The United States will temporarily halt visa applications from Nigeria, Russia, and at least 73 other countries as Washington implements tighter immigration screening over concerns about welfare dependence.
According to an internal memo, the US Department of State has instructed consular officers to suspend visa processing for the affected countries starting January 21, pending a comprehensive review of screening and vetting procedures.
During the review, consular officers are directed to refuse applications using existing provisions under US immigration law. The pause will cover multiple visa categories and remain in effect indefinitely until the reassessment is complete.
The affected countries span Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, including Nigeria, Somalia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil, and Thailand.
The policy shift is linked to the “public charge” rule, which allows authorities to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to rely on public benefits.
According to reports, in November 2025, the State Department issued guidance for stricter enforcement of the rule, requiring consular officers to consider factors such as age, health, English proficiency, financial resources, employment prospects, and potential need for long-term medical care.
Applicants assessed as at risk of becoming dependent on public assistance may be denied entry.
Somalia has come under particular scrutiny following a major fraud investigation in Minnesota, where prosecutors uncovered widespread abuse of taxpayer-funded welfare programmes involving Somali nationals and Somali-Americans.
While Nigeria was not specifically highlighted, its inclusion places it among the countries now subject to stricter migration controls, affecting those applying for student, work, tourist, and family-based visas.
The State Department has not provided a timeline for the review’s completion or clarified whether humanitarian exemptions will apply.
The move is expected to increase uncertainty for prospective travellers, students, and families and could strain diplomatic and people-to-people relations with the affected nations.