News
US Increases Visa Fees for Nigerians Seeking Entry in 2025
US visa fee Nigeria rises with new \$250 surcharge on non-immigrant visas, affecting students, tourists, and workers starting fiscal year 2025.
US visa fee Nigeria rises with new \$250 surcharge on non-immigrant visas, affecting students, tourists, and workers starting fiscal year 2025
Nigerians hoping to travel to the United States will now pay significantly more under a new policy. A \$250 Visa Integrity Fee will be added to non-immigrant visa applications starting in fiscal year 2025.
Also read: Organisers of Africa-Canada Investment Summit Announces New Date
This means that for a standard B1/B2 tourist or business visa, applicants from Nigeria will pay around \$435, nearly double the current \$185 rate.
The US says the charge aims to discourage overstaying and reward visa compliance. Refunds may be possible for travellers who leave within five days of visa expiry, but only after the visa has lapsed and if compliance is fully verified.
The refund is not automatic and failure to meet conditions means forfeiture of the fee.
Affected visa classes include student, exchange, and professional worker categories such as F, M, J, and H-1B. Diplomatic visa types remain exempt. The fee will also rise annually from 2026, based on inflation.
Nigerians are among the highest applicants for US visas in Africa. Education and travel experts fear the move could limit access for genuine students and professionals. Human rights advocates also argue that frequent policy changes unfairly target nations in the Global South.
President Bola Tinubu reportedly contacted US President Donald Trump to raise concerns following an earlier announcement on tougher visa rules. The timing of this new fee has raised further alarm.
“The financial and psychological cost of applying for a US visa is becoming unbearable,” said Abuja-based travel consultant Ibrahim Ayodele. “Many clients are now rethinking their plans.”
Applicants are urged to plan early, follow all instructions closely, and document their departure to remain eligible for any future refund. While the US has emphasised compliance, the refund process is complex and not guaranteed.
Also read: Miyetti Allah Urges NASS To Stop Enactment Of Anti-open Grazing Laws
The US insists the aim is deterrence, not punishment. However, Nigerian stakeholders believe the burden on law-abiding travellers is growing without fair recourse.
David Umahi predicts a South-East voting shift in 2027, citing Tinubu’s infrastructure projects and appointments across the region
Minister of Works David Umahi has predicted that voters in the South-East will support President Bola Tinubu differently in the 2027 presidential election, arguing that federal infrastructure projects and political appointments have changed the region’s relationship with the administration.
Also read: FG to immortalise Nigerian soldiers killed in Liberia, Sierra Leone
Umahi made the prediction in an interview with ARISE News published on Friday, describing the region’s overwhelming support for Labour Party candidate Peter Obi in the 2023 election as an “accident of history”.
He attributed the voting pattern to anger over what he described as the region’s marginalisation under the previous administration.
“In 2023, it was an accident of history. It was a demonstration of the anger of the people of South East on how they were treated,” he said.
The former Ebonyi State governor added that he believed the situation had changed under Tinubu.
“We’ve been marginalised in the past, but it’s no longer so,” Umahi said.
“If in 2023 they demonstrated their anger, in 2027 they are going to demonstrate their joy on how the President has treated them,” he added.
The minister said federal road projects and other investments in the South-East were reasons voters might reconsider their political choices in 2027.
He also claimed that serving and former governors, traditional rulers and other influential figures in the region were increasingly aligning with Tinubu.
Umahi argued that voters would be reluctant to abandon what he described as infrastructure gains for another political “gamble”.
However, his prediction reflects his own assessment of the region’s political mood.
The interview did not establish how voters currently intend to vote in 2027.
Umahi rejected suggestions that South-East political leaders supporting Tinubu were betraying the region or Obi, arguing that the region’s political interests should not be permanently tied to one candidate.
He also criticised social media supporters who insult regional leaders for backing the President, saying such attacks would not advance Obi’s political interests or those of the South-East.
The minister maintained that the region needed to negotiate and build alliances with other parts of Nigeria if it hoped to produce a president in the future.
Asked whether he believed Tinubu would defeat Obi in the South-East in 2027, Umahi responded confidently: “Why do you say I believe? That is what is going to happen!”
Also read: FG to immortalise Nigerian soldiers killed in Liberia, Sierra Leone
His comments come as political alignments and debates over regional representation begin to shape discussions ahead of the 2027 general election.
Dele Momodu replies Seyi Makinde, saying Nigeria needs a president with vision, experience and tolerance ahead of the 2027 election
-
Politics3 years ago
13 Ondo Assembly Members Disown Endorsement of Aiyedatiwa
-
Politics3 years ago
APC Group, Ondo Govt, Quarrel Over Money for Endorsement
-
Trending News5 years agoStop unsavoury, inciting statements – DSS warns
-
Others5 years agoAdron Homes Celebrates 10 Years Of Housing Excellence
-
Humanity5 years agoPresident Buhari Commiserates With Ambassador Maureen Tamuno Over The Loss Of Her Father
-
Others7 years agoEX- CUSTOMS BOSS, IBRAHIM MERA’S DWINDLING FAME
-
Business2 years agoBigi Carbonated Soft Drinks Treats 40 Consumers to an Epic Easter Movie Hangout
-
Business2 years agoWema Bank Shines at Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards 2024 …Awarded: • SME Financier of the Year (Africa) • Platinum Award for Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs (Africa)