The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a firm warning to Nigerians and other foreign nationals planning to travel to or currently residing in the U.S.: do not overstay your visa or authorized period of stay.
In an official statement released via its verified social media channels, the U.S. Embassy stressed that violating immigration timelines could lead to deportation and a permanent ban from re-entering the United States.
“If you remain in the United States beyond your authorized period of stay, you may be deported and permanently barred from returning to the U.S. in the future,” the Embassy stated.
This reminder is part of ongoing efforts by U.S. immigration authorities to ensure strict compliance with visa regulations and curb abuse of the immigration system.
Visa Overstay Penalties
Overstaying between 180 days and one year may lead to a three-year re-entry ban. Overstaying for more than one year could result in a ten-year ban. In more severe cases, violators may face a lifetime ban from entering the U.S.
The Embassy urged all visa holders to regularly monitor their stay duration and make proper arrangements to leave before their visa or authorized entry period expires.
In a related development, the U.S. Mission to Nigeria recently announced significant changes to non-immigrant visa policies affecting Nigerian citizens. Effective immediately:
Most Nigerian travelers will now receive single-entry visas valid for three months only, This marks a sharp shift from previous terms that allowed multiple entries over two or more years.
This change comes under a global reciprocity policy review, aligning U.S. visa terms with what other countries (like Nigeria) offer to American citizens.
Previously, the U.S. granted Nigerian citizens:
5-year visitor visas 2-year student visas
In contrast, Nigeria generally issued single-entry, 3-month visas to U.S. nationals.
“Visa reciprocity is a global standard and subject to ongoing review and changes, including the number of permitted entries and the validity period,” the U.S. Mission clarified.
The U.S. Mission emphasized that this adjustment is not politically motivated and has nothing to do with third-country deportation policies, e-visa introductions, or any affiliations with international blocs like BRICS.
Rather, it’s part of a technical and security-based review designed to strengthen U.S. immigration safeguards.
“We value our long-standing partnership with Nigeria and remain committed to working closely with the Nigerian government and public to meet the necessary criteria and benchmarks,” the statement concluded.
