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US Warns Nigerians Against Visa Overstay, Enforces Stricter Entry Rules.
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New rules limit visa duration, introduce $250 integrity fee.
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Social media checks now required for student and exchange visa applicants.
The United States Government has issued a strong warning to Nigerian travellers, cautioning against overstaying their visa duration, with violators risking deportation and a permanent travel ban.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the advisory, posted on the official 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) handle of the US Mission in Nigeria, comes amid a broader immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump’s administration. “If you remain in the United States beyond your authorised period of stay, you could be deported and could face a permanent ban on travelling to the United States in the future,” the statement read.
This warning follows the US government’s introduction of new visa restrictions and financial surcharges for Nigerians seeking to travel for business, tourism, work, or study. Under the revised immigration rules, non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visa categories for Nigerian citizens are now limited to a three-month, single-entry term.
In addition, Nigerian applicants must now pay a mandatory $250 Visa Integrity Fee for specific categories including student visas (F and M), tourist/business visas (B-1/B-2), employment visas (H-1B), and exchange visitor visas (J). Only diplomatic visa holders in categories A and G are exempt from the new charges.
The updated policy also mandates other non-waivable surcharges such as a $24 I-94 fee and a $13 ESTA fee for travellers under the Visa Waiver Program. US authorities say these measures align with its visa reciprocity efforts and are aimed at combating immigration fraud and safeguarding national security.
Further tightening the visa process, the US Embassy has now made it compulsory for F, M, and J visa applicants to open their social media accounts to public view. This allows US immigration officials to access and screen applicants’ social media activities as part of background checks.
The changes are in line with executive orders signed by President Trump to enforce stricter immigration controls and ensure more comprehensive vetting of all visa applicants.
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