For many Nigerians hoping to visit, study, work, or attend events in the United States, obtaining a visa may soon become significantly more expensive if reports of a planned centralisation of visa services in Lagos materialise.

The development has sparked concern among prospective travellers, particularly residents of Abuja and northern Nigeria, who fear that the additional costs of transportation, accommodation, feeding, and logistics could make the already challenging visa application process even more burdensome.

Applicants Fear Rising Costs  

Thirty-four-year-old Abuja-based entrepreneur Grace Yakubu had been saving for months to fund her U.S. visitor visa application and a planned trip to see relatives in Houston.

Like many Nigerians, she has watched U.S. immigration policies become increasingly restrictive, with reports of shorter visa validity periods, heightened scrutiny of applicants, and growing uncertainty over approvals.

Now, the possibility of travelling to Lagos for visa interviews has added fresh concerns.

“The process is already becoming harder,” she said. “We now have to spend hundreds of thousands of naira travelling to Lagos without knowing whether we will even get approval. It has become a very expensive risk.”

According to her, the burden extends beyond visa fees, as applicants must also budget for flights, hotel accommodation, transportation, and feeding.

“What worries me most is that the extra expenses are not part of the actual visa process. They are just the price of getting access to the process,” she added.

Domestic Airfares Add Pressure

The concerns come as domestic air travel costs continue to rise across Nigeria.

Major airlines including Air Peace, Ibom Air, and United Nigeria Airlines have increased minimum base fares above N200,000 following persistent increases in aviation fuel prices.

BusinessDay findings show that one-way economy tickets on key routes have risen sharply in recent months. A Lagos-Abuja ticket that averaged about N120,000 earlier in the year now costs more than N200,000 on some carriers.

For applicants required to travel to Lagos for visa appointments, the additional transport costs could significantly increase the overall expense of seeking a U.S. visa.

Industry Experts Warn of Longer Wait Times

Travel and immigration stakeholders have also expressed concerns about the impact on appointment availability and processing timelines.

Publisher of Globalafri Diplomat magazine, Sóókó Deji-Ajomale McWord, warned that centralising services in Lagos could worsen existing delays.

“Even when the two missions were providing consular services, you may not get a date for two years,” he said.

“Now, if you’re collapsing the two centres that provide consular services into one, it’s going to be chaotic.”

McWord recalled instances when visa interview slots were unavailable for nearly a year, raising concerns that increased demand could create even longer waiting periods.

Travel Agencies Report Declining Interest

Susan Akporaiye, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Topaz Travels and Tours and former president of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), said uncertainty surrounding U.S. visa approvals has already reduced travel demand.

“People have been very skeptical about travelling to the U.S., including those that have visas,” she said.

According to her, reports of visa cancellations, deportations, and refusals have discouraged many prospective travellers.

“The percentage of people that the U.S. gives visas to is very small, unlike before,” Akporaiye noted.

She warned that shutting down visa services in Abuja would further discourage applicants and increase costs.

Additional Expenses Could Exceed Visa Fees

Travel consultant Adeogun Foluso said the financial implications extend far beyond the official visa application fee.

According to him, return economy flights between Abuja and Lagos can range between N300,000 and N500,000 depending on booking periods and travel dates.

Applicants may also incur costs for hotel accommodation in areas close to the U.S. Consulate, such as Victoria Island and Ikoyi, alongside feeding and transportation expenses.

“Many people save for months just to pay the visa fee,” Foluso said. “When you add transportation, accommodation, and feeding in Lagos, it becomes another major financial hurdle, especially for students and families.”

Applicants Face Growing Frustration

Victor Afonimeh Okposin, CEO of Travelluxe Hub, said increased demand in Lagos could lead to longer response times and greater frustration among applicants.

He noted that Abuja had historically issued more visas partly because it handled fewer applicants than Lagos.

“For frequent flyers, Lagos may not be a problem. However, the response time, which is affected by the population, would increase the number of denials and frustrations for travellers,” he said.

Families and Professionals Feel the Impact

Former Nigerian Ambassador to Singapore, Ogbole Ode, said applicants outside Lagos would bear the greatest burden if visa processing becomes concentrated in the commercial capital.

