US Implements Significant Changes to Visa Policy for Nigerians: 3-Month, Single-Entry Standard Takes Effect

The United States Department of State has announced a major revision to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerian citizens, effective immediately from July 8, 2025. This new policy stipulates that most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians will now be valid for only three months and allow for a single entry.

This development marks a significant departure from previous policies, which often granted Nigerians multiple-entry visas with longer validity periods, ranging from two to five years. The change impacts a wide array of visa categories, including but not limited to B-1/B-2 (Tourist/Business), F (Student), J (Exchange Visitor), H-1B (Skilled Worker), and O-1 (Extraordinary Ability).

According to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, this adjustment is part of a broader, continuous review of the global visa reciprocity policy. The U.S. government emphasizes that the revised terms are a direct response to Nigeria’s current visa reciprocity for U.S. citizens. Essentially, the U.S. aims to align its visa terms for Nigerians to mirror those offered by Nigeria to American citizens.

Key Implications for Nigerian Travelers:

• Reduced Validity: Most new non-immigrant visas will now be valid for only three months from the date of issuance.
• Single Entry: Travelers will be granted only a single entry into the U.S. per visa. This means that if a Nigerian citizen with a new visa leaves the U.S., they will need to obtain a new visa for re-entry, even if their authorized period of stay in the U.S. (as determined by their I-94 record) has not expired.
• Existing Visas Unaffected: Visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their original status and validity until their expiration date.
• Distinction between Visa Stamp and I-94: It is crucial for Nigerians to understand that while the visa stamp issued by the embassy will have a three-month, single-entry validity, their authorized period of stay in the U.S. (documented on their I-94 record at the port of entry) may still be longer, aligning with their USCIS petition approval (e.g., for students or workers). However, any departure from the U.S. will necessitate a new visa application for re-entry.

The U.S. Mission has stated that these changes are designed to “protect the integrity of U.S. immigration systems” and are based on “global technical and security benchmarks.” These benchmarks include secure travel documents, effective visa overstay management, and information sharing to protect public safety. The U.S. Mission also affirmed its commitment to working with the Nigerian government to meet these criteria.

Nigeria’s Presidency, in response, has expressed its position, stating that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has not halted the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens, as some misinformation suggested. The Presidency clarified that Nigeria’s recently introduced 90-day e-visa is a distinct, short-term category and does not impact standard visa arrangements. They emphasized that Nigeria continues to grant five-year non-immigrant visas to U.S. citizens based on existing bilateral agreements and reciprocal arrangements, and that the U.S. has yet to reciprocate Nigeria’s e-visa policy.

Despite the stricter visa terms, the U.S. Embassy reiterated its value for its longstanding relationship with Nigeria and its commitment to fostering business, educational, and cultural exchanges. Nigerian travelers are urged to adhere strictly to the terms of their visas and ensure their travel documents are authentic and up-to-date.

For further information and official statements, please refer to:

• U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria Official Statement
• U.S. Department of State – Visa Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country: Nigeria
• Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Official Statement (as reported by media)
• General Information on Applying for a U.S. Visa in Nigeria