The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a strong advisory urging Nigerian travelers to the United States to comply strictly with the terms and conditions of their U.S. visas. This move follows growing concerns from the U.S. Government over repeated violations by some Nigerian citizens.
Misuse of U.S. Visas Under Growing Scrutiny
In a statement released in Abuja, the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Akinsola Akinlabi, confirmed that the U.S. Government has flagged a number of Nigerian travelers for abusing visa privileges. Common violations include overstaying, changing the intended purpose of travel without authorization, and engaging in activities that violate U.S. immigration laws.
According to Akinlabi, “All visa holders are advised to strictly adhere to the purpose stated in their visa applications. Applicants are reminded that security screening by U.S. authorities continues beyond initial entry. Any violation of immigration or other laws may result in visa revocation or deportation.”
The statement emphasized that even minor breaches—such as unauthorized work, absenteeism from school, or failure to notify of academic changes—can have serious consequences including deportation and long-term travel bans.
Students and Birth Tourism Also Under Watch
Nigerian students in the U.S. were particularly cautioned to maintain full-time enrollment and avoid absences or unauthorized academic changes. Students who drop out or alter their educational plans without informing immigration officials may face visa cancellation and risk becoming ineligible for future U.S. travel.
In addition, the NIS drew attention to the U.S. Government’s crackdown on “birth tourism.” This practice involves pregnant women traveling on tourist visas with the intention of giving birth in the U.S. so that their child automatically gains citizenship. The U.S. now instructs its consular officers to deny tourist visas if they suspect this is the applicant’s main purpose.
Working With the U.S. Mission to Prevent Sanctions
The NIS reiterated that it is collaborating closely with the U.S. Mission in Nigeria to avoid the possibility of Nigeria being subjected to broader visa restrictions in the future. “Compliance with visa regulations is critical to protecting the integrity of legitimate travel by Nigerian citizens,” the Service stated.
Background: A History of Scrutiny
This is not the first time Nigeria has been flagged over immigration issues. In 2020, Nigeria was placed on a list of countries facing immigration restrictions due to security concerns, including insufficient identity management systems and poor information sharing related to terrorism. While this didn’t result in a full travel ban, it did limit access to certain visa categories, particularly immigrant visas.
In addition to policy restrictions, Nigerian applicants have historically faced high rejection rates for U.S. visas—often due to concerns about their travel history, financial capacity, and doubts about their willingness to return home.
Final Note
With the U.S. tightening its visa regulations and enforcement, the Nigeria Immigration Service is urging all citizens to travel responsibly, follow visa conditions diligently, and seek proper guidance before making travel decisions. Ensuring compliance not only protects individual travelers but also preserves Nigeria’s standing in the global travel and immigration landscape.