There are lots of factors that could prevent you from securing a U.S. student visa in Nigeria.
How soon can I reapply for a visa after denial

Let’s start by studying the real causes — your basic power to qualify for a student visa and after that, we will focus in some specific conditions that sometimes cause the visa denials.


Generally, each student visa could be denied at the consulate center any time the applicants cannot prove that she or he can comply with the visa program’s purpose, as well as the requirements.


The goal of each student visa is to enter America temporarily as a full-time student at a SEVP-certified institution to complete an academic program. As a way to secure students visa, applicants must be able to demonstrate the below requirements during their visa interview:

-Acceptance into a SEVP-certified institution, as demonstrated through the issuance of the original I-20 or DS-2019 form.

-Proficiency in English language.

-Proof of financial resources sufficient to pay for tuition, cost of living, and other costs as designated on the I-20 way of DS-2019 form and

-Proof of intent to return home upon completion of the academic program.


If you cannot give verbal or documentary evidence to support these factors, you risk having your student visa denied.

1. Denial Due to Applying Late (After the Program Start Date):
Ensuring you’re planning ahead, and time your student visa application is important to the success of the process. Your student visa might be denied if you submit an application for it after the program start date in your I-20 or DS-2019 form. Consular officers could also deny your visa if your program start date have not passed, if they have reason to believe you won’t ever enter the United States until after the date has passed. But You can overcome this type of denial if the institution can verify that you’ll be allowed to enroll and register for courses when you are able to enter the USA.


2. Denial Based on Lack of Finances:
Your student visa will likely be denied if you are unable to provide sufficient financial evidence to pay the expenses on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. Financial evidence must show liquid assets. A liquid asset is built to be immediately accessible for use, like cash.
Consular officers don’t require that you have liquid assets to cover your complete program duration, but you should have enough to pay for the costs for at least your first academic year.


3. Denial for Insufficient Proof of Intent to Return Back to Nigeria:
The most common reasons applicants are denied student visas to study in the USA is that the consular officers doubt their intent to come back home after the completion of the academic program. Consular officers often look at a number of factors when coming up with this determination. These 4 factors may include the use of bank accounts, future employment opportunities after graduation, and written statements by family about future assurances to return.


It is difficult to give this type of evidence if you’re a younger student who has not yet established strong ties together with your home country outside of your relationships. Consular officers see this situation as a risk, and denials still occur. It is important that you prepare enough documentation that can support your intent to return home.



4. Denial Due to Unable to Pass the Security Check:
All non-immigrant visa applicants are required to undergo a security check up at the Consular Lookout and Security System (CLASS) database to see if their name has been tagged for some reasons. If your name is tagged in this system, you will be denied student’s visa, depending on the reason. If you are coming to the United States to study a technologically or politically sensitive academic programs, you may have to receive an additional security clearance before receiving your visa. This will likely not create a denial, however it will probably delay the processing time of your application. Sometimes, students often have to defer their admission for a semester or perhaps a year during these moments.


5. Denial Determined by Inadmissibility Charges:
If you were charged with inadmissibility to the USA, your student visa will likely be denied. Common charges of inadmissibility include criminal convictions and/or prior overstays in the United States that surpassed 180 days.


6. Denials Even With Previous Student Visa Grants:
Once your student visa expires, you’ll have to make application for another one in case you are still in your academic program and you want to travel abroad. Do not forget that the application for a new student visa can as well be denied, even though your prior application was successful.

What to Do When a Student Visa Is Denied

In case your student visa is denied, the consular officer should show you the reason why(s), both verbally and in writing. Ensure you review this decision carefully. It’s your property and don’t throw it away due to frustration.
Depending on the reason(s) and your consulate, you may be able to reapply for the visa once you’ve collected documentation to improve the denial. Your Designated School Official (DSO) may be able to work with you if the reason is directly related to your I-20 form and admission

In conclusion, remember that you are responsible for the information you provided in your application. Intentionally submitting false information either in the application itself or in the visa interview can lead to permanent visa ineligibility. Never submit the student’s visa application without reviewing it first for accuracy, or in case you have had help filling out.


Good luck with your student’s visa application.