₦airaland Forum

Avoid attempting to win an argument without grounding your position in verifiable facts. What you shared is already widely known and is not the issue under discussion.

Kindly take the time to carefully review the information provided below to gain proper factual clarity before responding further. Thank you.

Visa Bond Requirement
• The U.S. Department of State has expanded a visa bond program that applies to certain non-immigrant visas (especially B-1/B-2 business and tourist visas) for nationals of several countries including Nigeria. Under this program, eligible applicants may be required to post a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000, or up to $15,000 at the time of visa issuance, as determined by a consular officer during the interview.
• This bond requirement does not guarantee visa issuance it is just one part of the U.S. government’s compliance measures tied to overstay and screening concerns.

Temporary Visa Restrictions / Bans
• Separately, the U.S. government implemented broader travel and visa restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 10998, effective January 1, 2026. This expanded travel ban includes partial or full suspensions of certain visa categories (including B-1/B-2, F, M, J, and some immigrant visas) for nationals of many countries, including Nigeria.
• Under that policy, nationals of affected countries who are outside the United States and do not hold a valid existing visa may not be issued new visas in the restricted categories even if the online system shows interview slots.

Has the Temporary Restriction/Ban Been Lifted?
No official statement from the U.S. Embassy or the Department of State has confirmed that the temporary restriction/banned status on the affected visa categories (like B-1/B-2 for Nigeria) has been lifted.
• There is no verified embassy announcement that the ban has been removed and replaced simply with the visa bond requirement.

How the Two Policies Relate
• The visa bond program is a policy on financial compliance for certain visa issuances.
• The temporary visa restrictions/ban is a separate travel restriction policy tied to national security and screening, under a Presidential Proclamation.
These two can exist simultaneously, but the existence of the bond requirement doesn’t automatically mean that the temporary bans have been lifted.

Practical Implication
Until there is explicit, official communication from the U.S. Embassy or State Department saying the temporary visa restriction on affected categories has ended, the safest assumption is that the restriction remains in effect, and the availability of interview slots* does not necessarily guarantee visa issuance

Efetobore1980:
@IvoryT, I think you have not read the attached ? Go through it and apologize to me or are you the same Lekan 😀

@AdisaMighty above posted that there is thousands of interview but no single visa issuance. Sir can you post just 15 different visa denial slips you have seen from January 2026 till date ? Or you just assumed that thousands are being denied?

@Lekan and @IvoryT, Mr Adisa also supported my claim that B1/B2 visa application is still going on regardless of visa is issued or not.

If your visa is denied that means that you are not qualified. It is not because of the ban.

I am fully aware and I believe many others are as well of the bond requirement applicable to eligible U.S. visa applicants, as this was clearly communicated by the U.S. Embassy.

However, the issue here is different. There has been no official communication from the U.S. Embassy indicating that the temporary restriction on the affected visa categories has been lifted and replaced with a bond requirement. Until such formal clarification is issued, any assertion to that effect remains unsubstantiated

Ask the relevant questions during your visa interview and provide feedback here afterward.

Lekan2348:
1. You are wasting your time trying to relate in a reasonable manner with Efetobore

2. The us embassy did actually mention the bond system of paying $5k,$10k or $15k if you are eligible for the visa. But no further information has come out since then. Eligibility could mean a lot of things, there a whole lot of other non immigrant categories besides b1/b2. So nothing has been particularly addressed about the bond situation and no participating witness has come out here to share their experience at the embassy. That is where the issue is. Efetobore is here trying to force medicine down our throats.

3. It may be good people halt their visa applications for now at the same time there might be a scenario where visas are being issued. We do not have information to be on either side. So we need people that have experienced what is going on to let us know.

4. Lastly, I will mention it again that trying to relate with Efetobore is a waste of your time. He clearly believes he is above all of us in age, reasoning and authority.

This reflects a shallow line of reasoning driven more by wishful thinking than verifiable facts. It is important to approach such matters with evidence and sound analysis rather than assumptions.

If there is a claim that the U.S. Embassy has lifted the restriction and replaced it with a bond requirement, then credible, official communication should be provided to substantiate that position. Assertions of that magnitude require documented proof, not speculation.

Unfortunately, public discourse often suffers when opinions are presented as facts without proper verification. An objective situation should be assessed based on documented evidence, not on what one hopes to be true.


[quote author=Efetobore1980 post=138403835][/quote]

There is a great deal of speculation circulating on this issue. The reality is that Nigeria is currently subject to a temporary visa restriction affecting certain categories, particularly the commonly applied-for B1/B2 visas. While the U.S. visa application portal for these categories remains open and interview dates may still appear available, this should not be misconstrued as confirmation that visas are being issued under the affected classifications.

