Nigerians paid more than N50 billion in application fees for United States visas between 2023 and 2024, even as the number of successful approvals declined significantly amid stricter US immigration policies.
According to an analysis of data from the US Department of State compiled by Intelpoint, a total of 201,200 non-immigrant visas were issued to Nigerians during the two-year period. At the standard application fee of $185 per person, this translated to approximately $37.2 million, which amounts to roughly N50.7 billion at an average exchange rate of N1,360 per dollar.
Sharp Decline in Approvals
Visa issuances fell by 23% in 2024, dropping to 87,300 from 113,900 in 2023 a reduction of 26,600 visas. This reflects heightened scrutiny and tougher immigration controls by US authorities during the period.
Business and Tourism Dominate
The majority of visas issued in 2024 were for business and tourism purposes. The B1/B2 visa category accounted for 83% of total approvals. Student visas (F1) made up about 7%, while exchange visitor (J1) and other temporary categories formed the remaining share.
The substantial spending highlights the strong desire among Nigerians to travel, study, or conduct business in the United States, despite increasing challenges in securing approvals. The figures also underscore the significant financial burden placed on individuals and families pursuing opportunities abroad.
