‘We’ll Revoke Your Visa If You Skip Classes Or Abandon Programme Without Informing School’ – U.S Warns Nigerian Students
The United States government has issued a stern warning to Nigerian students on academic visas, cautioning that skipping classes, dropping out, or leaving their academic programmes without proper notification could lead to immediate visa revocation and long-term travel bans.
The warning was posted on Monday afternoon by the U.S. Mission Nigeria via its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle.
The statement reads: “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 advisory is part of a broader effort by U.S. immigration authorities to crack down on violations of student visa regulations, which they say often lead to illegal residency, immigration fraud, or abuse of the academic visa system.
The message comes amid rising concerns about compliance among some international students, especially from countries like Nigeria, where student visa abuse has drawn diplomatic attention in recent years.
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) had also cautioned Nigerian travellers to strictly comply with the stated purpose of their United States’ visa application.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Akinsola Akinlabi, the government warned that violations such as overstaying or working without authorisation may lead to visa revocation, deportation, and future travel ineligibility.
The statement further warned students in the U.S. to remain in active study, as withdrawal or absenteeism could trigger visa cancellation.
The advisory adds that tourist visa applications may be denied if the applicant’s intent is to give birth in the U.S. for the purpose of citizenship.
The statement reads, “The Nigeria Immigration Service wishes to inform the general public of concerns raised by the United States Government regarding the misuse of U.S. visas by Nigerians.
“All visa holders are advised to strictly adhere to the purpose stated in their visa applications.
“U.S. authorities conduct security screening beyond the initial point of entry into the country. Any breach of immigration or other laws can lead to visa revocation or deportation.
“Breach of visa conditions, including overstaying, may attract severe penalties, including removal from the U.S. and permanent ineligibility for future travel.”
According to the statement, the Service expressed hope to continue collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Abuja to avoid Nigeria being included in any expanded visa restrictions.
