As of 8 July 2025, many nations, including Nigeria, would be impacted by changes to the US Department of State’s reciprocal non-immigrant visa program. Starting right now, the majority of non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas granted to Nigerian nationals will only be valid for one entry and have a three-month validity period.
Read Also:
- Access Bank Entry Level Recruitment (Graduate Trainee Program) 2025 for Nigerians
- Apply for the Fully Funded MEST AI Startup Program 2026 for Africans
- Apply for the 2025 NAPEP Development Program: Empowering Nigerians Through Skills, Grants & Employment
- CPN Certified Digital Skill Trainer Development Program for Nigerians (July 2025)
Those U.S. non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity. We wish to underscore that, as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity. You can view the latest information on visa reciprocity schedules for all countries at travel.state.gov.
Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada.
The purpose of U.S. visa requirements and standards is to safeguard the integrity of the country’s immigration laws. Global technological and security benchmarks serve as the foundation for these standards. To make sure Nigeria can fulfill the requirements, the U.S. Mission is collaborating with the Nigerian government.
Standard criteria include, for example:
- Secure Travel Documents: Ensuring countries issue secure travel documents with verified traveler identities.
- Visa Overstay Management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travelers on U.S. visas.
- Information Sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.
The United States values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria and remains committed to expanding our partnership based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunity, keeping both our countries safer and stronger. We commend the ongoing efforts by the Government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices. We continue to engage with Nigerian government officials to address the remaining challenges.
Nigerian travelers are encouraged to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date. The United States remains a committed partner in deepening people-to-people ties with Nigeria via business, educational, and cultural exchanges. We look forward to continued cooperation at all levels with the Nigerian public and government officials to ensure safe and lawful travel between the United States and all countries.
What Does This Mean for International Students and Other FAQs
How does the new policy affect Nigerian international students?
The updated policy applies to most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas, including student visas (F-1). Starting July 8, 2025, Nigerian students will receive single-entry visas valid for three months. Students must ensure their travel plans align with this validity period and may need to apply for new visas for subsequent entries into the U.S. Visas issued before July 8, 2025, remain valid under their original terms.
Can Nigerian students still study in the U.S. under this policy?
Yes, Nigerian students can continue to study in the U.S. The policy change affects visa entry and validity, not eligibility for student visas. Students should plan their travel carefully and consult with their U.S. educational institutions and the U.S. Embassy for guidance on visa renewals.
What happens if a student’s visa expires during their studies?
As long as students maintain their lawful status (e.g., by enrolling full-time and complying with visa conditions), they can remain in the U.S. for the duration of their program, even if their visa expires. However, a new visa will be required for re-entry if they leave the U.S.
How can Nigerian travelers ensure compliance with the new policy?
Travelers should verify that their travel documents are authentic and up-to-date, adhere to visa terms, and avoid overstaying. Checking the latest visa reciprocity schedules on travel.state.gov is recommended for updates.
Will this policy change again in the future?
Visa reciprocity is subject to ongoing review. Changes to entry permissions or validity periods may occur based on negotiations and improvements in Nigeria’s compliance with U.S. visa criteria, such as secure document issuance and information sharing.
Who can Nigerian applicants contact for more information?
For the latest information, Nigerian applicants should visit travel.state.gov or contact the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria. The U.S. Mission continues to work with the Nigerian government to support safe and lawful travel.
Refs: https://ng.usembassy.gov/revised-visa-reciprocity-policy-for-nigeria/
