FCT, Abuja – The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians travelling to the United States, urging them to comply strictly with the conditions of their visas.
Recall that recently, there have been growing concerns by the United States Government over visa violations by Nigerian travellers.
In an advisory shared via X on Friday, August 1, in Abuja, the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, said the NIS was acting on reports from the US about Nigerians overstaying their visas and using them for purposes other than those stated in their applications.
“All visa holders are advised to strictly adhere to the purpose stated in their visa applications,” Akinlabi said.
Akinlabi added:
“Applicants are reminded that security screening by U.S. authorities continues beyond initial entry. Any violation of immigration or other laws may result in visa revocation or deportation.”
Immigration: Breaches may lead to deportation or permanent bans
Akinlabi warned that overstaying or breaching any visa conditions could attract serious penalties, including deportation and being permanently barred from entering the United States in the future.
He said the United States government takes these breaches seriously and expects full compliance from all foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
Immigration advises students to stay enrolled
The NIS also reminded Nigerian students in the US to remain fully enrolled in their academic programmes.
The Service warned that skipping classes, withdrawing, or changing study plans without notifying the authorities could lead to visa cancellation.
“Non-compliance with academic requirements is considered a violation of visa terms and may result in removal and denial of future applications,” Akinlabi said.
Crackdown on “birth tourism”
The advisory further pointed out the US Government’s measures to curb what it described as “birth tourism.”
Consular officers have now been instructed to deny tourist visa applications if they suspect the primary aim is to give birth in the US to obtain automatic citizenship for the child.
NIS assures continued cooperation with US
The Nigeria Immigration Service stressed that it is working closely with the US Mission in Abuja to ensure Nigeria is not added to any list of countries facing broader visa restrictions.
“Compliance with visa regulations is crucial. It protects the rights of genuine travellers and upholds the country’s image internationally,” Akinlabi said.
He urged all Nigerians travelling to the US to follow the law and respect the terms of their visas.
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