The United States has introduced major changes to its non-immigrant visa policy for four countries, significantly reducing the validity period and entry privileges for their citizens.
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of State, most non-diplomatic and non-immigrant visas issued to nationals of these countries will now be valid for only three months and allow a single entry—marking a sharp departure from previous policies that often permitted multiple entries over a span of two or more years.
Nigeria, currently Africa’s leading source of international students in the U.S. per the 2024 Open Doors report, could see a decline in educational and cultural exchange opportunities due to the new restrictions.
Amid rising concerns, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria clarified on Thursday that the revised visa validity for most Nigerian non-immigrant applicants is not politically motivated. The embassy dismissed claims linking the decision to Nigeria’s position on deportees, BRICS membership, or its e-visa adoption.
In its official statement, the U.S. Mission explained that the change stems from a broader technical and security review and is not a reaction to any specific diplomatic stance by Nigeria.
Countries affected by the new 3-month visa validity policy:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Cameroon
- Ethiopia