US Suspends F1 Visas for Nigerian Students

Nigerian students planning to study in the United States are now facing fresh visa delays following a new order from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to a recent update from the U.S. State Department, all embassies and consulates including those in Nigeria have been told to pause all new student visa appointments, including F1, M, and J visas.

This decision directly affects students hoping to begin their studies for the Fall 2025 academic session, many of whom are already dealing with long wait times for interview dates.

What’s Happening?

The U.S. government has temporarily stopped scheduling new student and exchange visa appointments. This is part of a new policy to increase background checks, especially by reviewing applicants’ social media activity.

The decision affects F1 visas (for students), M visas (for vocational studies), and J visas (for exchange visitors).

The U.S. is reviewing how it screens student visa applicants. The government says it wants to improve security and check for possible online activities that raise red flags.

U.S. visa officers have been told to carefully check social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) for any signs of behavior or opinions that might be seen as harmful or linked to sensitive political topics, such as support for Palestine.

 What It Means for Nigerian Students

This visa freeze is a major setback. Many Nigerian students already face long delays when applying for U.S. student visas. Some have had to wait months or even more than a year just to get an interview appointment.

Now, with this new order, even students who have university admission letters may not be able to attend school on time in the U.S.

The Bigger Picture

The United States earns around $43.8 billion yearly from international students, including thousands from Nigeria. However, this new visa policy could reduce the number of foreign students entering the country, especially from Nigeria.

What Nigerian Students Should Do Now

• Stay updated: Follow the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria’s website and social media pages for news.
  
• Prepare your documents early: Be ready for stricter visa checks.
  
• Clean up your social media: Make sure your posts reflect responsibility and good judgment.
  
• Consider other countries: Look into options like Canada, the UK, Germany, or Australia.
  
• Ask for deferrals: If your U.S. university allows, request to move your admission to a later semester.