Nigerians traveling to the United States have been warned about the serious consequences of overstaying their visa. U.S. immigration officials have emphasized that overstaying even a few days beyond the approved stay can result in severe penalties, including a permanent ban from re-entering the country.
U.S. consular officers have full access to a traveler’s immigration history, which means any previous visa violations are easily detected. This makes it crucial for travelers to abide strictly by the terms of their visa.
Under U.S. immigration laws, those who overstay by more than 180 days but less than a year face a three-year ban from re-entering the country. If the overstay exceeds a year, the penalty can escalate to a 10-year ban. Repeat violators or individuals with severe infractions could face a permanent ban.
Travelers are advised to be vigilant about their visa expiration dates and take immediate action if they anticipate needing to stay beyond the approved period. Seeking legal advice is recommended to prevent breaching immigration regulations and avoid the severe consequences of overstaying.
