The United States has introduced stricter visa policies aimed at Nigerian nationals, warning that overstaying visas may now lead to deportation and a lifetime entry ban.
In an advisory shared through the US Mission in Nigeria’s official account on X (formerly Twitter), Nigerian citizens were reminded of the serious consequences of overstaying their permitted stay in the US.
“If you remain in the United States beyond your authorised period of stay, you could be deported and could face a permanent ban on travelling to the United States in the future,” the statement read.
According to the updated rules, Nigerians applying for nonimmigrant visas excluding diplomats will now be issued only single entry visas valid for 90 days.
The US authorities cited repeated instances of visa overstays, fraudulent documentation, and security concerns as reasons behind the decision.
In addition, a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee will apply to various visa categories such as B1 B2 (business tourist), F and M (students), H1B (employment), and J (exchange visitors). Diplomats under A and G visa classifications are exempt from the new charges.
Further nonrefundable charges have also been introduced, including a $24 fee for the I94 travel record and a $13 ESTA fee for travelers from countries covered by the Visa Waiver Program.
The US government said the new measures were aimed at strengthening visa enforcement, minimizing fraudulent applications, and enhancing security screening.
As part of heightened scrutiny, applicants for F, M, and J visas must now provide access to their social media accounts, allowing immigration officials to conduct deeper background checks through their online presence.
