Victor EzejaThe U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has warned that visa fraud now results in a permanent ban from entering the United States.
According to a post on U.S. Mission Nigeria X handle on Monday, there are ongoing interagency efforts by the United States government to combat visa fraud and end illegal migration into the country.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIt emphasised the importance of a nation securing its borders, vowing to press criminal charges against those who commit visa fraud and others who harbor illegal immigrants.
“U.S. government interagency efforts combat fraud and will end illegal immigration. Those who commit visa fraud will be banned from the United States for life,” the post read.
“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 harbor illegal aliens,” it added.
Visa fraud involves misrepresentation (e.g., presenting fake documents, false statements) on visa applications. According to Section 212(a)(6)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, this can lead to a lifetime ban.
Common Fraudulent Practices
False Visa Applications: Lying about employment, travel intent, or background (e.g., hiding criminal history).
Illegal Border Crossings: Attempting to enter through smuggling networks or fake asylum claims.
Scams by Agents: Unauthorized third parties promising “guaranteed visas” or expedited processing for fees.
Earlier, the Embassy also warned about over stay, stating that it could also attract a life ban from entering the U.S. “If you remain in the United States beyond your authorized period of stay, you could be deported and could face a permanent ban on traveling to the United States in the future,” the U.S. Mission Nigeria stated in a post on Monday, 14 July 2025.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Slams New U.S. Visa Policy, Calls For Reconsideration
Recently, the U.S. Embassy also announced updates to the country’s reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy, which impacts several countries, including Nigeria. Under the new visa policy, which takes effect from 8 July 2025, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period. The Embassy said US non-immigrant visas issued before 8 July 2025, would retain their status and validity.
This policy change is part of a reciprocal visa arrangement initiated under the Donald Trump administration.The Embassy stated that “as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity.”
It also stressed that U.S. visa criteria and standards are designed to protect the integrity of U.S. immigration systems.
READ ALSO: U.S. Embassy Tightens Student Visa Screening In Nigeria With Checking Social Media Accounts
Period of Stay with U.S. Visa
While clarifying the period of stay with a U.S. visa, the Mission said 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 arrival, not the visa expiration date.
Stricter Immigration Policy under Trump
The Donald Trump administration’s second term has, since its commencement earlier this year, introduced sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy, focusing on stricter enforcement, border security, and a shift toward merit-based immigration.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
