US SUSPENDS VISA PROCESSING FOR NIGERIA

US SUSPENDS VISA PROCESSING FOR NIGERIA, 74 OTHER COUNTRIES
Washington, D.C. — January 14, 2026
The United States government has announced a suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of Nigeria and 74 other countries, effective January 21, 2026, part of a major overhaul of how the U.S. screens applicants under its longstanding “public charge” rule.
According to an internal memo issued by the U.S. State Department, embassies and consulates worldwide have been instructed to halt immigrant visa issuances to citizens of the affected nations indefinitely, while a comprehensive review of screening and vetting procedures is conducted.
The suspension affects only immigrant visas — typically for permanent residency — and does not immediately apply to short-term tourist, student or business visas, though those categories may face stricter scrutiny.
Financial Times
Why the Suspension? “Public Charge” Enforcement
The move is linked to the enforcement of the “public charge” provision of U.S. immigration law, which allows consular officers to deny visas to applicants judged likely to become dependent on public welfare or government benefits once in the United States.
Travel.gov
Under the revised approach, officers will weigh factors such as: • Financial capacity and employment prospects

• Health and potential medical needs
• English language proficiency
• Age and family support systems
  …in deciding whether an immigrant qualifies.
  Travel.gov
  A State Department spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, said the step reflects the department’s long-standing authority under existing law to deem applicants ineligible if they might become a public charge.
  Countries Affected
  The suspension covers 75 nations spanning Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. Among them are:
  Nigeria
  Somalia
  Russia
  Iran
  Afghanistan
  Brazil
  Egypt
  Iraq
  Thailand
  Yemen
  …and many others.
  Financial Times
  While the full list was first circulated in diplomatic cables, the State Department is expected to publish official details soon.
  Travel.gov
  Scope & Duration
• The suspension takes effect January 21, 2026, and will remain in force indefinitely until the ongoing review of procedures is complete.
• It only applies to immigrant visas (e.g., family-based and employment-based green cards).
• Non-immigrant visas — like tourist (B1/B2), student (F-1) or temporary work visas — are not immediately suspended, though screening may become stricter under related rules.
  Financial Times
  alexa.
  Reactions & Implications
• Diplomatic ties: The suspension comes amid broader U.S. immigration tightening under the current administration, which has also issued other entry restrictions citing security and welfare concerns.
• Diaspora impact: Analysts estimate that thousands of prospective immigrants, including Nigerians and others planning family or work-based relocation to the U.S., could face delays or denials as a result.
• Uncertainty: With no set end date for the pause, prospective applicants from the affected countries have been advised to monitor updates from U.S. embassies and consulates.
  This move expands on earlier Trump-era immigration policies and reflects heightened enforcement of public-charge standards — often politically controversial — intended to ensure migrants entering the U.S. are self-sufficient and unlikely to depend on taxpayer-funded programmes.