US Introduces Visa Limit for Nigerian Students, Impacting Academic Plans

The United States government plans to introduce a new visa policy affecting international students and journalists, limiting their visa length to a maximum of two years. This new rule, effective from September 29, 2025, replaces the previous framework that allowed students to stay for the entire duration of their academic program.

The policy change is aimed at countries with high overstay rates, including Nigeria, which had a 10% overstay rate in 2023. Nigerian students may face challenges in extending their stay for completing their studies, leading to additional administrative burdens and costs.

This shift could significantly impact the academic plans and financial stability of Nigerian students studying in the U.S.