Nigerians To Face Continuous Security Vetting After Visa Approval – US

The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced that all visa applicants, including Nigerians, will continue to undergo security checks even after their visas have been approved.

In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the mission explained that visa security vetting is a continuous and multi-layered process designed to ensure compliance throughout the validity of a visa.

“All visa applicants, no matter the visa type and where they are located, are continuously vetted. Security vetting runs from the time of each application, through adjudication of the visa, and afterwards during the validity period of every issued visa, to ensure the individual remains eligible to travel to the United States,” the statement read.

The mission noted that the vetting process enables US authorities to assess applicants’ backgrounds, including criminal history, potential security risks, and other relevant factors.

It further clarified that the policy applies universally to all applicants, regardless of visa category or geographic location, and is aimed at ensuring that only eligible individuals are allowed entry into the United States.

LEADERSHIP reports that the development comes amid growing concerns over a travel policy introduced by former US President Donald Trump in December 2025, which placed Nigeria among countries facing partial entry restrictions into the United States.

On December 16, 2025, the White House announced an expansion of travel restrictions affecting dozens of countries. While Nigeria was not fully banned, it was subjected to partial restrictions limiting access to certain visa categories, including B-1/B-2 business and tourism visas, as well as F, M, and J student visas.

The US government cited national security concerns, visa overstays, and gaps in identity verification systems as reasons for the restrictions.

Nigeria was listed alongside about 15 countries facing similar partial measures, while others—mainly in Africa and the Middle East—were subjected to full travel bans.

Washington also referenced terrorism threats, religious violence, and regional instability as part of the broader justification for tightening immigration controls involving Nigeria.

In late December 2025, the Trump administration recalled several ambassadors across Africa, including its envoy to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., as part of a broader foreign policy shift affecting nearly 30 diplomats worldwide.

Following Mills Jr.’s departure in January 2026, the US Embassy in Abuja has since been headed by a chargé d’affaires, indicating a temporary downgrade in diplomatic representation.

Meanwhile, a March 2026 report by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) stated that the visa restrictions are not permanent and remain under review.

The report added that the policies could be relaxed if Nigeria improves its security framework and identity management systems.

It further noted that strengthening screening, vetting, and information-sharing mechanisms would enhance global safety, suggesting that Nigeria’s status could change upon meeting the required benchmarks.