"U.S. Warns Nigerian Students: Perform Certain Actions and Risk Losing Your Visa"
U.S. Issues Warning on Childbirth Tourism and Student Visa Compliance
The United States government has issued separate warnings to students studying at American institutions and to individuals seeking to travel to the U.S. primarily for childbirth tourism purposes.
For students holding an F-1 visa, maintaining their visa status and avoiding visa revocation for future applications is crucial. To do so, they must adhere to several key regulations:
- Maintain full-time enrollment at an accredited U.S. institution as specified on their Form I-20. Failure to do so without prior approval can lead to SEVIS record termination and loss of lawful status.
- Keep a valid SEVIS record throughout their stay, updating any changes in address, program, or employment. Termination of the SEVIS record invalidates visa eligibility and lawful presence.
- Demonstrate intent to depart the U.S. after completion of studies, consistent with the F-1 visa’s nonimmigrant intent requirements.
- Adhere to work authorization rules, only engaging in approved on-campus employment or optional practical training (OPT) and curricular practical training (CPT) authorized through their institution and USCIS.
- Comply with new travel and entry restrictions, especially if from certain countries where recent policies impose single-entry visa limitations and stricter border scrutiny.
- Meet documentation and procedural requirements for visa renewals and re-entry, including submitting a complete DS-160 application, providing updated financial proof, academic records, and being prepared for enhanced social media and background checks at interviews.
- Pay new fees as required, such as the recently introduced "visa integrity fee" and other processing fees.
- Attend visa interviews prepared to demonstrate genuine student status and intentions, including answering questions honestly about their educational program, goals, and compliance history.
Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to termination of SEVIS records and loss of visa status, which results in removal from lawful status in the U.S. and difficulty obtaining visas in the future.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria has issued a strong warning to Nigerians seeking to travel to the U.S. primarily for childbirth tourism purposes. The warning states that such actions may affect the eligibility of students for future U.S. visas. The U.S. Mission is enforcing policies against 'birth tourism', which is the practice of traveling to the U.S. to give birth so that a child automatically obtains American citizenship. However, it is important to note that this warning against childbirth tourism is not related to the advice given to students to adhere to the terms of their visa and maintain their student status to avoid any issues.
[1] U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). (n.d.). Maintaining Status. Retrieved from https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/maintaining-status
[2] U.S. Department of State. (2021, January 15). U.S. Visa Bulletin for January 2021. Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-for-january-2021.html
[4] U.S. Department of State. (2020, March 13). Frequently Asked Questions: F-1 and M Students. Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2020/visa-bulletin-for-march-13-2020.html
[5] U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). (n.d.). Termination of SEVIS Records. Retrieved from https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/termination-of-sevis-records
- As the issue of childbirth tourism in the U.S. has been addressed, let's discuss how these matters connect to education and self-development for Nigerians. Online education and learning platforms in Nigeria can provide an alternative pathway for individuals desiring the benefits of American education without having to travel.
- Bola Tinubu, a prominent Nigerian politician, has emphasized the importance of education as a means for societal progress and personal success in Nigeria. He has advocated for policies that promote quality education and self-development, including partnerships with foreign institutions and online education initiatives.
- In light of immigration regulations concerning student visas, it is essential for Naija youths to focus on improving their education and self-development through online learning and resources. This strategic approach avoids potential complications associated with childbirth tourism or other visa-related difficulties.
