The United States government says its decision to limit most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians to single-entry and a three-month validity is based on “global security standards”, not a retaliatory move.
A statement released by the US Department of State on
Tuesday said the updated policy, which took effect on July 8, 2025, applies to
new visa issuances and will not affect visas granted before that date.
“U.S. visa criteria and standards are designed to protect
the integrity of U.S. immigration systems. These standards are based on global
technical and security benchmarks. The
U.S. Mission is working with the Government of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria
can meet the criteria,” the statement reads.
The statement explained that visa reciprocity is subject to
continuous review and can be adjusted at any time, including changes to the
number of permitted entries and visa validity periods.
The new visa policy affects only non-immigrant and non-diplomatic
categories, meaning most short-term travelers for business, tourism, and study
will now receive visas valid for just three months and for one entry into the
US.
The announcement generated mixed reactions with reports
linking the move to Nigeria’s stance on third-world deportees.
But a statement by the US mission in Nigeria on Friday said
the changes are part of a global effort to align visa policies with security
priorities, not a country-specific decision.
“This reduction is not the result of any nation’s stance on
third-country deportees, introduction of e-visa policies, or affiliations with
groups like BRICS,” the statement reads.
“The reduction in validity is part of an ongoing global
review of the use of U.S. visas by other countries using technical and security
benchmarks to safeguard U.S. immigration systems.
“We value our longstanding partnership with Nigeria and
remain committed to working closely with the Nigerian public and government
officials to help them meet those criteria and benchmarks, thereby ensuring
safe, lawful, and mutually beneficial travel between our nations.”
Since taking office, US President Donald Trump has signed a
flurry of executive orders aimed at deporting millions of “illegal immigrants”
— many of whom are asylum seekers — back to their countries of origin.
Diplomatic sources had said Trump has been putting pressure
on many countries to serve as temporary homes for asylum seekers until their
cases are treated, and this usually takes up to seven years.
A few countries have already received some deportees.
However, Nigeria has refused to be part of the arrangement. Discussions took
place but were unsuccessful owing to Nigeria’s unwillingness to accept
non-citizens, many of whom had a number of years left to finalise their asylum
applications.
The sources said Nigeria’s refusal to accept asylum seekers
from the United States is partly responsible for the recent visa restrictions.
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