Visa applicants from Nigeria, Russia, and 73 other countries are facing renewed uncertainty following a decision by the United States Department of State to pause visa processing as part of a sweeping review of its immigration screening procedures.
The suspension, which takes effect from January 21, 2026, cuts across multiple visa categories, including tourist, student, business, and family-related visas, according to reports by international media. The move is linked to stricter enforcement of the long-standing “public charge” provision in U.S. immigration law.
Under the public charge rule, consular officers are empowered to deny visas to applicants considered likely to depend on U.S. government welfare or public assistance programmes. Sources familiar with the directive say U.S. consulates have been instructed to halt or significantly slow down processing for affected countries while new assessment guidelines are finalised.
Nigeria’s inclusion on the list has sparked concern among students seeking admission into American institutions, business owners with pending engagements, and families awaiting reunification visas. Russia, Somalia, Iran, and several countries across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America are also affected by the policy.
While U.S. officials have not announced a specific end date, the pause is described as indefinite, pending the conclusion of the screening review. Applicants with ongoing cases may experience delays, refusals, or requests for additional financial documentation to prove self-sufficiency.
Analysts note that the development aligns with broader U.S. immigration tightening efforts aimed at reducing perceived welfare dependency among migrants. However, critics argue that the measure disproportionately affects developing countries and could strain educational, diplomatic, and commercial ties.
As of press time, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and other diplomatic missions in affected countries have yet to issue country-specific advisories, but prospective applicants are being urged to monitor official embassy updates and prepare for extended processing delays.
The decision is expected to have significant short-term impacts on travel plans and cross-border mobility, particularly for Nigerians, who consistently rank among the top African applicants for U.S. visas.
Photo Credit: Reuters
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