The US government, under President Donald Trump, has instructed its embassies to stop setting up new student visa interviews, including for F-1 visas. This pause is temporary and will stay in place until further notice. However, students who already have interview appointments can still attend them. The move comes as the US plans to increase social media checks for student and exchange visa applicants. While details haven’t been shared yet, the government says this could significantly impact embassies and consulates. The decision is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten control over foreign students. The administration claims that some US universities have allowed antisemitism to grow on campus and that their admission policies are unfair.
Many Nigerian students attend US universities for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies, and more are applying every year. This new policy could affect their chances, especially since in-person interviews are a key step in the visa process.
Recently, the Trump administration also revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students or host foreign researchers. The Department of Homeland Security said Harvard refused to hand over behavior records of student visa holders. A court has since blocked that decision.
The US government says these actions aim to prevent the misuse of student visas and curb antisemitism. Critics argue that they limit free speech and harm international education.