“That Lagos becomes the hub of U.S. visa issuance in Nigeria means that all visa applicants, except diplomatic visa holders, outside Lagos will have to head to Lagos with the attendant extra costs and inconvenience,” he said.

A journalist familiar with the visa process estimated that travel-related expenses alone could exceed N500,000 for Abuja residents.

“When you add visa fees and passport collection costs, the total can easily exceed N800,000,” the source said.

For families, these costs may force travel plans to be postponed altogether.

“If we have to go to Lagos, I need flight tickets, hotel accommodation and local transportation,” said Abuja resident Rejoice Anyaegbu.

“That can easily cost more than the visa fees themselves. For many middle-income families, that means postponing travel plans altogether.”

Security Concerns Remain

Beyond the financial burden, some observers have highlighted security concerns associated with long-distance travel to Lagos.

Road travel from northern states can take more than 10 hours, while rising airfares have placed flights beyond the reach of many households.

Public affairs analyst Obute James noted that the uncertainty surrounding visa approvals makes the financial risk even harder to justify.

“You spend money travelling to Lagos, then you are not even guaranteed approval,” he said.

“If your visa is refused, you have lost the application fee and all the travel expenses.”

Uncertainty Over Future Visa Services

While concerns continue to mount, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged caution.

Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the ministry, said embassies rarely shut down visa-processing operations completely.

However, he acknowledged that any reduction in services in Abuja would inevitably increase costs for applicants who may need to travel to Lagos for interviews and other visa-related procedures.

As uncertainty persists, many Nigerians remain worried that a Lagos-only visa processing system could make access to U.S. travel opportunities significantly more expensive and less accessible.

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Nigeria has officially introduced a 30-day visa-free entry policy for citizens of Rwanda, marking a significant step toward strengthening diplomatic relations and boosting regional integration across Africa.

The development follows a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his ongoing visit to Kigali, Rwanda, where he is participating in the Africa CEO Forum.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) confirmed that all arrangements had been concluded for the implementation of the new travel policy.

The announcement comes after President Tinubu held bilateral discussions with Rwandan President Paul Kagame ahead of the summit, with both leaders exploring ways to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and Rwanda.

Nigeria responds with reciprocal visa policy

The Federal Government said the decision reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening African partnerships and encouraging easier movement across the continent.

Rwanda already grants citizens of African Union member states a 30-day visa-free stay, making it one of the few African countries operating such an open-entry system.

According to the new arrangement, Rwandan citizens can now enter Nigeria without obtaining a visa beforehand for up to 30 days.

The visa-free access covers lawful purposes such as tourism, business activities and official engagements.

Conditions attached to the visa-free arrangement

The NIS clarified that visitors wishing to remain in Nigeria beyond the approved period must obtain the appropriate travel documents.

Applicants can process extended visas through Nigerian embassies, high commissions abroad or the Nigeria electronic visa system.

Authorities also disclosed that the policy applies across all approved international entry points, including airports, seaports and land borders.

Move supports African integration goals

Immigration authorities described the initiative as part of broader efforts to promote intra-African mobility, economic cooperation and stronger regional ties.

Officials noted that the agreement aligns with wider continental aspirations aimed at improving trade, tourism and movement among African nations.

The policy also reflects growing momentum around pan-African cooperation and efforts to reduce travel barriers among African countries.

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The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed a significant hike in premium processing fees for immigration applications, effective March 1, 2026.

The fee increase, which averages 5.6%, is expected to impact thousands of businesses, students, and immigrants seeking expedited processing for work permits, residency applications, and student visas.

Why the Fee Increase?

The DHS explained that the fee adjustment is necessary to combat the rising costs of inflation and to stabilize the agency’s budget. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the increased revenue will be directed toward enhancing immigration services, reducing processing backlogs, and improving adjudication infrastructure. The new pricing will also help support the naturalization process for eligible applicants.

A USCIS spokesperson stated, “These adjustments are vital to maintaining the integrity of our services. The funds raised will be used to improve our adjudication processes, tackle ongoing backlogs, and ultimately enhance our naturalization services.”

