Under the new rules, international students on F-1 visas, particularly those from Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Cameroon, will now receive single-entry visas valid for only three months.
African students who make up a growing share of international enrolments are among the hardest hit. In 2023, over 50,000 students from sub-Saharan Africa studied in the U.S., an 18% jump from the previous year
This development has triggered concern among students and families about the implications for travel flexibility during emergencies, holidays, or internships abroad.
This means students must enter the U.S. within that period, but once inside, they are permitted to remain for the full duration of their academic program.
The new visa framework, introduced by the U.S. State Department and effective from July 8, 2025, significantly tightens restrictions for most nonimmigrant and non-official visa categories.
For Nigerian applicants, the policy shift is a sharp break from previous norms that allowed multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. .
With the fall semester approaching, many international students now face added pressure to navigate the evolving U.S. immigration landscape, one that may increasingly require them to choose between staying the course or risking denial of re-entry.
Experts clarify new U.S. visa rules, dispel misinformation
Business Insider Africa reached out to Sasha Ramani, Head of Corporate Strategy at MPOWER Financing, a U.S.-based lender that supports international students, for clarification following rising concern over the new U.S. visa policy, which has caused anxiety among prospective African students and their families.
“Nothing significant should change with regard to their educational plans,” Ramani said. “The process of obtaining a student visa remains the same. Once students enter the U.S., they are allowed to stay for the full duration of their studies.”
Ramani explained that the new visa regulation mirrors rules long applied to countries like Vietnam and stems from the principle of reciprocity—where the U.S. adjusts visa conditions to reflect how its own citizens are treated abroad.
Still, he acknowledged the emotional toll of restricted mobility.
“We recommend that students affected by this policy not leave the U.S. until after graduation,” he added. “Admittedly, we understand this may limit their ability to see family or attend to other personal priorities during their studies.”
In response, MPOWER is expanding its student support efforts, offering free visa preparation courses, mock interviews with former U.S. visa officers, and tailored webinars to help international students navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system.
“Many students rely on agents or online forums that may not always provide accurate guidance,” Ramani noted. “Our goal is to equip students with clear, expert-backed information so they can make informed decisions and stay focused on their academic goals.”
He also stressed that fears of travel bans or blanket disqualifications are misplaced. “We’ve spoken with students who incorrectly believe their country is now subject to a travel ban. That’s simply not true,” he said. “What’s needed now is clarity—not panic.”
Ultimately, affected students are advised to enter the U.S. within the three-month visa validity window and remain there until their studies are completed.
While this may limit holiday travel, Ramani notes it could also reduce travel costs and help with long-term budgeting.
“The United States continues to welcome talented international students,” he emphasized. “And with the right preparation, these recent policy adjustments shouldn’t stand in the way of anyone’s educational dreams.”
While the new visa policy introduces tighter travel restrictions, it should not discourage African students or aspiring travelers from pursuing their educational goals in the United States.
The key is preparation and access to accurate, reliable information.
Students are strongly advised to stay informed, take their visa processes seriously, and seek guidance from credible sources and certified immigration professionals.
