US Visa Suspension Hits Nigeria as Screening Review Begins
The United States has placed Nigeria among several countries affected by a new US visa suspension as part of a broad review of its immigration screening process. An internal directive from the US Department of State confirmed that visa processing has been temporarily halted for applicants from Nigeria and many other nations.
The directive, which takes effect from January 21, orders American embassies and consulates to pause visa processing for nationals of about 73 countries.
This development has made the US visa suspension a growing concern for Nigerians who are planning to travel for education, business, tourism, and family reunification.
Reports indicate that consular officers have been instructed to rely on existing legal provisions to refuse applications during the review period. The US visa suspension covers several visa categories and has no stated end date, creating uncertainty for many prospective travelers.
Countries affected by the US visa suspension include Nigeria, Somalia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil and Thailand. The policy cuts across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
US authorities linked the decision to stricter enforcement of the public charge rule, which allows visa denial for applicants considered likely to depend on government assistance. Under the revised standards, officers are expected to consider factors such as age, health condition, English language ability, financial status, and employment prospects during the US visa suspension review.
Although Nigeria was not specifically mentioned in the memo, its inclusion among the affected countries has raised concern. Many Nigerians who rely on the US visa suspension affected categories may now face delays in their educational and professional plans.
The US government has yet to clarify if there will be exemptions for humanitarian reasons or how long the US visa suspension will last. Observers have warned that the policy may strain diplomatic ties and disrupt mobility between the United States and Nigeria.
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