By Naomi Jeremiah
The United States government has announced a pause on immigrant visa processing for applicants from about 75 countries, including Nigeria, effective January 21, 2026.
The decision was disclosed on Wednesday via the official X account of the White House. According to the statement, the move is aimed at addressing concerns that migrants from the affected countries rely on U.S. welfare systems “at unacceptable rates.”
The pause applies strictly to immigrant visas and is expected to remain in place indefinitely while U.S. authorities reassess immigration screening and vetting procedures. The administration said the freeze would continue until it can ensure that new immigrants will not “extract wealth from the American people.”
“The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates,” the White House said. “The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.”
Countries named by U.S. officials include Nigeria, Somalia, Haiti, Iran, Eritrea, Ghana, Egypt, Pakistan, Morocco, Brazil, Jamaica, Ethiopia, and dozens of others across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
While the pause is in effect, visa screening rules are also set to become more stringent. According to a U.S. State Department memo cited by Fox News, consular officers have been instructed to refuse immigrant visas under existing laws as the department reviews its vetting framework.
The memo directs officers to apply the “public charge” rule more strictly, taking into account applicants’ health, age, English proficiency, financial capacity, and likelihood of requiring long-term medical care. Any history of reliance on government cash assistance or institutional support could weigh against approval.
These guidelines are expected to shape immigrant visa decisions until the reassessment process is completed.
The latest announcement adds to growing restrictions facing Nigerian visa applicants. It follows recent changes affecting B1/B2 (business and tourism) visas, under which Nigerians are among 38 nationalities required to post a visa bond of up to $15,000.
The U.S. Department of State has clarified that payment of the bond does not guarantee visa issuance and that fees paid without a consular officer’s directive will not be refunded. That requirement is also scheduled to take effect on January 21, 2026.
U.S. officials say the measures are part of a broader risk-management approach to immigration, targeting countries assessed as high-risk, while critics warn the policies could significantly disrupt migration plans, family reunification, and employment opportunities for thousands of applicants worldwide.
Source: Nairametrics