The United States Mission Nigeria has issued a fresh warning against visa fraud and related abuses, urging Nigerians to report suspicious activity to its Fraud Prevention Units in Abuja and Lagos as part of ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of the US visa system.

In a post on X, the mission said those who seek to commit fraud “bring increased scrutiny on all visa applicants,” underscoring that US consular officers apply rigorous screening to detect irregularities in applications. The advisory included direct contact emails — AbujaFPU@state.gov and LagosFPU@state.gov — for reporting suspected fraud.

Visa fraud — including lying on application forms, submitting fake documents or misrepresenting facts — carries serious consequences under US immigration law, officials have repeatedly cautioned. False statements or misrepresentation can lead to permanent bans on entry to the United States, according to similar embassy warnings issued in recent years. Those who commit fraud may face lifelong ineligibility for future visas and denied entry at US ports of entry if discovered during vetting.

The mission’s warning aligns with broader efforts by US authorities to counter not only false documentation and fraudulent claims, but also schemes involving unlicensed intermediaries or “visa consultants” who promise guaranteed appointments or approvals in exchange for payment.

The embassy has previously reminded the public that official visa application fees are paid only through government channels, and that no third party can lawfully guarantee an outcome.

Visa fraud also poses risks beyond individual applicants. Consular officials have noted that overstay or misuse by some travellers can lead to increased scrutiny and tighter visa policies for all applicants from a given country, which can affect students, professionals, business visitors and family travellers with legitimate reasons to go to the United States.

Nigerians have historically been among the largest groups seeking US non-immigrant visas on the African continent, including tourist, business, student and work categories.

However, the US Department of State introduced reciprocal visa restrictions in mid-2025, limiting many Nigerian non-immigrant visas to single-entry, three-month validity as part of broader visa policy adjustments.

Officials have stressed that law-abiding Nigerians continue to engage legally with the United States as temporary workers, professionals, entrepreneurs and investors, and that adherence to application rules and honesty in documentation are crucial to ensuring continued opportunities for legitimate travel.

The visa system remains under close watch by US authorities, who have reiterated that fraudulent activity undermines legitimate travellers and may negatively impact future policy decisions affecting Nigerian visa issuance.

Applicants are urged to use only official US government websites (ending in .gov) for application forms and payments, to avoid unofficial agents promising special access, and to report any suspected fraud to the embassy’s fraud units. (The Guardian)