US Tightens Visa Regulations for Nigerian Applicants

The US has enacted a significant reduction in visa validity and entry conditions for Nigerian applicants, sparking discussions on its implications for diplomatic relations.

The United States has implemented substantial changes to its non-immigrant visa policy regarding Nigeria, resulting in a reduction of visa validity and entry conditions for Nigerian travelers. Starting July 8, the US Department of State announced that nearly all non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas granted to Nigerian citizens will now be single-entry, with a validity period of just three months.

This new policy marks a departure from the previous visa agreements that often allowed for multi-entry visas valid for two years or more. In a reciprocal move, Nigeria has also limited its visa offerings for American travelers to single-entry visas valid for three months. So far, the Nigerian government has not issued an official response to these changes.

According to the US State Department, visa policies are continuously under review and may be adjusted based on diplomatic, security, and immigration developments. The US government stated that it is collaborating with Nigerian authorities to help ensure Nigeria meets required international standards, including the issuance of secure travel documents, effective management of visa overstays, and sharing security or criminal records for public safety.

Furthermore, the US has mandated that all foreign visa applicants, Nigerians included, will face scrutiny of their social media accounts for any signs of animosity towards American citizens, culture, government, or its foundational principles.

Nigerians make up a significant number of international student visa applications to the US. The 2024 Open Doors report on Educational Exchange indicates that Nigeria ranks as the seventh-largest contributor of international students to the US, and the largest from Africa, with 20,029 students enrolled—a 13.5% increase from the previous year.

Responses to the visa restrictions have varied, with some former officials suggesting that the new measures reflect American discomfort with Nigeria's growing global alliances. Bashir Ahmad, an aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari, expressed concerns on social media, arguing that the US's actions indicate discontent with Nigeria's recent alignment with BRICS nations, following President Bola Tinubu’s attendance at the BRICS summit in Brazil.

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