Nigeria: US warns Nigerians: Visa fraud, overstays may trigger tougher scrutiny
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a renewed warning that visa fraud and prolonged overstays by Nigerian travelers could lead to stricter screening for all applicants.
In a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the mission said it protects the U.S. visa system with “rigorous screening” and that officers take fraud “very seriously.” It urged Nigerians to report any fraudulent visa activities to the appropriate authorities.
“Those who seek to commit fraud bring increased scrutiny on all visa applicants,” the statement read. “We protect the U.S. visa system with rigorous screening, and our officers take fraud very seriously. Nigerians continue to engage legally with the United States as temporary workers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors.”
The warning follows a similar alert on February 9, when the mission highlighted that repeated overstays by Nigerian travelers are a primary reason for future visa denials. It added that strengthening compliance helps preserve visa access for students, business travelers, and families who travel responsibly.
U.S. consular authorities have long expressed concern over visa fraud linked to a minority of Nigerian applications. These concerns have previously resulted in policy measures, including reduced visa validity periods and more intensive background checks, as part of efforts to safeguard the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
