The United States government has suspended visa processing for applicants from Nigeria, Russia and at least 73 other countries, raising concern among travellers, students, workers and families hoping to enter the country. The decision is part of a wide review of the US immigration screening system and took effect from January 21.
The suspension was revealed in an internal directive issued by the US Department of State and first reported by Fox News. According to the memo, American embassies and consulates around the world have been instructed to stop processing visa applications for nationals of the affected countries while authorities reassess how applicants are screened and approved.
The directive orders consular officers to rely on existing laws to refuse visa applications during the review period. It also states that the suspension applies to several visa categories, including tourist, student, work and some family-based visas. No clear end date has been given, as officials have not said when the review will be completed.
Nigeria is among the countries affected by the decision, alongside Somalia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil and Thailand. The countries cut across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Latin America, showing the global scale of the policy.
For many Nigerians, the news has caused worry and confusion. Every year, thousands of Nigerians apply for US visas for different reasons, including education, business, tourism, employment and family reunification. The United States remains one of the top destinations for Nigerian students seeking higher education and professionals looking for better job opportunities.
Although Nigeria was not directly mentioned in the memo as a specific concern, its inclusion places it among countries facing stricter entry requirements. This development comes at a time when many Nigerians are already struggling with long visa processing times, high application fees and strict interview conditions at the US Embassy.
US officials have linked the suspension to stricter enforcement of the “public charge” provision in American immigration law. This rule allows visa officers to deny entry to applicants they believe may depend on government assistance such as welfare or public benefits if allowed into the country.
In November 2025, the US State Department issued guidance to all diplomatic missions worldwide to apply tougher standards when assessing visa applicants under the public charge rule. The new guidance expanded the list of factors that officers must consider before approving a visa.
Under the updated rules, consular officers are now required to look closely at an applicant’s age, health condition, English language ability, financial strength, employment history and future job prospects. Officers are also expected to consider whether the applicant may need long-term medical care that could become a burden on the US healthcare system.
Officials say the current suspension will allow time to properly review how these rules are being applied and to ensure that visa screening meets national security and economic standards. However, critics argue that the move is too broad and unfairly affects people who have genuine reasons for travel.
Somalia has received special attention under the policy due to a recent federal investigation in Minnesota, United States. The investigation uncovered widespread fraud involving publicly funded welfare programmes. According to US prosecutors, many of those involved were Somali nationals or people of Somali descent.
As a result, visa applications linked to Somalia are now under increased scrutiny. While Nigeria has not been linked to any similar case in the memo, analysts believe that general concerns about immigration control and public spending have influenced the inclusion of many countries.
The State Department has not said whether there will be exemptions for humanitarian cases, medical emergencies or special diplomatic travel. It has also not provided a timeline for when visa processing might resume. This lack of clarity has left many prospective travellers uncertain about their plans.
Students who have already secured admission into US universities may be among the hardest hit. Many rely on timely visa approval to resume studies, attend orientation programmes or meet scholarship deadlines. Delays could force some to defer admission or lose opportunities altogether.
Business owners and professionals are also affected. Nigerian entrepreneurs who travel to the US for meetings, trade fairs and investment opportunities now face delays that could affect contracts and partnerships. Families hoping to attend weddings, funerals or reunite with loved ones are also caught in the uncertainty.
This is not the first time Nigeria has faced visa-related challenges with the United States. In previous years, concerns over document verification, overstaying and security issues have led to changes in visa rules for Nigerians. However, this latest suspension is one of the widest in scope.
The Nigerian government has not yet issued an official statement on the development. However, foreign affairs experts say Abuja may seek clarification from US authorities through diplomatic channels, especially if the suspension continues for an extended period.
For now, Nigerians planning to travel to the United States are advised to stay informed through official embassy channels and avoid relying on unverified information. Immigration experts also advise applicants to prepare strong documentation showing financial stability and clear travel purpose once processing resumes.