The United States has temporarily halted visa processing for applicants from Nigeria, Russia, and dozens of other countries amid a broad review of its immigration screening procedures, according to an internal directive from the US Department of State.
The directive, scheduled to take effect on January 21, instructs US embassies and consulates to suspend visa processing for citizens of at least 73 countries while authorities reassess current vetting standards. During this review period, consular officers have been advised to rely on existing legal provisions to deny applications where applicable.
First reported by Fox News, the memo states that the suspension affects multiple visa categories and does not specify an end date, as officials have yet to determine when the evaluation will be completed.
The countries impacted span several regions, including 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 decision to stricter enforcement of the “public charge” rule in immigration law, which allows visa applications to be rejected if applicants are considered likely to rely on public assistance. In November 2025, the State Department directed its missions worldwide to adopt tougher criteria when assessing such risks.
Under the revised guidelines, consular officers must now consider additional factors such as an applicant’s age, health status, English proficiency, financial capacity, employment outlook, and potential need for long-term medical care.
Somalia has received increased scrutiny following a federal investigation in Minnesota that revealed widespread fraud involving government-funded welfare programs. Prosecutors noted that many suspects were Somali nationals or of Somali origin, leading to closer examination of visa applications linked to the country.
Although Nigeria was not specifically mentioned in the memo, its inclusion places it among nations facing stricter entry conditions. This development comes as many Nigerians continue to seek 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 remain in place, creating uncertainty for travelers, students, and families. Analysts caution that the policy may hinder international mobility, disrupt academic and career plans, and potentially strain diplomatic relations between the United States and the affected countries.
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