Since 1 January 2026 the United States has partially suspended B-1/B-2 visitor visa issuance to Nigerian nationals under Presidential Proclamation 10998. Before that, the US visa was already the hardest for Nigerians — 57% adjusted refusal in FY2025. What still works: visas valid on 1 January 2026, dual nationals applying on another passport, and categories the proclamation does not cover. Lagos is the only post since Abuja stopped routine processing on 1 August 2026.
Key Warnings
Insider Tips
Proclamation 10998 covers Nigerian nationals outside the United States who did not hold a valid US visa on 1 January 2026. If you hold a B-1/B-2 visa issued before then that is still valid, you can travel on it — none have been revoked. If you are a dual national, apply on your other passport if that nationality is not suspended.
The embassy still accepts DS-160 forms, fees and interview bookings, but says covered applicants may be ineligible for issuance. The USD 185 fee is not refunded. Pay only if you fall within an exception or are applying for a category the proclamation does not cover.
Abuja stopped routine visa processing on 1 August 2026; all Nigerian applicants are seen in Lagos. Complete the DS-160 and pay the MRV fee before booking.
Nigeria is on the visa bond list. If the officer decides a visa can be issued, a bond of up to USD 20,000 may be required through Pay.gov, refunded on timely departure. The USD 250 integrity fee is due at issuance where the post collects it.
INA 214(b) presumes immigrant intent until you rebut it. Employment letter with approved leave and a return date, property, dependants — and answers identical to the DS-160.
United States rejected 57% of applications. Avoid these mistakes:
The majority of Nigerian B1/B2 refusals are under INA Section 214(b) — the applicant could not satisfy the officer they would return to Nigeria. Officers look for strong property ties, active employment, family responsibilities, and financial roots in Nigeria.
Fix: Build a 'ties-to-Nigeria' package: C of O or land title, employer letter with approved leave, children's school enrollment, evidence of ongoing business or financial obligations.
Bank statements showing lump-sum deposits, accounts recently opened, or balances below ~$3,000 are frequently flagged. Officers want to see organic, consistent income over many months.
Fix: Provide 6 months of bank statements showing consistent salary credits. Self-employed: include 2 years audited accounts. Avoid large transfers made just before applying.
Applicants who give unclear answers about why they are visiting, where they will stay, or how long they will be there raise red flags. Officers expect specific, credible answers.
Fix: Prepare a clear travel narrative: specific destination, specific purpose (tourism, conference, family visit), specific accommodation, and a specific return date anchored to job or family obligations in Nigeria.
57% rejection rate — US Department of State adjusted refusal rate for B visas, FY2025 — Nigeria 57.0%. Adjusted rate = (refusals − overcomes) ÷ (issuances + refusals − overcomes). Up from 46.51% in FY2024. The State Department PDF is not directly retrievable, so this is taken from three independent reports of the same table, which agree to the decimal.
US partially suspended visitor visas for Nigerians from 1 January 2026
Presidential Proclamation 10998 partially suspended visa issuance to nationals of 19 countries, Nigeria included, from 1 January 2026: B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M and J visas and immigrant visas, with limited exceptions such as dual nationals applying on an unaffected passport and participants in certain major sporting events. Visas valid on the effective date are not affected and have not been revoked. Applicants may still apply and be interviewed but may be ineligible for issuance. This page did not record the suspension until September 2026.
Visa bond programme made permanent, bonds of up to USD 20,000
The State Department's final rule of 3 August 2026 replaced the 12-month visa bond pilot with a permanent programme. Consular officers may require B-1/B-2 applicants from designated countries to post a bond of up to USD 20,000 as a condition of issuance, paid through Pay.gov after the officer decides the visa can be issued. The bond is returned if the traveller departs on time or does not travel. The designated list, announced on travel.state.gov, included Nigeria and Uganda in the State Department's fact sheet of 18 March 2026.
FY2025 US refusal rate for Nigeria is 57.0%
The State Department's FY2025 adjusted refusal rate for Nigeria B1/B2 applicants is 57.0%. That is up from 46.51% in FY2024. The figure previously shown on this page, 35%, came from FY2023 data and understated the current position.
$250 Visa Integrity Fee applies to visas issued from 1 October 2025
The Visa Integrity Fee introduced by the July 2025 budget act adds USD 250 per person to every nonimmigrant visa, collected at issuance rather than application, for visas issued on or after 1 October 2025. As of August 2026 the State Department has still not published universal implementation guidance, so some consulates collect it and others do not. It more than doubles the cost of a B1/B2 visa where it applies.
US ended routine visa processing in Abuja on 1 August 2026
The State Department consolidated visa services across Africa into 20 regional hubs, ending routine processing at 25 posts including Abuja. Lagos is one of the surviving hubs and now handles all Nigerian non-immigrant visa applicants, alongside applicants redirected from elsewhere in the region.
US Embassy Lagos resumes full B1/B2 interview capacity
Following post-pandemic staffing increases, the Lagos Consulate General has expanded interview slots. However, demand still far outpaces supply with typical wait times of 3–6 months.
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