What’s Changing for Immigrant Applicants?

The fee hikes will affect a wide range of applications under premium processing, a service designed to expedite immigration decisions. Key changes include:

• Form I-129 for H-2B or R-1 non-immigrant visas: Fee increases from $1,685 to $1,780.
• Form I-765 for student employment authorization (OPT and STEM-OPT): The fee will rise to $1,780.
• H-1B, L-1, O-1, and TN visa petitions: The processing fee will increase from $2,805 to $2,965.
• Form I-140 for employment-based immigrant petitions: The fee will also increase to $2,965.
• Form I-539 for changes in student or exchange visitor status: Fees will increase from $1,965 to $2,075.

What Does This Mean for Immigrants and Businesses?

The fee increase is particularly impactful for businesses seeking skilled foreign workers and students applying for work authorizations. It could also have far-reaching effects for those looking to extend or adjust their visa status. The DHS urges all applicants to ensure that their payments are in compliance with the new fees, as any application postmarked after the March 1 deadline without the updated payment will be rejected.

Adapting to the Changes

Applicants are reminded that premium processing is only available for specific immigration categories where the service has been officially announced. With the upcoming fee increase, U.S. immigration services are prioritizing both faster decisions and necessary infrastructure improvements.

The USCIS remains committed to streamlining the immigration process, but the fee increase is a necessary step to ensure the ongoing strength and efficiency of the system in the face of rising operational costs.

For businesses and individuals planning to file applications under premium processing, it’s essential to plan ahead to avoid delays or complications related to these changes.

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Canada deported 366 Nigerians between January and October 2025 as the country intensified immigration enforcement at its fastest pace in more than a decade, official data have shown.

Statistics obtained from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) removals programme further revealed that 974 Nigerians are currently listed in Canada’s “removal-in-progress” inventory and are awaiting deportation.

The data, last updated on November 25, 2025, indicated that Nigeria ranked ninth among the top 10 nationalities deported from Canada during the period under review. Nigeria also placed fifth among countries with the highest number of individuals awaiting removal.

A review of historical figures showed that deportations of Nigerians from Canada have fluctuated over the years. In 2019, 339 Nigerians were removed, a figure that declined to 302 in 2020, 242 in 2021, and 199 in 2022. Nigeria did not feature among the top 10 deported nationalities in 2023 and 2024 but returned to the list in 2025, with 366 deportations recorded within just 10 months—representing an eight per cent increase compared with 2019.

The rise in deportations coincides with Canada’s broader immigration crackdown, with the CBSA now removing nearly 400 foreign nationals weekly, the highest rate recorded in over 10 years. In the 2024–2025 fiscal year alone, Canada deported 18,048 people at a cost of approximately $78m.

Under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the CBSA is mandated to remove any foreign national with an enforceable removal order. Individuals may be declared inadmissible for reasons including security concerns, human or international rights violations, criminality, organised crime, health issues, financial reasons, misrepresentation, or failure to comply with immigration rules.

Data showed that failed refugee claimants accounted for about 83 per cent of all removals, while criminality-related cases made up roughly four per cent.

Canadian law recognises three categories of removal orders: departure orders, which require individuals to leave the country within 30 days; exclusion orders, which bar re-entry for one to five years; and deportation orders, which permanently prohibit return unless special authorisation is granted.

The Canadian government has said the intensified deportation drive is part of efforts to meet revised immigration targets and address mounting concerns over housing shortages, labour market pressures and border security. To support this, Ottawa allocated an additional $30.5m over three years to strengthen removal operations, alongside a separate $1.3bn commitment to border security.

Concerns have been raised by immigration advocates that deportations could increase further if Bill C-12, commonly referred to as the “border bill,” is passed into law. The President of the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, Aisling Bondy, warned that some provisions in the bill could permanently bar many individuals from making refugee claims in Canada.

An analysis of the CBSA figures showed that Nigeria was the only African country listed among the top 10 nationalities deported in 2025. Other African countries were grouped under “remaining nationals,” which collectively accounted for 6,233 removals during the year.

