The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a stern warning to visa holders, emphasizing that overstaying a U.S. visa can result in severe consequences, including criminal prosecution and a permanent ban from entering the United States. This announcement was made in a statement released on Monday.
“If you overstay your U.S. visa, you could face a permanent ban on traveling to the United States as well as criminal prosecution,” the statement read. It further highlighted that U.S. consular officers have full access to individuals’ immigration histories and are aware of past violations. The mission underscored that there is no such thing as an “honest mistake” in this context, stating, “It is your responsibility to use your visa correctly.”
This advisory serves as a reminder of the stringent enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Overstaying a visa is considered a serious violation and can lead to significant penalties. According to U.S. immigration regulations, individuals who overstay may face deportation, criminal charges, and bans ranging from three to ten years, depending on the duration of the overstay. In some cases, individuals may be permanently barred from re-entry.
Travelers are advised to be fully aware of their visa terms and ensure compliance to avoid these severe repercussions. The U.S. Mission’s recent warning underscores the importance of adhering strictly to visa regulations and the potential consequences of violations.
