US Embassy Consular Officer: 20% of Liberian Visas in 2023 Resulted in Overstays

Monrovia Liberia: A Consular Officer at the US Embassy in Liberia has revealed that approximately 20% of visas issued to Liberians in 2023 resulted in recipients either overstaying their visas or failing to return to Liberia altogether.

In an exclusive interview, Nick Worden highlighted the impact of these overstays, noting that such actions can negatively affect the visa prospects of other qualified Liberians. He emphasized that when considering visa applications, multiple factors are assessed during the interview process.

Worden stressed the importance of overcoming the perception that some Liberians may not return home after visiting the United States. He explained that, while there is no guarantee of approval, consular officers closely examine an applicant’s economic ties to Liberia—such as stable employment and a reliable income—when making their decision.

It can also be recalled that in 2018, the overstay rate for Liberian nationals was reported at 50.52%, with more than half of applicants failing to leave the U.S. within the authorized period. This high overstay rate has contributed to the increased difficulty of securing US visas for Liberians.