Visa applicants from Nigeria, Brazil and over 70 other countries will face a temporary halt in processing at U.S. embassies and consulates.
The suspension stems from new directives issued in Washington designed to tighten immigration controls over concerns about reliance on public welfare.
The U.S. Department of State has instructed consular officers to suspend visa processing for the affected nations beginning January 21, while the government undertakes a broad review of vetting and screening procedures.
The order, first leaked through an internal memo reported by Fox News, directs officials to deny applications under existing immigration provisions until the review ends.
The suspension affects multiple visa categories and will continue indefinitely until the security and screening reassessment is concluded.
Countries impacted cut across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Latin America.
Among them are Nigeria, Russia, Somalia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil and Thailand.
This development is tied to the “public charge” clause of U.S. immigration law, which permits the government to refuse visas to applicants considered likely to become dependent on taxpayer-funded assistance.
In November 2025, the State Department issued updated guidance to embassies globally mandating stricter enforcement of the rule. The expanded directive requires officers to factor in age, health, ability to speak English, financial standing, job prospects and the potential for future reliance on medical or welfare support.
Under the rules, applicants deemed likely to draw on public benefits can be refused entry.
Somalia is receiving particular scrutiny after a federal investigation in Minnesota uncovered a widespread fraud scheme involving misuse of public funds. U.S. officials said many of the suspects were Somali nationals or Somali-Americans, prompting tougher screening policies linked to the country.
Although Nigeria was not singled out in the memo, its inclusion means thousands of prospective students, workers, tourists and families may now face heightened uncertainty over U.S. travel.
The State Department has not indicated when the review will be completed, nor whether exceptions will be available for humanitarian cases.
The step is likely to create fresh challenges for travellers and could place added strain on diplomatic relations and cross-border mobility involving the affected nations.