The United States government is set to introduce significant changes to its student visa policy that could impact hundreds of thousands of international students, including a growing population from Nigeria. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed replacing the current “duration of status” system with fixed-term limits for F-1 and J-1 visa holders, a move that is expected to be published for public comment in the coming weeks.
Under the existing framework, foreign students and exchange visitors can legally remain in the U.S. for as long as they are enrolled in their academic programs or approved training activities. The new proposal would impose predetermined visa durations, after which students must apply for extensions if their studies or internships have not concluded.
While exact duration limits have yet to be finalized, similar proposals under the Trump administration suggested terms ranging from two to four years depending on the student’s country of origin. This policy shift aims to provide clearer timelines but has raised concerns over increased bureaucratic hurdles and uncertainty for students enrolled in multi-year programs.
Nigeria remains one of the top sources of international students in the U.S., with over 20,000 Nigerian students enrolled in American colleges and universities during the 2023/2024 academic year—marking a 13.5% increase from the previous year, according to official reports. This positions Nigeria as the seventh-largest country sending students to the U.S.
For many Nigerian students pursuing long-term degrees, including doctoral and combined programs, the fixed-term visa approach could introduce additional challenges such as extension processing delays, higher costs, and the risk of interruption to their studies.
Universities and advocacy groups have historically opposed such fixed-term visa proposals, arguing they may discourage top international talent from studying in the U.S. Critics warn that limiting visa durations could reduce America’s competitive edge in global higher education and negatively affect research and innovation.
The Department of Homeland Security maintains that the policy will strengthen visa oversight, improve national security, and standardize visa durations across countries. However, they also invite public feedback before finalizing the rule.
If implemented, students will need to plan for visa extension applications well before their fixed-term limits expire, adding administrative tasks and financial burdens. Delays or denials in extension applications could result in loss of lawful status and potential deportation.
Moreover, programs such as Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allow students to work in the U.S. after graduation, might also face new uncertainties under the revised visa terms.
While the U.S. is tightening visa rules, other countries like Canada and Australia are expanding opportunities for international students, which could shift global student flows. Australia, for example, recently increased its international student intake and eased visa restrictions, aiming to attract more foreign learners.
The DHS proposal signals a major shift in U.S. student visa policy, with significant implications for Nigerian and other international students. As the public comment period approaches, stakeholders including students, educational institutions, and policymakers are encouraged to contribute to the dialogue to ensure the new regulations support both security and global educational exchange.