The United States has formally announced the suspension of visa issuance to Nigerian nationals, effective January 1, 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998.
The confirmation was issued by the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria in an official update dated December 22, 2025, providing legal clarity to weeks of uncertainty surrounding U.S. visa access for Nigerians.
Under the proclamation, the U.S. Department of State will not issue new visas to Nigerians who are outside the United States and do not already hold valid visas as of the effective date.
Visa Categories Covered by the Suspension
The proclamation places a direct suspension—not a restriction or slowdown—on the issuance of the following visas to Nigerians:
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B-1/B-2 visas (business and tourism)
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F, M, and J visas (student and exchange visitor visas)
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All immigrant visas, subject only to limited statutory exemptions
This means Nigerian nationals seeking to travel, study, exchange, or immigrate to the United States through these categories will not receive visa approvals once the policy takes effect.
The suspension applies irrespective of interview scheduling or application submission, as issuance authority is withheld under federal law.
Who the Suspension Applies To
The U.S. Mission clarified that the policy applies strictly to individuals who meet both of the following conditions:
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They are outside the United States as of 12:01 a.m. EST on January 1, 2026, and
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They do not hold a valid U.S. visa issued before that time
Applicants who fall within this category may still submit visa applications and attend interviews, but visa issuance will be denied under the proclamation.
Who Is Exempt
The proclamation includes specific, legally defined exemptions, under which visa issuance or entry may still occur:
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Nigerians holding valid U.S. visas issued before January 1, 2026
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Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders)
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Dual nationals applying with passports from non-affected countries
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Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, including eligible U.S. government employees
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Participants in designated major international sporting events
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Certain immigrant visa cases involving ethnic or religious minorities facing persecution in Iran
Importantly, the U.S. government confirmed that no visas issued before January 1, 2026 have been or will be revoked under the proclamation.
No Retroactive Effect, But Forward Issuance Halted
The U.S. Mission stressed that the policy is forward-looking only.
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Existing visas remain valid
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Entry for existing visa holders remains subject to standard border screening
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The suspension affects issuance, not status cancellation
This distinction is critical for Nigerians currently holding U.S. visas or residing in the United States.
Connection to Earlier Reporting on U.S. Visa Changes
This announcement confirms earlier Naijaonpoint reporting that Nigerians would face formal U.S. visa access limitations beginning in 2026, moving the issue from speculation to enforceable policy.
What was previously described as “tightening” or “enhanced scrutiny” is now clearly defined as a legal suspension of visa issuance, grounded in a presidential proclamation with nationwide enforcement authority.
Why the U.S. Took This Step
The proclamation is framed around national security and immigration control, consistent with broader U.S. immigration measures under the administration of Donald Trump.
The policy affects 19 countries, indicating a multilateral enforcement approach rather than Nigeria-specific sanctions. However, Nigeria’s inclusion has major implications due to the scale of travel, education, and migration links between both countries.
Implications for Nigerians
The suspension is expected to significantly affect:
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Nigerian students planning to study in the U.S.
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Families pursuing immigration pathways
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Business travellers and tourists
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Exchange programmes and academic mobility
Analysts say the move could redirect Nigerian migration interest toward Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe, while also increasing pressure on domestic institutions to provide alternatives.
What Nigerians Should Do Now
Nigerians planning U.S. travel or migration should:
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Verify visa status before January 1, 2026
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Avoid assumptions that interviews equal approvals
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Monitor official guidance from the U.S. Department of State
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Consider alternative education, travel, and migration destinations
Bottom Line
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The U.S. has suspended visa issuance to Nigerians from January 1, 2026
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The action is not partial, not discretionary, and not speculative
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Existing visas remain valid
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New visa approvals in affected categories will not be issued
This marks one of the most consequential shifts in U.S.–Nigeria travel relations in recent years and establishes a clear legal framework Nigerians must now navigate heading into 2026.