US To Nigerians: Visa Overstay Not Good, It Hurts Others’ Chances

The United States of America has warned that visa overstays by Nigerian travellers could negatively affect opportunities for other citizens seeking to travel to the US.

In a post on its official X handle on Monday, the US Mission in Nigeria urged travellers to comply with visa conditions, stressing that responsible travel protects access for students, business travellers, and families.

“Visa overstays by Nigerian travellers can affect opportunities for their fellow citizens. Strengthening compliance helps protect access for students, business travellers, and families who travel responsibly,” the post read.

The mission also encouraged Nigerians to report cases of visa fraud to the U.S. Federal Police Units in Abuja and Lagos.

“If you are aware of visa fraud, please report it to AbujaFPU@state.gov or LagosFPU@state.gov,” it said.

The statement comes amid an ongoing partial suspension of certain US visa categories for Nigerians, which took effect in January 2026.

The partial suspension, enacted under Presidential Proclamation 10998 effective January 1, 2026, limits issuance of B-1/B-2, F, M, J, and all immigrant visas for nationals of Nigeria and 18 other countries, with exceptions for certain diplomatic, official, and humanitarian cases.

Nigeria is among 75 nations overall facing immigrant visa pauses.

US said the pause aimed at reviewing policies to prevent reliance on U.S. public benefits and address security risks.

Credit: punchng.com