US Tightens Student Visa Rules: Skipping Classes Could Lead To Revocation.
The United States has issued a stern warning to international students, emphasising that failure to adhere to academic commitments could result in the revocation of their visas. In a statement released by the US Mission in Nigeria, students who skip classes, drop out, or abandon their academic programmes without notifying their institutions risk losing their student visa status and potentially jeopardizing future US visa applications. The announcement, shared via the mission’s official X account on Monday, underscores the importance of maintaining compliance with visa terms to avoid immigration complications.
The advisory comes amid a broader crackdown on visa misuse, with the US government intensifying efforts to ensure international students adhere strictly to the conditions of their F-1 and J-1 visas. These visas, which allow non-citizens to study full-time at accredited institutions or participate in exchange programmes, require students to maintain active enrolment and attendance. The US Embassy in India echoed this message, urging students to inform their schools of any changes to their academic status to avoid jeopardizing their legal standing in the country.
This policy shift is part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration agenda, which has seen heightened scrutiny of visa holders. Reports indicate that since January 2025, immigration authorities have revoked hundreds of student visas across the US, citing reasons ranging from non-compliance with academic requirements to minor legal infractions. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has also introduced stricter monitoring through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), requiring students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) visas to report to their jobs within 90 days or face status revocation.
The move has sparked concern among international student communities, particularly in countries like Nigeria and India, which together account for a significant portion of the over 400,000 international students in the US. In 2024, India overtook China as the top source of international students, with over 331,000 enrolled in US institutions. The economic contribution of these students, estimated at over $50 billion annually, underscores their importance to American universities and the broader economy.
However, the administration’s focus on enforcement has raised fears about its impact on academic freedom and the ability of US institutions to attract global talent. Advocates for international education warn that such measures could deter prospective students, potentially diminishing the diversity and innovation that foreign scholars bring to American campuses. Students are now urged to remain vigilant, ensuring they comply with visa regulations by attending classes regularly and communicating any changes in their academic plans to their institutions promptly.