If you ask any young Nigerian what is in their five-year plan, there is a high chance you will hear one magic word: Japa. Whether it is for work, school, or just a fresh start, the dream is simple: leave Naija, find better pay, send money home, and post soft-life pictures on Instagram.

For many, America has always been the big goal. But just when it feels like you have cracked the code, the United States has decided to switch up the rules and not in our favour.

Three months, one shot. That is how it is now

Previously, Nigerian visas to the U.S., whether for business, education, or tourism, often lasted two to five years with multiple entries. You could hop back and forth and still have time left. Not anymore. From July 8, 2025, most non-immigrant visas are single-entry only and expire after three months, a move confirmed by the U.S. Department of State as part of its updated Visa Reciprocity Schedule. Prior visas remain unaffected.

Though it may not be what it seems, the U.S. says this is not some personal vendetta; it is about visa reciprocity. In other words, visa rules follow how countries treat U.S. citizens.

But Nigeria’s Presidency fired back. In a statement shared by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the spokesperson noted on Channels Television that Nigeria still grants five-year, multiple-entry visas to Americans. He said the new U.S. rules were a response to overstaying and security record issues, not a mirror response.

Also Read: UK’s leash on japa from Nigeria halts dreams of migrating

Social media is now part of the interview room

If you are applying for a student visa, beware: as of June 2025, you are expected to submit your social media handles, and they must be publicly accessible. That means every tweet, post, or meme from your timeline may now be part of what visa officers review. Expect processing delays and privacy discomforts aplenty.

Also, you might want to hold tight; things are getting pricier.

From August 2025, certain travellers may need to post visa bonds between $5,000 and $15,000. Overstay and poof, that money disappears. On top of that, a $250 “visa integrity fee” may also be on the horizon.

Suddenly, travel is not just stressful, it is expensive.

Bottom Line: If your Japa plan involves the U.S., you want to do the following:

Time trips with precision; three months is no joke.

Clean up your social media.

Save more than you planned and stay informed and flexible.

The U.S. door has not slammed shut. It is just that the welcome mat is a lot smaller, and now, there might be a (huge) toll at the entrance.

Meiza Nigeria