The number of US visas issued to Nigerians fell from 34,643 to 4,595 between October 2025 and February 2026, compared with the same five months a year earlier. That’s a drop of nearly 87%, according to an analysis of US State Department data by TechCabal. Nigeria went from being the African country that received the most US visas to sixth place.

Most coverage has linked the collapse to President Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee, the skilled-worker visa many tech professionals rely on. But when we traced the policies behind the numbers, a bigger cause stood out for Nigerians: a partial US travel ban on Nigeria that has been in force since 1 January 2026. That changes which doors are closed, and which are still open, for Nigerian tech talent.

The Numbers at a Glance

These are the State Department issuance figures compiled by TechCabal, comparing October–February of fiscal 2026 with the same months of fiscal 2025:

Look at where most of Nigeria’s losses came from. H-1B visas fell by about 300. Business and tourist visas fell by almost 28,000. The H-1B fee can’t explain that. The travel ban can.

Three policies, not one

1. Shorter visas (July 2025)

On 8 July 2025, the US cut most non-immigrant visas for Nigerians to single-entry, three-month validity. Previously, many Nigerians got multi-entry visas lasting up to two years. Visas issued before that date kept their original validity.

2. The $100,000 H-1B fee (September 2025, extended)

In September 2025, President Trump ordered that certain new H-1B petitions for workers outside the US come with a $100,000 payment from the employer. On 18 September 2026, he extended the policy for another year, to 21 September 2027.

Here’s what many reports leave out: the fee isn’t being collected right now. A US federal court in Massachusetts struck down the policy implementing it on 8 June 2026. On 24 July 2026, the First Circuit Court of Appeals refused the government’s request to suspend that ruling while it appeals. According to Yale’s international office, citing USCIS, the fee “is not owed at this time.” The court fight is ongoing.

Separately, on 24 August 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a new $103,265 fee on all H-1B petitions that count toward the annual cap. Universities, affiliated non-profits and government research organisations would be exempt. It’s still a proposal, not a final rule, but it would stand on its own even if the $100,000 order is defeated in court.

3. The partial travel ban on Nigeria (January 2026)

On 16 December 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation that, from 1 January 2026, suspends entry for Nigerian nationals as immigrants and on these visas:

• B-1/B-2 (business and tourism)
• F and M (students)
• J (exchange programmes)

The US cited security concerns and visa overstay rates. The ban doesn’t apply to green card holders, people who already held a valid visa on the effective date, or dual nationals travelling on a non-Nigerian passport. Case-by-case waivers are possible.

The data window (October 2025–February 2026) includes January and February, when the ban was in force. That goes a long way to explaining why Nigeria’s business, tourist and student visas collapsed far more than its H-1B numbers did.

What this means for Nigerian tech workers

1. Work visas are harder, but not closed. H-1B, L-1 and O-1 visas are not covered by the travel ban. A Nigerian engineer with a US job offer can still be sponsored. The obstacles are cost (if the fee returns), the H-1B lottery, and visas that now last only three months. The partial ban also directs shorter validity for Nigerians’ other visa types.

2. The O-1 route is holding up better. The O-1 “extraordinary ability” visa fell only about 10.5% worldwide, far less than H-1B’s 52% drop. It’s aimed at people with a record of achievement, such as awards, publications, high salaries or major open-source contributions, and it has no lottery.

3. Studying in the US is effectively paused. With F and J visas suspended, the common path of a US master’s degree followed by an H-1B isn’t available to most Nigerians outside the US right now. Students already in the US with valid status are in a different position, but should get advice before travelling.

4. Moving within a company (L-1) is still an option. People working for multinationals with offices in both Nigeria and the US can still be transferred on an L-1 visa, which isn’t covered by the ban. L-1 issuances fell about 15% worldwide.

5. Remote work looks more attractive. With physical relocation harder, more Nigerian developers are likely to work remotely for foreign companies from Nigeria. That makes remote hiring platforms, dollar payment accounts and reliable home power more important than ever. (See our portable power station price guide.)

This is news, not legal advice. Immigration rules are changing quickly and court cases are ongoing. Talk to a licensed US immigration attorney before you apply, travel or accept an offer.

Timeline: how we got here

Sources

• TechCabal’s analysis of State Department visa data: TechCabal, 26 Sep 2026
• Partial travel ban details: NAFSA summary of the 16 Dec 2025 proclamation; Premium Times
• Visa validity change: US Embassy in Nigeria
• $100,000 fee extension and court status: Yale OISS; SHRM
• Proposed $103,265 fee: USCIS