TheNewsGuru

Tag: VISA

  • U.S. to limit visa duration for students, journalists

    U.S. to limit visa duration for students, journalists

    The U.S. government plans to shorten the validity period of visas for international students and journalists, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced.

    Under the proposed rule, F visas, which allow foreign students to study in the U.S., would be capped at a maximum duration of four years.

    Currently, students are granted visas for the full length of their academic programs, which can exceed five years for doctoral degrees.

    For foreign media professionals, visa validity would be limited to 240 days, with a possible extension of another 240 days.

    However, journalists’ visas would not be allowed to exceed the duration of their assignments.

    Any extensions would require applications through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), triggering additional security checks.

    In the past, journalists from countries like Germany have received visas valid for up to five years.

    “For too long, past administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the U.S. virtually indefinitely,” the DHS stated, adding that this practice poses security risks and financial burdens, and may disadvantage U.S. citizens.

    The proposed changes aimed to prevent visa abuse and allow for better oversight.

    However, the proposal drew immediate criticism from the U.S. higher education community.

    Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, warned the new rules would impose unnecessary burdens on students and institutions.

    “The rule would force international students and scholars to regularly submit additional applications, disrupting their studies and straining university operations,” Feldblum said.

    She added that the uncertainty could deter international talent from choosing the U.S. for their education and research.

  • Hajj: Nigerians to get N8.15m fine, imprisonment over Saudi visa violation

    Hajj: Nigerians to get N8.15m fine, imprisonment over Saudi visa violation

    The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has warned Nigerian intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise that anyone caught performing the holy pilgrimage without a valid Hajj visa will face a fine of SR20,000 (about N8.15 million) and imprisonment.

    The warning was issued during a virtual meeting between the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to review preparations for next year’s pilgrimage. The session was presided over by Dr. Rania Adham of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj.

    NAHCON, in a statement, said Saudi authorities stressed strict compliance with all deadlines, noting that they would not be shifted.

    These include the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in November this year, 4 January 2026 as the last date for camp booking payments and service contract confirmations, and 1 February 2026 for uploading transport and accommodation contracts on the Nusuk Masar portal. The final deadline for visa issuance remains the 1st of Shawwal.

    The Saudis lamented repeated delays by Nigeria in past preparations and warned that such lapses could negatively affect the welfare and overall experience of pilgrims.

    They also said all Hadaya (sacrificial rites) payments and accommodation bookings must be processed exclusively through the Nusuk Masar platform.

    Responding, NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, assured Saudi authorities of the commission’s full cooperation.

    He pledged that NAHCON would work closely with partners to ensure compliance with all deadlines and requirements, with the goal of guaranteeing a smooth, well-coordinated 2026 Hajj operation for Nigerian pilgrims.

  • 2026 Hajj: No deadline extensions for visa processing – NAHCON

    2026 Hajj: No deadline extensions for visa processing – NAHCON

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has appealed to all stakeholders to strictly comply with the timelines set by the Saudi Arabian authorities for the 2026 Hajj operations.

    The commission urged the stakeholders to make early preparation as there will be no deadline extensions for visa processing, payments or contractual agreements.

    NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, said this in a statement issued by its Principal Information Officer, Malam Shafii Mohammed, in Abuja on Thursday.

    Elegushi said this at the Post-Hajj Stakeholders’ meeting with Licensed Tour Operator Companies in Abuja.

    The commissioner issued a strong caution to stakeholders to strictly follow the official Saudi Hajj calendar and make early preparations.

    “The Saudis have made it very clear — the dates on their calendar will not be extended by even a minute.

    “Gone are the days when you could beg for extra weeks to process visas. For 2026, if the portal closes today, it closes today,” Elegushi said.

    He reminded stakeholders of the 2025 experience, where many intending pilgrims assumed that Saudi authorities would grant extensions but missed deadlines and consequently lost participation slots.

    Elegushi also reflected on the unexpected challenges during Arafat 2025, calling the experience a valuable lesson for the upcoming season.

    “What happened in 2025 has given us insight and direction. We must learn from it, plan better, and work faster.

    “The Saudi system has changed, and we must adapt quickly,” he said.

    Speaking on the financial preparations, Prince Aliu AbdulRazaq, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management and Finance (PPMF), briefed participants on refunds, pending complaints and payment processes.

    AbdulRazaq urged licensed tour operators to make timely payments for all Hajj-related obligations, noting that Saudi authorities will not grant extensions for contractual agreements or visa processing in 2026.

    The Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, expressed appreciation to the state pilgrims’ welfare boards, private tour operators and service providers for their immense contributions to the success of the 2025 Hajj operations.

    Usman also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government, which enabled Nigerian pilgrims to perform Hajj with dignity, comfort and peace of mind.

    “The commission is committed to collaboration, fairness and transparency. But the same time, we expect total compliance from all stakeholders as we work together to improve service delivery and meet global best practices.”

    Similarly, Commissioner Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Prof. Abubakar Yagawal commended tour operators on their successful outing and conduct during the 2025 Hajj. P

    Yagawal also called for continued cooperation with the commission by all stakeholders, and urged intending pilgrims to ensure early payment and preparations for an improved 2026 Hajj experience.

