he United States government has issued a strong warning, reminding Nigerians about the severe consequences of visa violations.

In a statement, the US Mission in Nigeria warned that overstaying a visa can result in a permanent ban on future entry into the US.

The American government emphasized that consular officers have full access to an individual’s immigration history and will know about past violations. There is no room for “honest mistakes,” and it is the traveler’s responsibility to use their visa correctly.

The warning applies to all categories of entry, including tourism, business, and family visits. Different US visa categories have varying permitted time stays, and it’s essential to confirm these durations to avoid any issues.

Consequences of Overstaying a US Visa:

• Visa Cancellation: Immediate revocation of the current visa
• Future Visa Denials: Difficulty or outright refusal of future US visa applications
• Permanent Inadmissibility: A lifetime ban from entering the United States

To avoid these penalties, the US Embassy advised visa holders to strictly adhere to their visa conditions, monitor their permitted duration of stay, and make travel arrangements accordingly. Those facing unforeseen circumstances should seek extensions from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before their visa expires.