US visa rules for Nigerians in 2026: what changed and what still works

2026-10-24

Visitor, student and immigrant visas for Nigerians are partially suspended under Proclamation 10998. Here is what that means, what still works, and the extra rules in force.

The short version

Since 1 January 2026, Presidential Proclamation 10998 partially suspends the issuing of new US visas to Nigerian nationals. It covers B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F and M student visas, J exchange visas and immigrant visas. You can still apply and attend an interview, but most new Nigerian applicants are currently refused under the proclamation.

Visas issued before 1 January 2026 are still valid. The US Mission in Nigeria has said none have been revoked under the proclamation, and Nigerian students already holding a valid F-1 or J-1 visa are not affected.

What still works

H-1B and other work visas are not covered by the suspension.
People already in the US can generally still change status (for example F-1 to H-1B) or apply for a Green Card through adjustment of status.
Dual nationals applying with a passport from a country that is not restricted are exempt.
Case-by-case national-interest exceptions exist but are rare.

Other rules for Nigerian applicants

Single entry, 3 months: since 8 July 2025 most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians are single-entry and valid for 3 months. Older multiple-entry visas keep their original validity.
Visa bond: Nigerian visitors may be asked for a bond of USD 10,000, 15,000 or 20,000, set at the interview and refunded if you leave on time. The programme became permanent on 3 August 2026.
Lagos only: from 1 August 2026 all routine visa interviews are at the US Consulate General in Lagos. The Embassy in Abuja has suspended routine visa services.
Social media: student and exchange applicants must set their social media accounts to public for vetting.
The USD 250 "visa integrity fee" is in US law, but collection had not started consistently as of October 2026.

H-1B: the USD 100,000 fee

The USD 100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions for workers outside the US was struck down by a federal court in Massachusetts on 8 June 2026, and the appeals court refused to reinstate it on 24 July 2026. It is not being collected, but the case continues. Since the FY2027 lottery, H-1B selection is weighted by wage level, so higher-paid offers have better odds.

What to do now

Check ng.usembassy.gov before paying any visa fee, SEVIS fee or tuition deposit. The MRV fee is non-refundable. If you are admitted to a US university while the suspension is in force, ask whether it will defer your place, and keep a strong plan B: Canada, the UK and Germany all have funded study routes covered in our guides.