The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has issued an advisory urging Nigerian citizens to use their United States visas strictly in line with the purposes stated in their applications.
The warning follows growing concerns from the United States government about increasing incidents of visa misuse by some Nigerian nationals.
In a statement released in Abuja on Saturday, Akinsola Akinlabi, Service Public Relations Officer, said that the U.S. government had expressed displeasure over cases where Nigerian visa holders allegedly violated the terms of their stay, including engaging in activities outside the scope of their approved travel purposes or overstaying their visas.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service wishes to inform the general public of concerns raised by the United States Government regarding the misuse of U.S. visas by Nigerians.
“All visa holders are advised to strictly adhere to the purpose stated in their visa applications”, the statement read.
Akinlabi emphasised that U.S. immigration officials conduct ongoing screenings of foreign nationals beyond the initial entry point and warned that any violations, such as overstaying, unauthorised work, or illegal residency, could result in the revocation of visas, immediate deportation, and permanent bans on future U.S. travel.
Particular concern was raised for Nigerian students studying in the U.S., with the NIS cautioning them to remain fully engaged in their academic programs.
Students who withdraw without proper authorisation or fail to maintain active enrollment could face visa cancellation and ineligibility for future entry.
The advisory also touched on the growing trend of ‘birth tourism,’ where pregnant women attempt to travel to the U.S. on tourist visas to give birth and secure citizenship for their children.
Akinlabi noted that consular officers are increasingly denying visas to applicants suspected of having such intentions.
Akinlabi stressed that the NIS would continue to work closely with the U.S. Mission in Nigeria to promote compliance and preserve favourable visa policies for Nigerians.
“We are calling on all Nigerian citizens to comply with U.S. visa rules, as such conduct is essential to safeguarding legitimate travel opportunities.
“The NIS is committed to ensuring that Nigeria is not included in any expanded visa restrictions”, he said.
