US limits Nigerians’ non-immigrant visas to three-month validity, one-time entry

US limits Nigerians’ non-immigrant visas to three-month validity, one-time entry

The United States (US), has announced a major change to its
visa policy for Nigeria, reducing the validity period and entry allowance for
most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens.

 

In a statement on Tuesday, the US embassy in Nigeria said
most of the affected visas will now be limited to single-entry with a
three-month validity period.

 

The change takes immediate effect.

 

But the embassy said visas issued before July 8 will remain
valid under their original terms.

 

It noted that the revision is part of its global visa
reciprocity process, where its visa policies are aligned with how its own
citizens are treated by other countries.

 

The US embassy added that the policy is subject to regular
review and may result in adjustments to visa validity or entry allowances.

 

It noted that Nigeria still needs to meet certain criteria
to improve the visa reciprocity standing, which include issuing secure travel
documents with verifiable identities, effectively managing visa overstays, and
sharing relevant security and criminal record information with US authorities.

 

 

“The U.S. Mission is working with the Government of Nigeria
to ensure that Nigeria can meet the criteria,” the statement reads.

 

Despite the tightening of visa terms, the US reiterated its
commitment to maintaining strong ties with Nigeria.

 

Earlier, the embassy asked all applicants for F, M, and J
non-immigrant visas to adjust their social media privacy settings to public.

 

The directive applies to individuals seeking to study or
participate in academic and vocational exchange programmes in the US.

      

According to the notice, the measure is part of enhanced
vetting procedures aimed at verifying the identities and admissibility of
applicants under US law.

Source: US limits Nigerians’ non-immigrant visas to three-month validity, one-time entry

 - NigerianEye

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