The United States government has suspended student visa processing for all international applicants, a move that is set to significantly impact Nigerian students and the growing wave of youth migration commonly referred to as Japa.
The directive, issued by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, comes as part of a broader tightening of immigration policies under President Donald Trump’s administration, which includes enhanced vetting procedures—particularly of social media activity—for student visa applicants.
According to an internal State Department cable obtained by AFP, embassies and consulates have been instructed to halt all appointments for student and exchange visas until further notice. “Do not allow any additional student or exchange visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued,” the cable stated.
While the suspension may be temporary, the timeline remains unclear. The State Department indicated that new guidelines would be issued in the “coming days,” but US missions around the world are already grappling with significant backlogs in visa processing.
This development could disrupt the plans of thousands of Nigerian students seeking to study in the United States—one of the top destinations for Nigerian youth pursuing education and better economic opportunities abroad.
The Japa phenomenon, which refers to the mass exodus of Nigerian youths to countries like the US, UK, and Canada, has accelerated in recent years due to persistent challenges such as unemployment and insecurity.
In a statement, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized the administration’s commitment to strict immigration protocols. “We take very seriously the process of vetting who it is that comes into the country,” Bruce said. “We want people who understand and respect the law, and who are here to positively contribute to the society.”
When asked whether prospective students should expect their visas in time for the fall semester, Bruce advised applicants to “follow the normal process,” while reaffirming that all applications would be thoroughly reviewed under the new vetting system.
Secretary Rubio revealed last week during a Senate hearing that “thousands” of visas had already been revoked since President Trump’s return to office in January. He invoked a rarely used provision of US law that allows the secretary of state to deny visas to individuals whose presence is deemed contrary to US foreign policy interests.
Many of the visa cancellations have targeted student activists, particularly those involved in campus protests over the war in Gaza. The administration has accused some of them of anti-Semitic behavior, though many of the affected students have denied the allegations.
The impact of the suspension on Nigerian students and the education sector remains to be seen, but analysts warn that a prolonged freeze could disrupt academic calendars and further strain US-Nigeria educational ties.