Mexico topped the list with 3,972 deportations, followed by India (2,831), Haiti (2,012), Colombia (737), Romania (672), the United States (656), Venezuela (562), China (385), Nigeria (366) and Pakistan (359).

Nigeria also emerged as the only African country in the top 10 list of individuals awaiting removal. The category was led by India with 6,515 cases, followed by Mexico (4,650), the United States (1,704), China (1,430) and Nigeria (974).

Despite the crackdown, Canada remains a major destination for Nigerians seeking improved economic and educational opportunities. According to the 2021 Canadian census, more than 40,000 Nigerians migrated to Canada between 2016 and 2021, making them the largest African migrant population and the fifth-largest recent immigrant group in the country.

Figures from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada showed that 6,600 Nigerians became new permanent residents within the first four months of 2024, ranking fourth behind India, the Philippines and China.

Between 2005 and 2024, no fewer than 71,459 Nigerians obtained Canadian citizenship, placing Nigeria 10th among source countries for new citizens.

Canada’s ageing population and persistent labour shortages have continued to drive demand for skilled professionals and international students, reinforcing its appeal among Nigerian migrants despite the tightening of immigration controls.

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Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has announced a sweeping plan to deport more than 750,000 undocumented migrants if her party returns to power, describing it as Britain’s toughest-ever border policy.

Her new Borders Plan proposes a US-style Removals Force, modelled on Donald Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The new unit would replace Home Office enforcement teams, with funding doubled from £800 million to £1.6 billion to boost deportations from 34,000 to 150,000 a year.

“We must tackle the scourge of illegal immigration into Britain and secure our borders,” Badenoch said. “This is a serious and comprehensive plan to end this crisis once and for all.”

The plan also includes withdrawing the UK from the European Convention on Human Rights and the Council of Europe’s trafficking treaty, which Badenoch argues have long obstructed deportations. Other measures include a total asylum ban for illegal entrants, ending legal aid in immigration cases, deporting foreign criminals within a week, and imposing visa or aid restrictions on countries that refuse to take back their citizens.

Nick Thomas-Symonds, Minister for EU Relations, criticised the proposal as “an isolationist fantasy,” accusing Badenoch of offering “the same fake fix” as right-wing populists.

“We’ve spent our time in opposition forensically analysing every element of the immigration system,” a senior Conservative insider said. “This isn’t about slogans  it’s about real reform.”

With Reform UK polling twice as high as the Conservatives, Badenoch’s hardline stance is seen as an attempt to win back disillusioned voters and revive her party’s fortunes.

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Announced on Wednesday, the reforms reduce the post-study work visa period from two years to 18 months, limiting the time international graduates, including Nigerians, can stay in the UK after their academic programs. The changes were outlined in a White Paper released by the UK Home Office as part of broader efforts to tighten legal migration and reform the visa system.

In addition to shortening the graduate visa route, the UK government has doubled the standard residency requirement for foreign nationals seeking indefinite leave to remain—from five years to ten. This extension will make the path to permanent residency significantly longer for many immigrants.

The Home Office stated that the graduate visa had diverged from its intended purpose and had increasingly become a route for unsponsored employment. To address this, new compliance standards will be imposed on educational institutions that recruit international students. Universities with low rates of student progression into employment or those found to engage in questionable recruitment practices could face penalties, including suspension of their ability to sponsor foreign students.

The reforms also touch on the employment sector. The immigration skills charge, which is paid by employers sponsoring migrant workers, will rise by 32 percent. Additionally, skilled worker visa eligibility will now require a university degree, and access for roles that fall below this level will be strictly limited and based on labor shortages.

The UK government emphasized that these reforms are intended to shift focus back to developing domestic talent while only attracting top-tier global professionals who can contribute to strategic growth sectors. “We will continue to provide fast-track routes for exceptionally skilled individuals who can help boost the UK economy,” the White Paper noted.

In response to the announcement, the British High Commission in Nigeria acknowledged the strong bilateral ties between both countries and promised to engage with the Nigerian government once the implementation timeline is clearer.

