…Nigerians Seeking Visas for Education, Employment, Tourism, Family Reunification Stranded
By Franklin Adole
The United States has suspended immigrant visa processing for applicants from Nigeria, Russia and at least 71 other countries as part of a far-reaching review of its immigration screening and vetting system.
The decision is contained in an internal directive issued by the US Department of State, instructing American embassies and consulates to halt visa processing for nationals of no fewer than 73 countries with effect from January 21.
According to the memo, first reported by Fox News, consular officers have been directed to rely on existing legal grounds to refuse visa applications while the reassessment of vetting procedures is ongoing.
The suspension cuts across several visa categories and has no specified end date, as US authorities have not indicated when the review will be concluded.
Countries affected span Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Latin America. They include Nigeria, Somalia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil and Thailand.
US officials linked the move to stricter enforcement of the “public charge” provision of immigration law, which allows visa officers to deny applications from individuals considered likely to rely on government assistance.
In November 2025, the State Department directed its diplomatic missions globally to apply tougher standards when assessing such risks. Under the updated guidance, officers are required to consider additional factors such as applicants’ age, health status, English language proficiency, financial capacity, employment prospects and potential need for long-term medical care.
Somalia has reportedly attracted heightened scrutiny following a federal investigation in Minnesota that uncovered large-scale fraud involving publicly funded welfare programmes. Prosecutors said many suspects were Somali nationals or of Somali descent, leading to increased attention on visa applications linked to the country.
Although Nigeria was not specifically cited in the memo, its inclusion places it among countries now facing stricter entry barriers. The development comes amid sustained demand by Nigerians seeking US visas for education, employment, tourism and family reunification.
The US State Department has yet to clarify whether humanitarian exemptions will apply or how long the suspension will remain in force, leaving prospective travellers, students and families in a state of uncertainty.
Analysts warn that the policy could significantly disrupt global mobility, delay academic and professional plans, and potentially strain diplomatic relations between the United States and the affected countries.