US reiterates vow to prosecute, jail, and ban Nigerian visa fraudsters as part of efforts to curb illegal immigration
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Washington has reiterated its determination to pursue criminal charges against Nigerians who engage in visa fraud, as part of its escalated clampdown on illegal immigration to Yankee country.
This comes days after the United States embassy in Nigeria commended Abuja for its efforts to resolve the most recent visa validity hassle in which the US government reduced visa duration for Nigerians to three months and single entry.
In its latest update on its X handle, the US Mission in Nigeria said those who bring in and harbour “illegal aliens” to the US would also face a similar fate.
“U.S. government inter-agency efforts combat fraud and will end illegal immigration. Those who commit visa fraud will be banned from the United States for life.
“A nation without borders is not a nation. We will pursue criminal charges against those who engage in visa fraud and those who bring in and harbour illegal aliens,” the post warned.
Clarification on visa expiry date
The embassy previously explained that US visa expiry date does not determine the duration of stay, as the length of time a visitor could remain in the US is decided by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry, instead of the date stamped on the visa at an embassy.
It advised travellers to pay attention to their I-94 form to avoid costly immigration missteps.
“The length of time an international visitor is allowed to stay in the United States is determined by the Customs and Border Protection, CBP, officer upon your arrival, NOT your visa expiration date.
“A U.S. visa allows you entry to a U.S. port of entry and request permission to enter. How long you are allowed to stay in the United States is not your visa expiration date.
“The CBP determines your ‘Admit Until Date’ upon your arrival and you can check the date by which you must depart online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.”
Americans in Nigeria to regularise their stay or face sanctions
The US Mission also advised all Americans in Nigeria to comply with the host country’s new immigration directives to avoid penalties that may be imposed for non-compliance.
“The US Embassy in Abuja informs US citizens that effective August 1, 2025, the Nigerian Federal Government will begin imposing strict penalties on foreigners who have overstayed their visas,” it alerted.
“To provide an opportunity for affected individuals to comply with immigration regulations, an online immigration amnesty portal is available until the end of July. The portal allows visitors to regularise their stay before the penalties are enforced.
“US citizens currently in Nigeria who have overstayed their visa are strongly encouraged to regularise their stay through the amnesty portal before July 31, 2025.
“Failure to do so may result in significant financial penalties and long-term restrictions on re-entry to Nigeria. All U.S. citizens are reminded to adhere to Nigerian visa regulations to avoid complications.”
Nigeria’s Interior Ministry has introduced, with effective from May 1, a $15 penalty for each day a visitor overstays their visa.
An amnesty period for individuals to regularise their status without incurring fines will end on July 31.
“The penalties after August 1, include that visitors who fail to regularise their status by the end of the amnesty period will be subject to the accrued daily surcharge,” the US Mission reiterated to Americans in Nigeria.
“Overstays of six months or more will result in a five-year ban on re-entry. Overstays of one year or more will result in a 10-year re-entry ban.
“The newly launched portal enables holders of expired visa-on-arrival permits, lapsed single-entry visas, or overdue expatriate residence cards to submit applications for a stay permit online, upload required supporting documents, obtain clearance without visiting an immigration office.
“This streamlined system eliminates the need for in-person visits, long queues, and additional fees, making compliance with immigration requirements more accessible.”
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US counsels its citizens in Nigeria to update their visas or risk ban from re-entering Nigeria
