Nigerian’s reopening of U.S. visa appointments at consulates worldwide has brought little relief to thousands of international students from Africa, Asia, and Oceania. A recent change in U.S. State Department visa reciprocity rules has sparked concern, particularly for students from Nigeria and Ghana, who now face three-month, single-entry visas for study in America.
The move comes after reports of an internal government cable referencing 36 nations that could face travel restrictions under Executive Order 14161. Although the policy covers 26 countries, Nigeria and Ghana—two of the largest sources of African students to the U.S.—are among those hardest hit.
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What the New Visa Rules Mean
Under the new system, Nigerian and Ghanaian students can only obtain a single-entry visa valid for three months. Once in the U.S., they may legally remain until completing their degree—as long as they remain enrolled and in good academic standing—even after the visa expires.
However, the visa cannot be reused. If a student leaves the country, whether for family visits, academic conferences, or emergencies, they must apply for a new visa before re-entering the U.S. This process involves additional costs, potential appointment delays, and uncertain approval outcomes.
“This is simply not practical for students in multi-year programs that often include overseas research, internships, or study abroad opportunities,” said Bimpe Femi-Oyewo, CEO of Edward Consulting in Nigeria. “The process is stressful, unpredictable, and the stakes are high.”
Disruption to Education and Opportunities
The change could significantly disrupt students’ academic and professional development. Many programs in the U.S., especially at the graduate level, require international travel for conferences, competitions, or collaborative research.
Immigration attorney Aaron Blumberg from Fragomen law firm warns that timing is now more critical than ever. Applying too early may result in the visa expiring before a student is allowed entry, while waiting too long risks missing program start dates due to processing delays.
For instance, a student applying in March for an August semester might receive a visa expiring in June—forcing them to reapply before departure. On the other hand, delaying the application could mean no available appointments.
Countries Affected by the Rule
According to Blumberg, the new validity restrictions apply to citizens of:
Angola, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominica, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, South Sudan, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The State Department says these changes are based on reciprocity—mirroring the entry privileges those nations provide to U.S. citizens. But both Nigerian and Ghanaian officials dispute this reasoning.
African Governments Push Back
Nigerian presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga stated that Nigeria still grants five-year, multiple-entry visas to U.S. nationals, directly contradicting Washington’s claim of parity. Ghana’s government reported issuing over 28,500 multiple-entry visas to Americans this year alone, and expressed hope for a swift resolution.
The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria confirmed that visas issued before July 8, 2025 remain valid for their original terms. Still, it emphasized that reciprocity agreements are “subject to review and change at any time.”
Impact on Student Numbers
The policy change could have a measurable effect on U.S. higher education enrollment. In the 2023/24 academic year, over 20,000 Nigerian students studied in the U.S., making Nigeria America’s seventh-largest source of international students. Ghana contributed nearly 9,400 students, according to IIE’s Open Doors report.
Industry experts fear the new restrictions—combined with ongoing visa appointment backlogs, social media screening delays, and recent travel bans—could cause a 30–40% drop in new African student arrivals this fall.
Visa Processing Backlogs Add to the Strain
Even before the policy change, many students faced obstacles securing interview slots. Nigerian consulates saw some of the highest appointment cancellations in June and July—peak visa issuance months.
While more slots have recently opened, stakeholders report a “high volume of denials” even for candidates with full scholarships, strong academic records, and previous travel history.
Students Still Determined to Study in the U.S.
Despite these setbacks, education consultants say demand for U.S. study remains strong.
“The U.S. is still viewed as the land of opportunity,” said Femi-Oyewo. “Many families are willing to take on the risks and uncertainties because the perceived benefits outweigh the challenges.”
Students are also exploring creative workarounds, such as minimizing travel during their studies or arranging virtual participation in international events. However, such solutions often mean missing out on important academic and cultural experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the new U.S. visa rule for Nigerian students?
Nigerian students are now issued single-entry, nonimmigrant student visas valid for only three months.
Can I stay in the U.S. after my visa expires?
Yes. As long as you remain enrolled and make normal progress toward your degree, you can stay legally even after the visa expires.
What happens if I leave the U.S. during my studies?
You must apply for and obtain a new visa before returning to the U.S., regardless of the reason or length of your trip.
Why did the U.S. make this change?
The State Department says the policy is based on “reciprocity,” meaning it matches what Nigerian authorities provide to U.S. citizens. Nigerian officials dispute this claim.
Which other countries are affected by this rule?
A total of 26 countries, including Ghana, Ethiopia, Uganda, Zambia, and several others in Africa, Asia, and Oceania, face similar restrictions.
How does this affect students’ academic activities?
Students may face difficulties attending conferences, internships, or study-abroad programs that require travel outside the U.S., as they will need to reapply for visas each time.
Will this rule affect my current visa if it was issued before July 8, 2025?
No. Visas issued before that date will remain valid under their original terms.
Conclusion
The new U.S. policy limiting Nigerian students to three-month, single-entry visas has created fresh challenges for those pursuing education in America. While students can still remain legally in the U.S. for the duration of their studies, the requirement to reapply for a visa each time they travel abroad adds financial, logistical, and emotional strain. Government officials in Nigeria and Ghana dispute Washington’s justification for the change, raising hopes for future diplomatic resolution.
