NIS Warns Nigerians Against Misusing U.S. Visas
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a strong advisory to Nigerian citizens holding United States visas, cautioning them against the misuse of their travel privileges. The warning comes amid growing concerns over visa violations that have prompted the U.S. government to adopt stricter entry policies for Nigerian nationals.
In a statement released on Saturday the Service Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration Akinsola Akinrabi, emphasized the importance of adhering strictly to the purpose for which a U.S. visa is issued, whether for tourism, education, or business. The agency warned that any deviation from the stated purpose such as overstaying, unauthorized employment, or engaging in activities not covered by the visa could result in severe penalties, including visa cancellation, deportation, or permanent ineligibility for future travel to the United States.
“Visa holders are advised to comply with all visa conditions and avoid any form of misuse, which may have long-term consequences not just for individuals, but for Nigeria’s diplomatic standing,” Akinrabi stated.
The advisory particularly highlighted concerns around Nigerian students in the U.S., warning that unauthorized withdrawal from academic programs, chronic absenteeism, or changes in course of study without proper notification to U.S. immigration authorities could lead to immediate revocation of student visas.
Tourists were also cautioned against using U.S. visitor visas for purposes such as giving birth in the United States with the sole intention of securing citizenship for their children a practice often referred to as “birth tourism.” The U.S. embassy has previously flagged this issue as a form of visa fraud and a basis for denial of future applications.
This development follows a recent policy shift by the U.S. government in July 2025, which reduced the validity of Nigerian non-immigrant visas from multiple-entry over several years to a single-entry visa valid for just three months. The decision was reportedly influenced by rising cases of visa overstays and other abuses by Nigerian citizens.
The NIS stated that it is working in close collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Nigeria to ensure compliance and prevent further restrictions that could affect the wider Nigerian traveling population.
The service concluded its advisory by encouraging all visa holders to familiarize themselves with the terms of their visa categories and to act responsibly during international travel.