  • US govt revokes over 6,000 students visa

    US govt revokes over 6,000 students visa

    The US State Department has revoked more than 6,000 student visas.

    The department said the revocations were due to overstays and law violations, with the vast majority being assault, driving under the influence, burglary, and support for terrorism.

    In May, President Donald Trump’s administration temporarily halted new interview appointments for people applying for visas to study in the United States.

    Interviews later resumed, but restrictions on accepting foreign students have been tightened, and scrutiny of visa applicants’ social media posts has increased.

    In addition, the US State Department disclosed on Saturday that it would suspend the issuance of all visitor visas for individuals from the Palestinian territory of Gaza.

    It said the measure would be in effect until it conducted “a full and thorough review of the process and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days.”

  • Police detain 4 in Lagos over N500m visa scam

    Police detain 4 in Lagos over N500m visa scam

    The Police Command in Lagos State has detained a syndicate for allegedly defrauding members of the public of N500 million.

    The Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, Mr Olohundare Jimoh confirmed this to journalists on Monday in Lagos.

    He said that operatives of Ago-Okota Division on July 16, apprehended the suspects of ages 23, 25, 27 and 36.

    “Following the transfer of a case from Ago-Okota Division, detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lagos State Police Command, apprehended the syndicate.

    “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects, staff of an educational consultancy fraudulently obtained over N500 million from more than 100 victims under the false pretense of facilitating Canadian and Australian work visas.

    “The suspects are in police custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,” he said.

    According to him, efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large.

  • FG urges U.S. to engage Nigerians on reviews of visa rules

    FG urges U.S. to engage Nigerians on reviews of visa rules

    The Federal Government on Friday urged the U.S. to directly and adequately engage Nigerians anytime there is a review of its visa laws, rules, and regulations to enhance better understanding and compliance.

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made the call when the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Richard Mills paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

    Idris called on the envoy to ensure constant engagement with Nigerians on any new changes considering that Nigerians travel to almost all parts of the world, inluding the U.S.

    Idris recalled that Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) had put out information cautioning Nigerians against the misuse of the U.S. visa.

    “And because, we, Nigerians travel a lot, it is good that information is shared with us, because these travels are done for tourism, education, businesses, medicals, and so on.

    “U.S. is a country where a lot of Nigerians travel to. This shows that the two countries share a lot, and we need to keep such relationship because it has positive impact on the two countries.

    “There have been some changes announced by the U.S. Mission. This is to ensure efficiency and effective service delivery. The Ambassador told me that the changes were not punitive.

    “We, therefore, call on the United States to engage Nigerians directly, to let them know about any change. Also, my Ministry will continue to partner with the U.S. to ensure proper dissemination of information to our people,” Idris said.

    Responding, Mills affirmed that the U.S. values the relationship it has with Nigeria and will not take it for granted.

    According to him, U.S. visa rules play an important role in keeping the ties between the two countries strong whether in business, education, tourism or cultural exchange.

    “However, the U.S. considers it essential that visas are appropriately used in conformity with U.S. regulations and laws.

    “We welcome Nigerian visitors to the United States, just as Nigerians welcome Amercans here.

    “I am sure that both governments want visitors to respect our national laws and regulations.

    “We are very thankful that we were able to engage with the Nigerian government to make the point that visa compliance is not just a legal obligation but a cornerstone of mutual trust and respect for the two nations.

    “So, the misuse of visas, inaccurate or dishonest application procedure, and overstaying could sometimes undermine the trust between countries and cause serious consequences for those who misuse their visas.

    “That is why both governments want to make sure we send out the  message about visa laws and how to respect and honour them.

    “The minister and I, reaffirm and share a commitment to getting the message to the Nigerian people so that they can understand the importance of complying with U.S. visa processes.

    He said it is very important always provide truthful information in the course of visa processing.

    “By doing that, we will strengthen the bond between our countries and we will ensure that opportunities to travel for business and cultural exchange remain available for all of us,” he added.

  • U.S. to revoke visa of students who dodge classes

    U.S. to revoke visa of students who dodge classes

    The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria,  Mr Richard Mills, says students who skip classes without informing the school authority will get his or her visa revoked.

    Mills said this when he visited the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris,  on Friday in Abuja.

    According to him, the primary responsibility of obtaining a student visa is not to violate its terms.

    “Don’t stay beyond the amount of time you were admitted when you arrived in the United States. If you overstayed, it could result in deportation and a lifetime ban on future travel to the U.S.

    “It is also important to understand that when you come to the Visa Window to apply for a visa, you have to be as accurate as possible about the reason for your travel.

    ”How will you fund your travel in the U.S. and what are the requirements in your life that will make you come back to Nigeria.

    “Is not a piece of paper that guarantees your admittance into the US, it is your understanding of how to fund your travel and reason for you as a Nigerian Citizen to come back home,” he said.

    Mills said the U.S. wants to  ensure sanity by ensuring that the few that break laws don’t do that in the future as visas can be revoked and the holder deported if they break our laws.

    “Student Visa holders should know that they need to remain in the programme that underlines their visas; if you skip classes or leave your programme of study without informing the school, the student visa could be revoked,” Mills stressed.

