The United States government has stepped up its immigration enforcement efforts, warning Nigerians and other foreign nationals of stiff penalties — including lifetime bans and criminal prosecution — for visa fraud and illegal immigration.
This comes just days after the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria commended the Nigerian government for its efforts in resolving recent visa validity disputes, which led to the reduction of visa duration for Nigerian applicants to three months, single entry.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria declared:
“Those who commit visa fraud will be banned from the United States for life. We will pursue criminal charges against those who engage in visa fraud and those who bring in and harbour illegal aliens.”
The Embassy reiterated its resolve to curb fraudulent entry, adding that anyone caught using fake documents to enter the U.S. would face permanent denial of access.
Visa Expiration Clarification
The Mission also clarified a common misconception regarding visa validity. It explained that a U.S. visa merely grants permission to approach a port of entry, while the length of stay is determined by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon arrival.
Travellers were advised to monitor their I-94 records via i94.cbp.dhs.gov to avoid overstaying and potential immigration violations.
“The visa expiration date is not the same as the permitted length of stay. Your ‘Admit Until Date’ is set by CBP at the point of entry,” the embassy emphasized.
Nigeria Also Cracks Down on Overstays
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja has issued a strong advisory to American citizens in Nigeria, urging them to comply with new Nigerian immigration directives.
Effective August 1, 2025, the Nigerian government will begin imposing strict penalties on foreigners who overstay their visas. In preparation, an immigration amnesty portal is available until July 31, allowing overstaying visitors to regularise their status online.
According to the advisory:
A $15 daily surcharge applies for overstays beginning May 1, 2025.
Six-month overstays will result in a five-year re-entry ban.
One-year overstays carry a 10-year re-entry ban.
The Nigerian Ministry of Interior, led by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, introduced the reform as part of broader efforts to modernize the country’s immigration system and enhance compliance.
The amnesty portal allows foreigners to upload documents and apply for stay permits online, eliminating the need for physical visits and long queues.
Both governments are urging strict compliance with immigration laws to avoid harsh penalties and long-term travel restrictions.
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