The United States has announced a temporary suspension of immigrant visa processinga temporary suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, in a move that could significantly affect thousands of people planning to relocate to the US through permanent migration routes.
The decision, which took effect in mid-January 2026, applies specifically to immigrant visas that lead to permanent residence (green cards). Non-immigrant visas such as tourist, student, and temporary work visas are not included in the suspension.
What the Suspension Means
Under the new directive, US embassies and consulates have been instructed to pause the processing of immigrant visa applications for affected countries while the US government conducts a comprehensive review of identity verification and security screening systems.
For Nigerians, this means that applications under categories such as:
- Family-based immigrant visas
- Diversity Visa (DV Lottery) immigrant processing
- Employment-based immigrant visas processed abroad
may face delays or temporary non-processing, depending on individual circumstances and location.
Why the US Took This Decision
US authorities say the suspension is linked to concerns over documentation integrity, identity verification, and information-sharing systems in certain countries.
According to US officials, the review is intended to ensure that countries whose nationals apply for immigrant visas meet updated standards for:
- Reliable civil documentation
- Secure identity verification
- Information-sharing on security and criminal records
Countries unable to meet these requirements within a defined review period may continue to face processing restrictions.
Countries Affected
Nigeria is among 75 countries impacted by the suspension, spanning Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Eastern Europe and the Caribbean. Ghana is the only other West African country on the list.
The US government has indicated that the suspension is not permanent and may be lifted for individual countries once review benchmarks are met.
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Who Is Not Affected
It is important to clarify that not all US visa categories are impacted.
The suspension does not apply to:
- Student visas (F, M categories)
- Tourist and business visas (B1/B2)
- Temporary work visas (H, L, O, etc.)
- Diplomatic and official visas
This means Nigerians can still legally travel to the US for study, tourism, conferences, and temporary employment, provided they meet visa requirements.
What This Means for Nigerians Planning to Leave Nigeria
For many Nigerians, the US remains a top destination for education, work, and long-term settlement. This development highlights an important shift in global migration realities:
Permanent migration routes are becoming more restricted and heavily scrutinised.
If you are planning to relocate to the US, experts advise focusing on legal, step-by-step pathways, such as:
- Studying in the US and transitioning through post-study options
- Temporary work visas with employer sponsorship
- Skilled migration strategies that allow status changes over time
Relying solely on direct immigrant visa routes may now involve longer wait times and uncertainty, especially for nationals of affected countries.
What Happens to Ongoing Applications?
The US government has not cancelled existing applications, but many cases may be paused until further notice. Applicants are advised to:
- Monitor official communications from the US embassy or consulate
- Avoid submitting new immigrant visa applications unless advised otherwise
- Seek guidance from licensed immigration lawyers for case-specific advice
There is currently no fixed timeline for when processing will resume.
Bigger Picture: A Shift in Global Immigration Policy
This move aligns with a broader trend among Western countries toward stricter immigration controls, enhanced vetting, and selective permanent migration pathways.
For Nigerians, it reinforces a key lesson for anyone planning to leave the country:
Immigration opportunities still exist, but they increasingly favour well-documented, gradual, and compliant migration routes.
The suspension of immigrant visa processing for Nigerians and citizens of 74 other countries is a significant development that may disrupt many relocation plans. However, it does not close the door to the United States entirely.
For aspiring migrants, students, and professionals, the focus should now be on legal, flexible pathways that adapt to changing immigration policies. Planning ahead, staying informed, and choosing the right route can make the difference between long-term success and prolonged uncertainty.
Leaving Nigeria is still possible, but strategy, legality, and patience matter more than ever.
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