The United States government on Monday issued a stern warning to international students in the country, emphasizing that failure to attend classes, withdrawing from academic programs, or leaving school without proper notification could result in the immediate cancellation of their student visas.
The notice was shared via the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria.
“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. Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues,” the U.S. Embassy cautioned.
This warning comes in the wake of a broader advisory from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), which recently urged Nigerian citizens to strictly comply with U.S. visa regulations. The NIS reiterated that visa holders must follow the terms under which their visas were granted, noting that immigration enforcement by U.S. authorities extends beyond entry points and may include checks at any time.
“All visa holders are advised to strictly adhere to the purpose stated in their visa applications. Applicants are reminded that security screening by U.S. authorities continues beyond initial entry. Any violation of immigration or other laws may result in visa revocation or deportation,” the NIS warned.
Additionally, the advisory highlighted increased scrutiny by U.S. consular officers to combat “birth tourism”. Tourist visa applications may be denied if officials suspect the primary intent is to give birth in the U.S. to secure citizenship for the child.
This development follows the recent tightening of U.S. visa policies for Nigerians.
Under new rules announced in July 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants from Nigeria, including those seeking business or tourist visas, will now receive single-entry visas valid for only three months.
