The US will partially suspend visas for Nigerian nationals from January 1, 2026, affecting nonimmigrant and immigrant categories under a new security proclamation

The United States will partially suspend the issuance of certain visas to Nigerian nationals starting January 1, 2026, following a presidential proclamation on border and national security.

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The US Mission in Nigeria confirmed that the restriction will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) under Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”

Nigeria is among 19 countries affected, including Angola, Benin, Cuba, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.

The suspension covers nonimmigrant visas such as B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M, and J student and exchange visas, as well as immigrant visas, with limited exemptions.

Exemptions include immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran, dual nationals using passports from unaffected countries, lawful permanent residents of the US, participants in certain major international sporting events, and special immigrant visas for eligible US government employees.

The US Mission clarified that only foreign nationals outside the US on the effective date without a valid visa will be affected.

“Foreign nationals holding valid visas as of January 1, 2026, will not be affected. No visas issued before that date will be revoked,” the statement added.

Visa applicants from affected countries may still submit applications and attend interviews, but under the new rules, they may be denied visa issuance or admission.

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The move follows previous US actions targeting Nigeria, including its recent inclusion on a revised travel ban list and designation for violating religious freedom.