The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has called on Nigerians traveling to the United States to strictly follow the terms and conditions of their visas. This advisory comes amid growing concerns from U.S. authorities about the misuse of visas, which could lead to widespread travel restrictions on Nigerians.
In a statement signed by NIS spokesperson AS Akinlabi, the NIS warned that violating visa rules could result in serious consequences, including visa revocation, deportation, and permanent ineligibility for future travel to the U.S. The statement emphasized that security screening by U.S. authorities continues even after initial entry.
Common Visa Violations and Penalties
The advisory specifically addressed common issues for two of the most frequent categories of Nigerian travelers: students and tourists.
- For students: The NIS cautioned that students must remain in active study. “Withdrawal, absenteeism, or change of academic program without notification may lead to visa cancellation and loss of future eligibility,” the statement warned.
- For tourists: The agency highlighted the U.S. government’s strict stance on “birth tourism.” The advisory noted that U.S. consular officers will deny tourist visa applications if they believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to secure American citizenship for the child.
The NIS reaffirmed its commitment to working with the U.S. mission in Abuja to promote lawful travel and ensure that Nigerian citizens remain compliant with U.S. immigration regulations.
