By Suad Ayinla
Edited by Bababunmi Agbebi
For many Nigerians hoping to visit, study, do business or reunite with family in the United States, the process has become increasingly difficult to navigate. The challenge is no longer simply securing an interview appointment. Applicants are now dealing with stricter screening, high refusal rates, changing procedures and new U.S. immigration policies affecting Nigerian nationals. In FY2025, Nigeria recorded an adjusted B-visa refusal rate of 57%, meaning more than half of the B-visa applications covered by the calculation were refused. Importantly, this figure applies specifically to B visas for tourism and business, not all U.S. visa categories.
One major source of frustration is the difference between appointment availability and the actual visa-processing timeline. An applicant may secure an interview relatively quickly but still face additional document requests, administrative processing, security checks or a refusal after the interview. Wait-time estimates can also change as appointment capacity and demand fluctuate. This uncertainty has created opportunities for unofficial agents and so-called “slot sellers” who promise earlier appointments, sometimes for inflated fees. Applicants should be cautious about anyone claiming to have guaranteed appointments or visa approvals, as no agent can guarantee a consular officer’s decision.
The rules themselves have also become more restrictive in 2026. Under a U.S. presidential proclamation that took effect on January 1.
Visa issuance to Nigerian nationals seeking B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M and J visas is partially suspended, subject to specified exceptions. This has serious implications for Nigerians planning tourism, business trips, university studies and exchange programmes. The United States also announced a pause in immigrant visa issuance to nationals of 75 countries, including Nigeria, effective January 21, 2026, with exceptions for certain applicants.
Nigeria is also among the countries subject to a U.S. visa bond requirement, which took effect on January 21, 2026. Under the programme, certain applicants may be required to post a bond of up to $15,000 before travelling, depending on the circumstances of their application. This adds another financial hurdle to an already expensive process, particularly for applicants who must pay application fees,transportation, accommodation and other expenses without any guarantee that their visa will ultimately be issued.
For young Nigerians, the consequences can be significant. A student may have secured admission to an American university but still face uncertainty over whether they can obtain the necessary visa. A business owner may have planned meetings or conferences months in advance, while families may have arranged trips to visit relatives.
A refusal under Section 214(b) does not necessarily mean an applicant has done anything wrong; it generally means the applicant has not sufficiently demonstrated eligibility for the nonimmigrant visa or overcome the presumption that they intend to immigrate. Applicants should therefore provide truthful, consistent information and credible evidence of their circumstances rather than relying on agents to manufacture documents or create a stronger-looking application.
So, is getting a U.S. visa becoming harder for Nigerians?
In many respects, yes but the reason is more complicated than simply saying the United States is rejecting Nigerians. High B-visa refusal rates, nationality-specific restrictions, new financial requirements, tighter screening and changing immigration policies have combined to make the process more demanding and unpredictable. For Nigerians planning to travel, the safest approach is to rely on current information from the U.S. Department of State and the relevant U.S. diplomatic mission rather than old advice from social media or agents. Ultimately, the question is no longer just, “How long will it take to get my visa?” but also, “Under the current rules, am I eligible to travel at all?”