From an administrative standpoint, it is understandable why the embassy may keep the application system operational. A complete suspension or formal halt could trigger refund obligations and significant procedural complications. However, the practical implication remains, applicants bear the financial and time risk.

It is therefore prudent for individuals to exercise sound judgment and temporarily pause applications under the affected categories rather than incur avoidable expenses.

For those encouraging continued applications, it would be reasonable to present verifiable evidence of any visa issuances within the restricted categories since the Presidential Proclamation took effect.

Ultimately, decisions should be guided by facts and documented outcomes not optimism unsupported by evidence.

Efetobore1980:
Stop re-announcing the travel ban. Nigerians are aware of it. It's okay if you don't want to apply. Leave others with their choices. Your post is becoming nuisance sir.

The grammar in the message you quoted said , Nigerians can still apply, so let it be.

Noted. The post is for awareness, not to stop anyone from applying. People can still make their own choices, but sharing information about risks and implications is not a nuisance, it’s responsible.

Typical “I-know-it-all” attitude, expressed without a proper understanding of what actually constitutes a nuisance.

Thank you for your mail.

The Department of State has no plans to cancel currently scheduled visa interview appointments. Visa applicants who are subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998 may still submit visa applications and schedule interviews, but they may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States.

Again, should you have any further questions, please read the Department of State of State webpage with information about this Presidential Proclamation.


Nonimmigrant Visa Unit (MA)

U.S. Consulate General Lagos
Bureau of Consular Affairs

It seems like they just want people to spend money on visa applications they have no chance of getting. Use your sense.

Many thanks. I completely agree, there should be a formal communication to this effect.

I will not advice anyone to cancel or reschedule his or her present appointment. That would be to die before their deaths. Besides, all affected parties can never be technical refusals, otherwise, the U.S. embassy must refund all mrv payments because their action would be interpreted to a rip-off.

Good day. If this partial restriction is confirmed, what is the recommended approach for applicants who already have visa interviews scheduled for January, February, March, or thereabout? Should they consider cancelling or postponing or abandoning the appointment since it may result in a technical refusal due to the restriction? This will help avoid unnecessary expenses and the risks associated with travelling from Lagos to Abuja for an interview that may likely be denied. I just want people to get a clear picture of the implications. Thank you

●▪︎
Sir, I agree and understand that it came directly from president Trump, even to the extent that BCC can haired the news. I know its on white house website. My argument is that, it will still be debated in the white house and if agreed generally, it would become official and posted accross U.S. embassies website.

●▪︎
I am always neutral in all politics, and i am a Nigerian, therefore , i understand people's fear but, some agents are twisting the news by causing general panick. Many Nigerians can make a huge life-decision-error which can cost them their lives, huge money or life progress.

The above is the reason i usually address hasty circular. Thank you sir. [/quote]

ood evening, everyone. Could someone kindly explain what the new U.S. restrictions actually mean? Does it imply that visas will no longer be issued for the affected categories? Also, if someone already has a scheduled appointment for a visitor visa, how would these restrictions impact that? Please help clarify what the restriction truly entails. Thank you

Good evening, everyone. Could someone kindly explain what the new U.S. restrictions actually mean? Does it imply that visas will no longer be issued for the affected categories? Also, if someone already has a scheduled appointment for a visitor visa, how would these restrictions impact that? Please help clarify what the restriction truly entails. Thank you

MsAnonymous:
What type of questions pls

Basically, the questions focused on details from your visa application: your purpose of travel, destination in Canada, planned activities, occupation, annual income, both spouses’ highest educational qualifications and institutions, accommodation address and proof, and your family’s travel history (including previous visas and any refusals). Additional questions were asked depending on your responses.

It appears they are primarily checking for consistency with the information provided in your application.

My family and I travelled to Canada this week for the Christmas holidays. During check-in, the airline conducted strict verification in real time with CBSA officials in Canada. The process was unusual: CBSA sent questions via WhatsApp to the airline representative, he read each question to the passenger, the passenger responded, and he typed the answers back to CBSA. This back-and-forth continued until CBSA decided whether to clear the passenger for boarding.

One family was eventually denied boarding after this exchange. The airline informed them that CBSA had instructed the carrier not to allow them on the flight due to “multiple inconsistencies,” and advised them not to attempt travelling to Canada again until they heard from the embassy.

Have you ever experienced or heard of something similar?

