The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has advised Nigerians travelling to the United States to strictly comply with visa conditions in order to avoid the risk of expanded travel restrictions.
This advisory follows growing concerns from U.S. authorities over the misuse of visas by some Nigerian travellers.
In a statement released on Thursday and signed by the NIS Public Relations Officer, AS Akinlabi, the agency warned that violating U.S. immigration laws could lead to visa revocation, deportation, or permanent travel bans.
”Applicants are reminded that security screening by U.S. authorities continues beyond initial entry,” the NIS noted. “Any breach of visa conditions, including overstaying, could result in serious consequences.”
The warning was particularly directed at Nigerian students and tourists, who form a significant portion of travellers to the U.S.
The NIS cautioned that students must remain actively enrolled in their academic programmes, adding that failure to do so, whether by withdrawal, absenteeism, or unapproved changes, could lead to visa cancellation.
Similarly, the agency highlighted that U.S. consular officers are likely to deny tourist visa applications if they suspect the main purpose of travel is to give birth in the U.S. to secure automatic citizenship for the child.
The NIS reaffirmed its commitment to working with the U.S. Embassy in Abuja to ensure that Nigerian citizens are properly guided on visa usage and compliance.
Radio Nigeria reports that the advisory comes amid heightened global scrutiny of migration patterns and visa misuse, with a call for Nigerians to respect host country laws while abroad.