The United States government has issued a strong warning to international students, particularly Nigerians, studying in the country: skipping classes, abandoning academic programs, or failing to notify schools of status changes may result in immediate visa revocation.
The warning was issued via the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria on Monday, alerting F-1 visa holders to strictly adhere to the terms of their student visa.
“If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your program of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future U.S. visas,” the embassy stated.
Visa Violations Could Affect Future Travel
The notice emphasized that maintaining full-time student status is mandatory under U.S. immigration law. Any violation of these terms could jeopardize a student’s legal status in the country and affect future visa eligibility.
This announcement follows an advisory by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), which has warned Nigerians to refrain from abusing U.S. visa privileges.
“All visa holders are advised to strictly adhere to the purpose stated in their visa applications,” the NIS warned. “U.S. authorities continue screening travelers beyond initial entry, and any violation of immigration laws may result in deportation or visa cancellation.”
Crackdown on Birth Tourism and Visa Misuse
The advisory also highlighted U.S. efforts to crack down on “birth tourism”—where pregnant women travel to the U.S. primarily to give birth so their child gains American citizenship.
Under new guidelines, consular officers are instructed to deny tourist visa applications if the applicant’s primary reason for travel appears to be childbirth.
Single-Entry Visa Policy Now in Effect
In a related policy shift, the U.S. has revised visa reciprocity terms for Nigerian nationals, introducing single-entry, three-month validity visas for most nonimmigrant categories, including business (B1) and tourism (B2) visas. This change took effect in July 2025.
Previously, Nigerians could obtain multiple-entry visas valid for up to two years or more. That benefit has now been revoked for most categories, though visas issued before July 8, 2025, remain valid under their original terms.
What Nigerian Students and Travelers Should Know:
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Always maintain your academic status and attend required classes.
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Notify your school immediately if you are leaving your program or changing your visa status.
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Do not misuse tourist visas—e.g., by giving birth in the U.S. unless approved for medical reasons.
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Understand that all visas are conditional and can be revoked even after entering the U.S.
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Future travelers should expect stricter vetting and limited visa validity.
