US suspends all visa processing for Nigerians starting Jan 21
The United States has suspended visa processing for all Nigerian applicants, effective January 21, 2026. This means Nigeria joins 74 other countries—including Russia, Somalia, Brazil, and Afghanistan—facing a complete halt in US visa applications under the Trump administration.
The suspension follows a week-old policy requiring Nigerians on B1/B2 visas to post bonds up to $15,000, which was set to take effect the same day. That bond policy likely won't materialize now, as the visa ban overrides it.
Last month, the US already barred entry for Nigerians seeking green cards or B-1, B-2, F, M, and J visas, citing high visa overstay rates and security concerns. The suspension duration remains unclear, leaving thousands of Nigerian students, professionals, and families in limbo.
Nigerians with pending applications face immediate delays. Those planning travel for business, study, or family visits must now seek alternative destinations or wait for policy reversal. Will this push more Nigerians toward Europe or Canada, or will diplomatic talks resume before the January 21 deadline?