Breach of visa conditions including overstaying may attract severe penalties – NIS warns Nigerians against US visa breach

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has called on Nigerian citizens travelling to the United States to adhere strictly to the terms and conditions of their visas in order to avoid sweeping travel restrictions on the country.

The advisory signed by NIS spokesperson AS Akinlabi, comes in response to growing concerns from U.S. authorities about the misuse of visas by Nigerian nationals. The NIS warned that violations of visa rules could lead to severe consequences including visa revocation, deportation, and permanent ineligibility for future travel to the U.S.

“Applicants are reminded that security screening by U.S. authorities continues beyond initial entry,” the statement said. “Breach of visa conditions, including overstaying, may attract severe penalties, including removal from the U.S. and permanent ineligibility for future travel.”

The advisory specifically addressed common pitfalls for students and tourists, two of the most frequent categories of Nigerian travellers to the U.S.

“Nigerian students in the U.S. must remain in active study. Withdrawal, absenteeism, or change of academic programme without notification may lead to visa cancellation and loss of future eligibility,” the NIS warned.

On tourism, the agency highlighted the U.S. government’s strict stance on “birth tourism,” where pregnant women travel to the U.S. with the intent to give birth and secure American citizenship for their child.

“U.S. consular officers will deny tourist visa applications if they believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for the child,” the statement said.

The NIS reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the U.S. mission in Abuja to promote lawful travel and ensure Nigerian citizens remain compliant with U.S. immigration regulations.

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