The United States Mission Nigeria has renewed its warning against visa fraud, cautioning that such violations could trigger stricter screening for Nigerian applicants and undermine travel opportunities for those seeking to engage legitimately with the United States.
In a statement shared on X on Monday, February 17, the mission said attempts to manipulate the visa process increase scrutiny for others. “Those who seek to commit fraud bring increased scrutiny on all visa applicants. We protect the United States (US) visa system with rigorous screening, and our officers take fraud very seriously,” the post stated.
The mission also urged Nigerians to report suspected visa-related fraud to dedicated Fraud Prevention Units in Abuja and Lagos via the emails [email protected] and [email protected].
It acknowledged that many Nigerians continue to engage lawfully with the United States as students, professionals, temporary workers, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Earlier this month, on February 9, the mission issued a similar advisory, noting that repeated visa overstays by some Nigerian travellers have become a major factor affecting future applications from the country. “Visa overstays by Nigerian travellers can affect opportunities for their fellow citizens. Strengthening compliance helps protect access for students, business travellers, and families who travel responsibly,” the mission said at the time.
The warnings come as US authorities have implemented a series of policy measures aimed at reducing visa fraud and overstays. On January 1, 2026, the US government partially suspended the issuance of certain visa categories to Nigerian nationals, including B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas. The restriction applies only to foreign nationals who were outside the US on the effective date and do not hold a valid visa. Nigerians who already possess valid visas issued before January 1, 2026, are not affected.
According to US consular authorities, Nigeria recorded a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 5.56% and an overstay rate of 11.90% for F, M, and J visas, prompting the decision. The US government cited security concerns, difficulties in vetting travellers, and high rates of visa overstays as reasons for the restrictions.
In addition, the Trump administration paused immigrant visa processing for Nigeria and approximately 74 other countries starting January 21, 2026, as part of broader efforts to overhaul the US immigration system.
The warnings reflect ongoing concerns by US consular authorities about fraudulent applications linked to a small segment of applicants. In the past, these concerns have led to policy adjustments, including shorter visa validity periods for many Nigerians and enhanced background checks, as the US Department of State works to maintain the integrity of its immigration system.
In 2025, the US Department of State revoked more than 100,000 foreign visas, more than double the number revoked in 2024, signalling a broader tightening of visa enforcement globally.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) also issued a stern advisory last year, warning Nigerians against the misuse of US visas and urging all visa holders to comply strictly with visa conditions.
