The United States government has implemented a temporary pause on visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Nigeria, Russia, and Somalia, as part of a broader review of its immigration screening procedures. The suspension, ordered by the US State Department, aims to strengthen immigration vetting and ensure that visa recipients are financially self-sufficient.
The public charge provision, which empowers US consular officers to deny visas to applicants likely to rely on public welfare programs, is a key focus of the review. Although the full list of affected countries has not been officially published, multiple reports confirm that Nigeria is among the nations impacted by the temporary freeze, which applies to both immigrant and non-immigrant visas, including visitor, student, work, and family-related categories.
US embassies and consulates in affected countries have been instructed to halt routine visa issuance while the review is ongoing, with no clear timeline given for when processing will resume. This decision is expected to significantly affect Nigerians, who already face high US visa refusal rates, particularly students, business travelers, and families with pending reunification applications.
The move could further strain educational exchange programs and disrupt travel plans for thousands of Nigerians with scheduled visa appointments. The US Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate in Lagos have not issued an official statement on how the suspension will be implemented locally or whether exemptions will apply.
The US State Department has stated that the visa pause is intended to strengthen immigration vetting and ensure that visa recipients are financially self-sufficient. However, critics argue that the policy could unfairly penalize applicants from developing countries. The suspension is part of a wider effort by the US government to enforce stricter immigration policies, including the public charge rule.
The impact of the visa pause on Nigerians and other affected nationals is likely to be significant, with potential disruptions to travel, education, and family reunification plans. As the review continues, it remains to be seen how the US government will implement the suspension and what exemptions or exceptions may be applied. The situation is being closely monitored by affected individuals and organizations, who are awaiting further guidance from US authorities.
