Confusion over ‘exemption for existing visa holders’ in new US restrictions on Nigerians

US Visa

Confusion has gripped Nigerians following the United States’ suspension of new tourist, student, and exchange visa applications as part of its latest update to travel restrictions.

The suspension covers immigrant visas as well as non-immigrant visas including B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J categories — routes most commonly used by Nigerians despite data showing relatively low visa overstay rates.B visas are temporary visitors for business (B-1) or tourism (B-2); F and M visas are for students (academic and vocational); while J visas are for exchange visitors.President Donald Trump signed the proclamation on Tuesday.

“The entry into the United States of nationals of Nigeria as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B‑2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended,” Trump said.

The president also asked consular officers to reduce the validity for any other non-immigrant visa issued to Nigerian nationals to the extent permitted by law.

Reasons were given for the partial travel restriction imposed on 15 countries including Nigeria.

“The free operation of radical Islamic terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in certain parts of the country” was first cited as reason for the restriction. Thecable