    He said that the goal is to ensure that travels into Nigeria and the U.S. continue, and would be done in a safe and secure way for both countries to continue.

    Speaking, Idris said the partnership between Nigeria and the U.S. was boosting the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu in many ways.

    He said Nigeria will continue to have close collaboration and engagement with the U.S. for the benefit of the two nations.

    ”At the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, we will continue to engage with all our partners including the U.S. to help foster better understanding, like the new visa laws.

    “We will also continue to engage with our other international partners, so that they can understand what the Nigerian Government is doing to inform Nigerians for better understanding,” he said.

  • US to begin $15,000 visa bond for some visitors

    US to begin $15,000 visa bond for some visitors

    The US State Department said some visa applicants will soon be required to pay bonds of up to $15,000 to discourage visa overstays as part of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on migration.

    Starting later this month, the pilot program will require applicants from certain countries to pay a sum of “no less than $5,000” as collateral for the issuance of their visa.

    The funds will be returned if the applicant complies with all visa terms. If the applicant remains in the United States past the deadline, the funds will be forfeited.

    “Consular officers may require covered nonimmigrant visa applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000 as a condition of visa issuance,” the agency said in a notice to be published Tuesday in the US Federal Register.

    The 12-month program would only affect foreign nationals from countries considered to have “high visa overstay rates” based on a 2023 Department of Homeland Security report, the notice said.

    Neither the notice nor the spokesperson specified which countries would be impacted by the new rule.

    The program, which will begin on August 20, will apply to B-1 or B-2 nonimmigrant visas, and those asked to pay bonds will have to enter and depart from the United States from a list of pre-selected airports.

    Since returning to the White House in January, Trump and his administration have cracked down on migration to the United States.

    The State Department justified the launch of the pilot program by calling it “a key pillar of the Trump Administration’s foreign policy to protect the United States from the clear national security threat posed by visa overstays.”

  • Immigration cautions Nigerians against misusing U. S. visas

    Immigration cautions Nigerians against misusing U. S. visas

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued an advisory urging Nigerians to use their U.S. visas responsibly and in strict compliance with the stated purpose of their application.

    This follows concerns raised by the U.S. Government over the misuse of visas by some Nigerian citizens.

    In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the Service Public Relations Officer,(SPR0), Akinsola Akinlabi, said Nigerians holding U.S. visas must adhere to the terms and conditions under which the visas were granted.

    “The Nigeria Immigration Service wishes to inform the general public of concerns raised by the United States Government regarding the misuse of U.S. visas by Nigerians.

    “All visa holders are advised to strictly adhere to the purpose stated in their visa applications

    “U.S. authorities conduct security screening beyond the initial point of entry into the country. Any breach of immigration or other laws can lead to visa revocation or deportation.

    “Breach of visa conditions, including overstaying, may attract severe penalties, including removal from the U.S. and permanent ineligibility for future travel,” he said.

    According to him, the U.S. remains committed to maintaining a secure and transparent visa process and expects all visa holders to comply fully with its immigration regulations.

    He also advised Nigerian students in the U.S. to remain in active study programmes and refrain from unauthorised withdrawal or absenteeism.

    He noted that such actions could result in visa cancellation and the loss of future eligibility for U.S. travel.

    The NIS warned that the U.S. consular officers reserve the right to deny tourist visas to applicants suspected of intending to travel for the purpose of giving birth, in a bid to secure U.S. citizenship for their children.

    “The NIS will continue to collaborate with the U.S. Mission in Abuja to ensure Nigeria is not included in any expanded visa restrictions,” he said.

    “We are calling on all Nigerian citizens to comply with U.S. visa rules as such conduct is essential to safeguarding legitimate travel opportunities.

  • NOA cautions Nigerians on U.S. visa use

    NOA cautions Nigerians on U.S. visa use

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has advised Nigerians travelling abroad, especially to the U.S., to act responsibly in using their visas.

    NOA Director-General, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, gave the advice in a statement issued by the agency’s Director of Communications and Media, Mr Bala Musa, on Thursday in Abuja.

    Issa-Onilu urged Nigerians to refrain from misusing U.S. visas and avoid engaging in activities beyond the purpose or classification of their travel documents.

    He said visa security vetting does not end at the point of entry into the United States and that monitoring continues after arrival.

    “U.S. authorities constantly monitor visa holders. Visas can be revoked, and individuals deported, for breaking immigration rules or any U.S. law,” he stated.

    He reminded Nigerians travelling to the U.S. to declare all excess cash above permitted limits and avoid packing contraband items in their luggage.

    The NOA boss warned that overstaying or violating visa conditions could lead to deportation or a lifetime ban from entering the U.S.

    “Such actions could also affect chances for other Nigerians with genuine reasons for travel,” he added.

    Issa-Onilu advised Nigerian students in the U.S. to take timely steps to regularise their visa status before expiry.

    He further noted that Nigerians applying for tourist visas to give birth in the U.S. for citizenship purposes would likely face rejection.

    “The United States applies strict screening to prevent security threats while supporting lawful travel under a fair and transparent visa process,” he said.