US visa policy shift raises equity concerns for international students
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New guidance from the United States Department of State is sparking widespread concern across the global education sector, as students face fresh hurdles in securing study visas.
Effective from 6 September, the new policy advises international students to schedule visa interviews at embassies or consulates in their home country. While third-country appointments are not formally banned, the State Department has warned that applicants attempting to apply outside their country of residence may face a higher risk of rejection.
Stakeholders warn the move could disproportionately affect students from Africa and Asia, where US visa wait times are already among the longest in the world. In Nigeria, for instance, students face an average wait of more than eight months to secure an interview at the US embassy in Abuja – the longest globally. Similar bottlenecks are reported in Ghana and Pakistan, where demand far outstrips embassy capacity.
“Students in Europe or North America can easily secure visa dates, while African students face systemic disadvantages, further widening the global equity gap,” said Bimpe Femi-Oyewo, CEO of Edward Consulting in Nigeria. She noted that students previously relied on neighbouring countries to access faster appointments – an option now effectively cut off.
The change is also expected to disrupt students already abroad. Those requiring new visas mid-programme, or planning academic travel and conferences, now face uncertainty over whether temporary locations count as residence. According to international education adviser Blumberg, the “ripple effects are immediate”, with students risking delays to enrolment, missed scholarships, or even forced deferrals.
The developments come at a time when US higher education is already grappling with declining international enrolments, with forecasts predicting drops of up to 40% this semester. India, the country’s largest source market, has reported significant disruptions, with many students unable to reach campuses on time.
Observers argue that while the United States remains a leading destination for global talent, policies such as shortened visa validity and tighter entry rules undermine its competitiveness. For many students, the latest measures may mean difficult choices between delayed studies, deferred admissions, or missed opportunities altogether.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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