The United States has paused the processing of student and exchange visas as part of a broader plan to intensify background checks on international applicants, including expanded scrutiny of social media activity.
An internal directive from Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed US embassies and consulates worldwide to halt new visa appointments temporarily, pending further guidance on the updated vetting process.
The suspension, which affects thousands of prospective international students, comes amid the Trump administration’s push for stricter immigration controls. Nigerians, who make up a significant portion of the US-bound student population, are expected to be impacted, potentially slowing the ongoing migration trend among Nigerian youths seeking education and better prospects abroad.
Though US officials say the pause may be brief, no timeline has been confirmed. A spokesperson for the State Department emphasised that the goal is to ensure visa applicants pose no security threat and are aligned with US laws and values.
This development follows earlier visa revocations and restrictions targeting foreign students, especially those allegedly involved in activism seen as contrary to US interests.