US Explains Visa Cancellations, Introduces New Restrictions for Nigerians and Other Nationals

According to the embassy, the cancellations are part of new security measures that involve continuous vetting of more than 55 million foreigners currently holding valid US visas.

The embassy explained that the US government is strictly enforcing long-standing immigration laws to protect its borders and prevent the entry of individuals who may pose security threats. Visa revocations, it added, often involve cases of overstaying, criminal activity, or links to organisations deemed dangerous to US interests.

“Every prospective traveller undergoes interagency security vetting. The Department has the authority to revoke visas at any time if new information emerges suggesting ineligibility. This authority has existed for decades but is now being applied on a scale never seen before,” the embassy stated.

Recent reports had revealed that several Nigerian professionals and entrepreneurs were affected by sudden visa cancellations, sparking concerns over transparency and fairness in the process. Critics argue that many of those affected were not given clear reasons, evidence, or avenues for appeal—only advised to reapply.

In addition to cancellations, the US has also introduced fresh restrictions. Since July 2025, most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians including B1/B2 (business and tourism), F1 (students), and J1 (exchange visitors) are now valid for only three months on a single-entry basis. The mission described this as a “technical and security-based evaluation” to safeguard the integrity of its immigration system.

Further tightening its policies, in August 2025, the US Mission made it mandatory for Nigerian visa applicants to submit a five-year history of their social media activity, including all usernames and handles used during that period.

The Nigerian government has vowed to reciprocate these measures, stressing that Nigeria will not hesitate to implement similar policies for American citizens seeking entry into the country.

Meanwhile, the US Mission has cautioned Nigerians against misusing their visas. It warned that overstaying or breaching visa conditions could result in severe penalties, including long-term travel bans. Under US law, overstays between 180 and 365 days attract a three-year re-entry ban, while overstays exceeding one year result in a 10-year ban.