It appears first-time travelers may be scrutinized more closely, so if you’re travelling, be fully prepared to answer questions clearly, truthfully, and consistently

IvoryT:
Then they should issue a formal notification to that effect, because any unauthorized deduction from the principal amount would be considered criminal. In two weeks, my GTB investment will mature, and I’ll return here to provide a firsthand update. It is what it is, the government is choking us with taxes. The idea itself is good and aligns with global best practices, but unfortunately, we’re not seeing the impact or how the money is being utilized

As promised, my Treasury Bills with GBT matured yesterday, the 20th of November. This evening, I received my capital intact, as expected. I then waited patiently for the withholding tax debit, which came about 35 minutes later. This is the reality

fergie001:
Pastor Adeboye @ 2025 Holy Ghost Congress

Stop spreading misinformation. US plans no attack on Nigeria; They can 'wipe Nigeria away' in minutes if they want. What’s being discussed is military action against terrorist groups (Islamist & IPOB/ESN), not an assault on the country. Do not share unverified rumors

talk2tonie:
With GTB, you will be debited WHT upon maturity from your capital.
By the way, I am speaking from experience.

Then they should issue a formal notification to that effect, because any unauthorized deduction from the principal amount would be considered criminal. In two weeks, my GTB investment will mature, and I’ll return here to provide a firsthand update. It is what it is, the government is choking us with taxes. The idea itself is good and aligns with global best practices, but unfortunately, we’re not seeing the impact or how the money is being utilized

We should always seek to understand before speaking.
First, no bank is allowed to deduct anything from your principal amount.

From my own investments in FBN and GTB, I can confirm that there is no such thing as Withholding Tax (WHT) on the principal nor interest. The only deductions applied on interest are Custody Fees, Transaction Fees, and VAT on those fees, all of which are relatively small.

I’ve attached my two investment certificates for your reference.
If any bank deducts from your principal, you should take immediate legal action.

Machini:
Hi everyone.

Please I need clarification on the photo/passport to be taken to the interview. My interview (B1/B2) is next week Monday, on the appointment letter it is stated to bring along a passport photo, whereas on the reminder email I got a couple of days ago it is stated to bring along "a 5cm x 5cm photo".

My question: is the 5cm x 5cm photo still going to be a passport photo? or a full photograph?

Thanks in anticipation.

Hello, share your visa interview transcript if you don't mind. Thanks

IjeObi:
Good afternoon.

I went for my B1/B2 visa interview this morning in Abuja. My anxiety started when the lady checking passports asked for my expired passport, and I didn't have it. I didn't use it at all, so I didn't think bringing it was necessary. She said that there was no way to ascertain whether or not what I said was true, but they let me in.

About 20 or more people were in line in front of me, and as far as I could tell, more than 90% had been denied before i came in. As I watched, person after person was denied, including older people. I remained calm and kept asking the Lord for mercy and favour.

One naval officer was the only person to be approved, that i could tell of, from the window where my interview held.

VO: Good morning. Passport please.
Me: Good morning.

I handed her my passport. She was polite but hardly smiled.

VO: Where are you traveling to?
Me: I told her.
VO: Are you married?
Me: Yes.
VO: How many children do you have?
Me: One.
VO: What do you do?
Me: I'm a writer, self-employed.
VO: What is the purpose of the trip?
Me: My sister is getting married, and she invited us.
VO: Have you been out of the country before?
Me: No.
VO: Are you going with your family or going alone?
Me: I'm not going with them, but I'm going with my mum. She's frail and needs help.

All the while, she was typing, but she paused when I said this. Then, she asked:

VO: Does your mum already have her visa?
Me: Yes.

She nodded and continued typing.

VO: How long are you going to stay?
Me: Two to three weeks.
VO: What does your husband do?
Me: I told her.

She nodded again and kept typing.

VO: What is your mum's name?
Me: I told her, and she typed and checked her system.

Then she asked me to spell my mum's surname, and I did. I could faintly see my mum's picture on her large screen. She had two, and one was slightly facing outward. She nodded and typed for a few seconds before saying:

VO: I've approved your visa. We will let you know how to collect your passport. This paper...
I don't remember the rest of what she said. But she cracked a quick smile at me at this point, and I left.

God is merciful and kind.

My key takeaway is that you must clearly establish that your visit is necessary to qualify for a visa. In this case, your mother, who already holds a valid visa and is in a frail condition, genuinely needs your assistance to attend her daughter’s (your sister’s) wedding. Without that compelling reason, your application would likely be refused, because you’re not an essential participant, your absence wouldn’t make or break the event.
Applicants must convincingly justify why their travel to the U.S. is necessary at this time. It’s no longer enough to rely solely on financial stability, home ties, or travel history, those are helpful indicators, but not decisive. The key questions remain: Why the U.S.? Why now? If the consular officer isn’t convinced, it’s an easy denial.
Globally, visa scrutiny has become tighter, with more refusals than approvals, so applicants must ensure their reasons stand out and are clearly justified.

Efetobore1980:
***
If your colleague is evading bank charges please tell her that it is better to pay bank charges of may be 5k than to forfeiting all the $180 MRV payment because if she is eventually debited half-way her money wont be reversed.

Ask her to cancel the present pending appointment and start all over. She should choose Bank deposit this time and ask you or other relative to do the payment physically if she is not around to do it.

