The United States has suspended visa processing for applicants from Nigeria, Russia and a dozen other countries as part of a sweeping review of its immigration screening system, according to an internal directive from the US Department of State.

The instruction, which takes effect from January 21, orders American embassies and consulates to halt visa processing for nationals of at least 73 countries while authorities reassess vetting procedures.

The memo, first reported by Fox News, directs consular officers to rely on existing legal grounds to refuse applications during the review period.

The suspension applies to several visa categories and has no defined end date, as officials have not indicated when the reassessment will be concluded.

Countries affected by the measure cut across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Among them are Nigeria, Somalia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil and Thailand.

US officials link the move to stricter enforcement of the “public charge” provision in immigration law, which permits visa denial for applicants deemed likely to depend on government assistance.

In November 2025, the State Department instructed diplomatic missions worldwide to apply tighter standards when evaluating such risks.

Under the updated guidance, consular officers are required to weigh additional factors, including applicants’ age, health condition, English language ability, financial resources, employment prospects and possible need for long-term medical care.

Somalia has drawn heightened scrutiny following a federal investigation in Minnesota that uncovered extensive fraud involving publicly funded welfare programmes.

Prosecutors said many of those implicated were Somali nationals or individuals of Somali descent, prompting increased attention to visa cases associated with the country.

Although Nigeria was not specifically cited in the memo, its inclusion places it among nations facing tougher entry requirements. This comes at a time when large numbers of Nigerians seek US visas for education, employment, tourism and family reunification.

The State Department has not disclosed whether exemptions will be granted for humanitarian cases or how long the suspension will last, leaving prospective travellers, students and families in uncertainty.

Observers warn that the policy could disrupt mobility, delay educational and professional plans, and strain diplomatic relations between the United States and the affected countries.