Over 300 Nigerian students who secured admission into universities across the United States are grappling with uncertainty, as prolonged visa processing times continue to threaten their chances of resuming studies on schedule.
The affected students, connected through a WhatsApp group of over 300 members, expressed their concerns about the persistent delays, despite completing visa interviews several weeks ago.
The bottleneck comes against the backdrop of new immigration policies under the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, which introduced stricter scrutiny in visa processing for international students.
Among the changes was a temporary halt in student visa issuance, which reportedly affected institutions like Harvard University in efforts to curtail non-American enrolments.
In May, the U.S. government stopped scheduling new interviews for F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa categories. This suspension was part of a broader review process, including enhanced security protocols that require applicants to disclose social media activity spanning the last five years and set such accounts to public visibility.
Any content deemed anti-American, antisemitic, or linked to extremist ideology may now result in visa denials—often without explanation.
Adding to applicants’ burdens is a new $250 “Visa Integrity Fee,” introduced under the Trump-era “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which now applies to all non-immigrant visa categories, including students.
Another policy change currently under review is the elimination of the traditional “duration of status” allowance, which previously permitted students to stay in the U.S. as long as they remained enrolled. The new proposal would cap student visas at a fixed term of two to four years.
As the fall academic calendar begins, many students now face the risk of missing their first semester, with most U.S. universities resuming classes on August 1.
Findings by Saturday PUNCH suggest that while applicants from other African nations are receiving timely approvals, many Nigerians remain in limbo, unsure of their application outcomes.
“I was interviewed at the Lagos embassy on June 17 by a male American VO who promised that I will get my visa after two weeks… From then till today, which makes it exactly 45 days, there has been no communication from the embassy…”
“Many students are already prepared for the semester which begins in August. I can’t prepare because I don’t know what’s going on anymore. Flight costs are getting more expensive as the semester approaches.”
“I had my interview on July 1, 2025 at the US Embassy in Lagos… My friends in other countries (Ghana and Bangladesh) that I did my interview with have all got their visas approved and issued,” he added.
“My school’s resumption date is August 16… Although, my department said there is an exam I have to take starting from August 11…”
“They never opened my case since the day of my interview… Aside from the compulsory $350 for SEVIS fee, I paid N299,000,” he lamented.
“Up till now, there has been no update from the embassy (the last visible update according to someone was on June 20th)…”
“I had my interview on June 13, 2025 at the US embassy, Abuja… My school start date is August 11…”
“Despite fulfilling all application requirements and completing visa interviews over a month ago, a significant number of us are still awaiting F-1 visa approval…”
“With resumption less than three weeks away, many Nigerian students have not been able to book flights or prepare for international relocation, leaving our academic futures hanging in uncertainty…”
“We respectfully appeal to your esteemed office to consider looking into this matter and engaging with the appropriate authorities, to support a more efficient and transparent visa processing experience for Nigerian students.”
Despite multiple attempts to get clarification, emails sent to the U.S. consulates in Lagos and Abuja by Saturday PUNCH remained unanswered as of the time this report was compiled.
Speaking on the development, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, reiterated that visa approvals lie solely within the discretion of the issuing country.
“Pertaining to visa, it is the issuing country that has the final say… If the Nigerian government denies anybody a visa, we do not have reasons to state why we deny the person visa.”
“So, if they satisfy the requirements and they are not issued visas, there is nothing the applicant’s country can do… That is the standard based on diplomatic relations.”
“If there are representatives of the government going to an official function, that is different. But going to school, they have authority to attest or deny.”
A foreign education consultant, Mr. Sulaimon Okewole, criticized the delays and called for transparency in the visa process.
“The US has left countless Nigerian visa applicants with uncertainty… After paying nearly N300,000 in fees and submitting their passports, they hear no feedback… No visa, no explanation, not even their passports returned.”
“Why this unfair treatment?… A passport is not just a document; it is a person’s freedom…”
“Nigerians demand answers: Why the delay? Why the silence? At the very least, return people’s passports immediately.”
Also reacting, travel agent Omolola Oke described the process as outdated and stressful, especially for first-time applicants.
“Honestly, the US student visa process can be quite frustrating… It feels outdated like in 2025, we’re still being judged based on appearance, body language, or how nervous someone seems in three minutes.”
“US student visa delays have been happening for years; it’s not new… That’s why working with an experienced agent really helps students stay prepared…”
“Other countries have moved on to more digital and merit-based systems, but the US still makes it feel like you’re being evaluated on things that have nothing to do with your documents or qualifications.”
As the academic session begins in earnest, many Nigerian students remain stuck in a limbo of silence, hoping for a breakthrough before their admissions lapse.