When your card failed to pay MRV immediately as prompt as possible then you need to change the card or change your payment option entirely. 👍

Thank you for your response. She wasn’t debited, and I’ll advise her to try the bank payment option.

Good morning, everyone. I have a quick question on behalf of a colleague: Can the GT USD Mastercard be used to pay the visa application fee? She has tried twice but received a 'payment was unsuccessful' message. Thank you.

BlessedGift:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK4414WrxJ0

A Professor of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management, Prof Chris Obisi, has decried the lack of funding for research in the nation’s higher institutions, calling on corporate organisations to assist.

I used to worry about these trends, but I later realized it’s not the fault of the companies, it’s a reflection of our society’s moral decline and the drive for profit. Today, academic excellence or innovation barely gets attention, while immoral content racks up millions of views/attentions. Naturally, companies follow where the money flows, investing in what yields the highest returns. SAD!!

Peniel13:
Hello everyone. I asking for a first hand experience of anyone that has recently used Turkish airline from Lagos to London with a layover in Istanbul? Does it require transit visa? The layover is just about 2hrs..I'm confused because I have been seeing conflicting information about it. Even called their help desk in Nigeria and she said transit visa is required while another page says otherwise. Thanks.

You generally do not need a transit visa if:
• You stay in the international transit/transfer area at Istanbul airport. You don’t pass through immigration or exit the transit section.
• Your layover is under 24 hours and you're only connecting to another flight.

Good afternoon, House,

Last week, some folks mentioned that visa validity is now at the discretion of the Visa Officer, and that’s absolutely correct. I picked up our passports today, my wife and I were issued 1-year visas, while the kids got visas valid until their passport expiry (about 5 years).

Funny enough, with all the previous and current visas on my passport, they still gave me just 1 year, hahaha! Even with their big bro - US 4 years visa o

Honestly, as a very young family, they suspect we might consider birth tourism at some point, and that’s probably true. For now, we’ll manage the 1-year, enough for the birth tourism.

Visa validity periods now seem to be discretionary.

Good day All, Please what's the current protocol(s) to enter the UK in terms of Covid-19 protocol from Nigeria? Many thanks in anticipation.

FanOfMyself:
I'm not frustrated bro. But I think you are just showing off IMO. Do you know that some people give their wife 10m as monthly stipend and yet the woman will cheat on them while some men can only afford 20k as monthly stipend for their spouses and yet she is so grateful to him and respect him.
You are a proud person... you even went as far as revealing how much you are saving for your little princess... to what end? On a faceless forum where no one really gives a fok.

Unfortunately you gave a Bleep that's why this your childish thought and write up. It's very disgusting how folks think, what has cheating got to do with the subject matter?. My advice to you, be analytical, think things through before you write and act smart and you soar like an eagle. If to say I created a thread to complain about my woman or poverty related stuff I believe you would be happy. Anyways, drink water, work hard, work smart and take your opportunities.

FanOfMyself:
We don't really care how you decide to run your family and how much you give your wife for her monthly upkeep depends on many variables.
I don't really know why y'all choose to create thread about stuffs as irrelevant as these.
You just came online to seek attention like some of these small small girls do here.

But someone above found it relevant bro. You could have read and passed...we are all frustrated but try and keep it in check.

blinking001:
This is really laughable . Whatever rocks your boat sir
Personally I can't give a woman that kind of power over the affairs of my life. You even said she gives you life. Bros like wtf?

The problem with us from this part of the world is that we are one directional thinkers (very myopic).....not surprised by your assertion but like you said ..."whatever rocks my boat".

Jessepaid:
She even dropped me a Princess, who also gets 100k every month in the account I opened for her.....

100k/month X 15 years later.....she will some money to play with.

Not play with bro...you just secured her future, education, health etc

It's a good move ..parents should learn from this

Hope say you dey save for retirement also

Retirement? Still a very very long way to go. Anyways, I have setup things that will even rival Jupiter's C..k!!.

ThiagoKid:
Chaiii
The end is near aswear!
Op, please can you make it 500k?
You know she deserve to be loved...

As things improve, all allowances increases too. Also, if the World's Economy dwindles and Oil Price falls and pay and business shrinks so will all allowances.

So to answer your question, yes it will get to and surpass the 500k in the future by His Grace.

blinking001:
What's your wife's contribution to your life?

She gives me Life, Peace, Energy, Happiness, Companionship, Counselling, Advice, Food, Sex, Business Strategies just to mention but a few....She even dropped me a Princess, who also gets 100k every month in the account I opened for her.....

Guy do the maths, with 100k/month X 15 years later.....she will some money to play with.

Anyways, different strokes for different folks.

Wyry:
Nigerian girls are useless.

Ok, well noted. Thanks!

Finally settled at 350k a month...had a pay raise then decided to increase hers too...