US Visas: Issuances for Nigerians plummet by 86.7%

According to an analysis published by the media outlet TechCabal based on data from the US Department of State, US migration policy is hitting skilled African professionals hard. During the first five months of the 2026 fiscal year, between October 2025 and February 2026, the overall issuance of non-immigrant visas to Africa was cut in half. Nigeria, which was the continent's main source of beneficiaries, is experiencing a spectacular 86.7% collapse in visas granted by Washington.

This decline is explained by the extension until September 2027 of a $100,000 entry tax imposed on companies sponsoring foreign workers via the H-1B visa. Initially introduced in September 2025 by President Donald Trump for one year, this surcharge measure aims to discourage recruitment from abroad. Globally, the allocation of H-1B visas fell by 52% over the observed period, dropping from 115,164 to 55,057 authorizations granted.

While some experts predicted a shift of talent toward other permit categories, the figures reveal a global closure of access routes. F-1 student visas fell by 44.7%, while O-1 authorizations reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability decreased by 10.5%. In total, the issuance of all US temporary visas decreased by one million units in five months, reaching 3.5 million visas granted compared to 4.54 million a year earlier.

Nigeria had been among the top ten beneficiary countries of the H-1B program since at least 2024, alongside nations like India and China. The Department of Homeland Security is also considering extending this surcharge of more than $103,000 to applicants already on US soil who wish to regularize their status, further hardening the prospects for technology and engineering workers.

Our perspective

This abrupt closing of American doors should encourage Africa to accelerate the creation of its own technological and industrial ecosystems. Our skilled talent constitutes an invaluable asset for the continent's development. Rather than being subject to restrictive migration policies, Africa must offer its youth local opportunities that match their potential to build its digital sovereignty.