Visa processing for applicants from Nigeria, Russia, and a dozen other countries has been suspended by the United States as part of a review of its immigration screening system, the US Department of State said.
Countries affected by the measure, which takes effect from January 21cut across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Among them are Nigeria, Somalia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil, and Thailand.
It has ordered American embassies and consulates to halt visa processing for nationals of at least 73 countries while authorities reassess vetting procedures.
The suspension applies to several visa categories and has no defined end date, as officials have not indicated when the reassessment will be concluded.
The memo directs consular officers to rely on existing legal grounds to refuse applications during the review period.
US officials link the move to stricter enforcement of the “public charge” provision in immigration law, which permits visa denial for applicants deemed likely to depend on government assistance.
In November 2025, the State Department instructed diplomatic missions worldwide to apply tighter standards when evaluating such risks.
Under the updated guidance, consular officers are required to weigh additional factors, including applicants’ age, health condition, English language ability, financial resources, employment prospects, and possible need for long-term medical care.
Although Nigeria was not specifically cited in the memo, its inclusion places it among nations facing tougher entry requirements. This comes at a time when large numbers of Nigerians seek US visas for education, employment, tourism, and family reunification.
The State Department has not disclosed whether exemptions will be granted for humanitarian cases or how long the suspension will last, leaving prospective travelers, students, and families in uncertainty.
Observers warn that the policy could disrupt mobility, delay educational and professional plans, and strain diplomatic relations between the United States and the affected countries.
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