“The UK continues to be a top destination for Nigerians seeking education, work, and settlement opportunities. We value the vital contribution Nigerians make to the UK,” a spokesperson said.

The Commission added that while the reforms aim to restore control and balance to the immigration system, they would be rolled out gradually, allowing time for consultations and adjustments.

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Speaking on Channels Television’s Inside Sources, Professor Imi Wariboko, a Social Ethics scholar at Boston University, highlighted the distress among Nigerians without legal status.

“There are a good number of Nigerians here without papers, and they are deeply worried,” Wariboko said. “Some are hiding, fearing raids. If you quarrel with your neighbors, they could call immigration enforcement on you.”

Trump, who began his second term on January 20, 2025, has prioritized mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, with enforcement agencies conducting raids in homes, schools, workplaces, and shopping centers.

While the policy has sparked mixed reactions, many undocumented Nigerians feel abandoned by their government. Wariboko urged Nigeria to take action, citing the economic impact of deportations.

“Nigerians in the U.S. send billions of dollars home annually, sustaining families and contributing to the economy. Even if you don’t like them, their remittances are crucial.”

He also warned that even Nigerians with legal status could face risks if Trump reverses birthright citizenship laws.

With Nigeria being the largest source of African immigrants to the U.S., concerns are mounting over how a potential wave of deportations could affect both families and the economy. The Nigerian government has yet to respond to the growing uncertainty

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The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced changes to its immigrant visa process, set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

In a statement shared on its official X page on Tuesday, the embassy revealed that applicants with scheduled interviews will now be required to visit the Consulate General in Lagos twice during the visa process.

The announcement read, “For applicants with interviews scheduled after January 1, 2025, you are required to visit the Consulate General in Lagos at least twice during the immigrant visa process.

Details on the embassy’s website indicate that the first visit will be for an In-Person Document Review with a consular staff member.

The purpose of this review is to ensure that applicants have all the necessary documents prepared for their visa interviews.

The second visit will involve the visa interview with a Consular Officer. This interview will be scheduled by the National Visa Center (NVC).

The statement added: “This review ensures that applicants are prepared for their visa interviews.

“The review allows applicants to retrieve any missing documents ahead of their visa interviews, helping to avoid delays in application processing.

“The second interview, on the other hand, is with a Consular Officer. The date for this interview will be scheduled for applicants by the National Visa Center (NVC).

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The Canadian Government is billed to announce its annual immigration plan on Wednesday in non-election years under the Immigration and Refugees Protection Act (IRPA), which is Canada’s main immigration law.

This was disclosed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) on its website adding that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government will announce the Immigration Levels Plan for 2024 – 2026.

READ ALSO: Housing Minister, Dangiwa Charges NIQS to Uphold Ethics and Standards

According to CIC news, the Immigration Levels Plan acts as the guideline for the number of new permanent residents who will be admitted into Canada over the next three years under each of the three immigration classes: economic, family, and humanitarian.

The plan advances the mission of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to strengthen Canada’s economy, reunite families and make Canada a safe place for those fleeing oppression or other humanitarian crises.

In 2022, Canada broke the record for new immigrants at 437,000 admissions, as the target for permanent resident admissions in 2023 increased to 465,000.

It said the Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 would be declared following Canada’s unveiling of a new strategy to improve its immigration system. 

The Canadian Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, on Tuesday, acknowledged there were inadequacies in the country’s immigration system as he outlined the pillars of a new approach to modernise the system.

The new strategy, entitled ‘An Immigration System for Canada’s Future’ has three major goals which are to create a more welcoming experience for newcomers, align immigration with labour market needs, and develop a comprehensive and coordinated growth plan.

Furthermore, IRCC is seeking to deliver a more pleasant and user-friendly experience to its clients.

IRCC would like to better align Canada’s immigration policies with its skills and labour strategy.

Also, IRCC would like to develop an integrated plan among all three of Canada’s levels of government to ensure the country can offer adequate housing, health care, and infrastructure to its growing newcomer population.

READ ALSO: Homelessness Hits Nigerians’ Most Preferred ‘Japa’ Destination

Source: Vangauard

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