The United States has suspended visa processing for applicants from Nigeria, Russia and dozens of other countries as part of a broad review of its immigration screening procedures.
According to an internal directive from the US Department of State, American embassies and consulates have been instructed to halt visa processing for nationals of at least 73 countries starting from January 21, while authorities reassess vetting standards.
The directive, first reported by Fox News, also tells consular officers to rely on existing legal provisions to refuse applications during the review period. The suspension affects several visa categories and does not have a defined end date.
Countries impacted span Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Those listed include Nigeria, Somalia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil and Thailand.
US officials have linked the move to stricter enforcement of the “public charge” rule in immigration law, which allows visa denial for applicants considered likely to depend on government assistance. In November 2025, the State Department had already directed diplomatic missions worldwide to apply tighter standards in assessing such risks.
Under the updated guidance, consular officers are expected to consider factors such as age, health status, English proficiency, financial capacity, employment prospects and potential long-term medical needs.
Somalia has reportedly drawn particular scrutiny following a federal investigation in Minnesota that uncovered large-scale fraud involving publicly funded welfare programmes. Prosecutors said many suspects were Somali nationals or of Somali descent, leading to increased attention on visa applications linked to the country.
Although Nigeria was not specifically cited for any particular infraction, its inclusion places it among countries now facing tougher entry requirements. This comes amid strong demand by Nigerians for US visas for education, work, tourism and family reunification.
The State Department has not clarified whether humanitarian exemptions will apply or how long the suspension will last, leaving prospective travellers, students and families uncertain.
Analysts warn that the policy could disrupt international mobility, delay academic and professional plans, and potentially strain diplomatic relations between the United States and affected countries.
