- Safiu Kehinde
The Federal Government has reacted to the new non-immigrant visa policy announced by the United States.
NPO Reported that the U.S Mission in Nigeria had in a statement issued on Tuesday disclosed the reduction of the United States’ non-migrant visa to single entry visas with three months validity.
The new policy as announced by the U.S Department of State affected several countries, including Nigeria.
Reacting in a statement issued on her official X handle on Wednesday, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, acknowledged the new development.
Bianca explained that the decision was borne out of a constructive engagement with the Ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria, Richard Mills.
While explaining the new policy, the Minister highlighted the criteria attached to the application for visa under the new policy.
Bianca maintained that the Nigerian security and immigration agencies have been working very hard to meet standards of international best practices.
She urged Nigerians to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date.
The statement read; “It was a constructive engagement at our Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Ambassador of the United States of America, H.E Richard Mills Jr. and his delegation.
“The US Department of State has announced updates to its reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy, impacting several countries, including Nigeria.
“Effective 8 July 2025, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.
“Those U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.
“The Government of Nigeria, through the relevant MDAs, is working with the US mission to ensure that the criteria that gave rise to this revision are evaluated and addressed.
“These criteria include:
“Secure Travel Documents: Ensuring countries issue secure travel documents with verified traveler identities.
· Visa Overstay Management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travelers on U.S. visas.
· Information Sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.
“The United States has reiterated that it values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria and remains committed to expanding this partnership based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunity.
“On our own part, it should be noted that our security agencies as well as our Immigration agencies, have been working very hard to meet standards of international best practices in this regard, mindful of the fact that visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time.
“Meantime, Nigerian travelers are encouraged to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date as our government continues to intensify efforts to facilitate the revision of this policy.”