent months. In October, the US added Nigeria back to its list of countries accused of violating religious freedom, a move officials linked to persistent insecurity and attacks on Christian communities.
This was followed by Nigeria’s inclusion on a revised US travel ban list imposing partial entry restrictions on Nigerian nationals. Akahi News gathered that the US has also tightened immigration and visa policies affecting Nigerians more broadly.
Earlier this year, the validity of most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians was reduced to single-entry visas with a three-month duration. More recently, reports suggested that applications for certain immigrant visas, including green cards, could face suspension under another presidential proclamation.
US authorities, however, have reiterated that lawful permanent residents and holders of valid visas issued before January 1, 2026, remain exempt and will not have their status revoked.
Growing Uncertainty for Nigerian Travellers
While US officials maintain that the measures are driven by security considerations, the cumulative effect has heightened uncertainty for thousands of Nigerians with educational, business and family ties to the United States. Analysts say the evolving policies underscore the need for affected applicants to seek timely and accurate information before making travel or study plans.
As developments continue, Akahi News will monitor the situation closely and provide verified updates on how the proclamation affects Nigerians at home and abroad.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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