The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued a strict warning to visa holders, emphasizing the serious consequences of overstaying their permitted duration in the U.S.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the embassy stressed that violating visa terms could lead to a permanent travel ban.
“If you overstay your U.S. visa, you could face a permanent ban on traveling to the United States. Consular officers have full access to your immigration history and will know about past violations. There is no such thing as an ‘honest mistake,’” the embassy stated.
The advisory highlights that U.S. consular officers have full access to immigration records, making it impossible to hide past violations. Overstaying—even for a short time—could result in:
✅ Visa Cancellation – Immediate revocation of the current visa.
✅ Future Visa Denials – Increased difficulty or outright refusal of future U.S. visa applications.
✅ Permanent Inadmissibility – A lifetime ban from entering the U.S.
To avoid these penalties, the embassy advised visa holders to strictly adhere to their visa conditions, monitor their allowed stay, and make timely travel arrangements. Those experiencing unexpected delays were encouraged to seek an official extension from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before their visa expires.
This advisory serves as a stern reminder that overstaying a visa is a serious violation that could jeopardize future travel to the U.S.
