The United States Mission has clarified widespread misconceptions regarding the recent reduction in visa validity for non-immigrant applicants.
Earlier, Gist9ja reported that the U.S. Embassy had announced a reduction in visa validity for non-immigrant applicants from five years to three months effective July 8, 2025.
The move is said to align U.S. visa policy with Nigeria’s existing visa policy for American citizens, which also offers short-term visas.
In a recent tweet, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria sought to clarify widespread misconceptions about changes to its visa policy.
The clarification comes amid an ongoing global review of U.S. visa regulations, which involves applying technical and security benchmarks to strengthen the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
The U.S. Mission also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong ties with Nigeria and supporting collaborative efforts with the Nigerian government.Part of the tweet read:
“The U.S. Mission Nigeria wishes to address misconceptions about the recent reduction in visa validity for most nonimmigrant U.S. visas in Nigeria and other countries.
This reduction is not the result of any nation’s stance on third-country deportees, introduction of e-visa policies, or affiliations with groups like BRICS.
”It further explained that the changes are part of a broader review and not politically motivated. The Mission reiterated its dedication to fostering safe, lawful, and mutually beneficial travel between both nations.
The U.S. Mission explained that the reduction in visa validity is part of a broader, ongoing global review assessing how U.S. visas are used by various countries. This process involves applying technical and security benchmarks aimed at strengthening and safeguarding the U.S. immigration system.
Reaffirming its relationship with Nigeria, the Mission stated:
“We value our longstanding partnership with Nigeria and remain committed to working closely with the Nigerian public and government officials to help them meet those criteria and benchmarks, thereby ensuring safe, lawful, and mutually beneficial travel between our nations.
”This underscores the U.S. government’s intent to maintain constructive engagement while promoting secure and efficient international travel.
