The United States Mission in Nigeria has clarified that the recent reduction in visa validity for most Nigerian nonimmigrant applicants is not a political decision, but part of a global policy review aimed at strengthening immigration security.
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In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, the U.S. Mission addressed growing misconceptions about the change, stating that the reduction is not connected to Nigeria’s stance on third-country deportees, its adoption of e-visa systems, or its affiliations with international blocs like BRICS.
According to the mission, the adjustment stems from an ongoing global assessment of U.S. visa usage by other countries, using technical and security benchmarks to protect the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
“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,” the statement said.
The U.S. government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that travel between Nigeria and the United States remains safe, legal, and beneficial for both nations.
As part of the new policy, announced by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, most Nigerian nonimmigrant visa applicants will now receive single-entry visas valid for three months, effective from July 8, 2025. Visas issued before the change remain valid under their original terms.
