 has warned Nigerians against misusing U.S. visas, urging strict compliance with visa conditions){kind=link}
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a firm advisory to Nigerian citizens traveling to the United States, warning them against the misuse of their U.S. visas. This caution comes on the heels of growing concern by the United States government over violations of visa conditions by some Nigerian travelers.
In an official statement released on Saturday in Abuja, the NIS spokesperson, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Akinsola Akinlabi, stressed the importance of complying strictly with the visa terms and conditions under which entry into the United States is granted.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service wishes to inform the general public of concerns raised by the United States Government regarding the misuse of U.S. visas by Nigerians,” Akinlabi stated. “All visa holders are advised to strictly adhere to the purpose stated in their visa applications.”
Akinlabi emphasized that U.S. authorities conduct multiple layers of security screening, not just at the point of entry, but throughout an individual’s stay in the country. Any breach of immigration or visa laws—such as overstaying, unauthorized employment, or failure to follow the approved purpose of visit—could lead to harsh consequences, including visa revocation, deportation, and even permanent bans from future travel to the U.S.
According to U.S. immigration laws, travelers who violate the terms of their visa may be deemed inadmissible in future applications, with some facing up to 10 years of travel ineligibility.
“Breach of visa conditions, including overstaying, may attract severe penalties, including removal from the U.S. and permanent ineligibility for future travel,” he said.
Particularly targeted in the advisory were Nigerian students studying in the U.S. The NIS warned that students must remain in active study programs and avoid absenteeism or unauthorized withdrawal from school. Such actions could lead to visa cancellation and academic expulsion, in addition to the loss of re-entry privileges.
Also under the spotlight is the growing trend of “birth tourism”—where expectant mothers travel to the U.S. to give birth so their child automatically gains American citizenship. The NIS warned that U.S. consular officers are paying close attention to tourist visa applicants suspected of harboring such intentions, and such applications are increasingly being denied.
“The U.S. consular officers reserve the right to deny tourist visas to applicants suspected of intending to travel to give birth,” the NIS spokesperson added.
To mitigate future visa-related sanctions or travel restrictions, the NIS reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the U.S. Mission in Abuja. This includes information sharing and immigration integrity initiatives aimed at maintaining lawful migration pathways and preserving Nigeria’s global travel reputation.
“The NIS will continue to collaborate with the U.S. Mission in Abuja to ensure Nigeria is not included in any expanded visa restrictions,” Akinlabi noted.
He further urged all Nigerians to view U.S. visa issuance as a privilege, not a right, and to conduct themselves in a way that reflects positively on the nation.
This advisory serves as a critical reminder for Nigerians to:
Use their visas strictly for the purpose indicated (tourism, education, business, etc.)
Avoid overstaying the permitted duration
Stay enrolled and attend classes regularly (for student visa holders)
Refrain from unauthorized work or shifting visa status without proper approval
Avoid attempts at exploiting loopholes such as birth tourism or fraudulent documentation
As the United States continues to tighten its visa policies globally, including stricter checks on African nationals, the NIS has taken a proactive stance to ensure Nigerian travelers remain compliant and do not jeopardize the country’s diplomatic standing.
With the U.S. government actively monitoring visa compliance and penalizing violations, Nigerian citizens are advised to travel with integrity, respect immigration laws, and avoid activities that could affect their future international mobility. The NIS’s latest advisory serves both as a warning and a guide for responsible travel behavior.