The U.S. government has revoked approximately 80,000 non-immigrant visas in a sweeping crackdown that has affected citizens from various countries, including Nigeria. This action forms part of renewed efforts to tighten immigration rules and enforce compliance with visa conditions.
According to officials, the cancelled visas span multiple categories, such as student, tourist, and business visas. The review reportedly followed stricter background checks and security verifications introduced earlier in the year. Many affected individuals were found to have violated visa terms, overstayed their authorized periods, or faced criminal or administrative issues while in the United States.
Authorities confirmed that the visa revocations are part of a global review that aims to improve compliance and ensure that entry into the U.S. remains consistent with current security and immigration policies.
Nigerians are among the groups impacted by the new measures. The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria had previously adjusted certain visa categories, reducing validity periods and entry permissions to strengthen screening processes. The new wave of cancellations appears to follow this broader tightening of immigration oversight.
Common reasons for visa revocation include criminal convictions, incomplete documentation, overstays, and failure to comply with visa obligations. Some cases were also linked to policy-related assessments made after visas had already been granted.
What to do if your visa is affected
Holders of U.S. visas are advised to verify their visa status through official embassy channels or the U.S. State Department’s online systems. Those whose visas have been revoked should contact the nearest embassy or consulate to confirm the reason and explore reapplication or appeal options.
Applicants are also encouraged to ensure full compliance with travel rules and maintain up-to-date documentation when applying for new visas. Legal experts recommend seeking professional guidance before submitting a new application if a prior visa was revoked.
The U.S. government emphasized that the crackdown does not target any specific nationality but is part of a general effort to strengthen immigration security and data accuracy across all countries.
Analysts suggest that this move may affect business and student travel, potentially leading to stricter entry requirements for foreign nationals in the coming months. Nigerian citizens planning to visit the U.S. are therefore advised to stay informed about updated guidelines before submitting visa applications.