The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has warned Kenyan student visa holders against skipping classes or abandoning their programmes, saying such actions could lead to serious consequences.

In a Wednesday notice, the embassy said such violations may result in loss of status, deportation, and long-term bans on future travel to the United States.

“If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your programme of study without informing your school, your visa may be revoked and you may lose eligibility for future U.S. visas,” the embassy said on X.

The warning comes as the U.S. government enforces tougher immigration policies as part of a broader crackdown by the Trump administration aimed at preventing visa misuse.

The policy shift has made it more challenging for international students to maintain their status.

It requires holders of F-1 or J-1 visas to stay enrolled in their studies and maintain consistent academic progress. Missing classes without valid reason, or dropping courses without informing the authorities, can result in visa cancellation.

Kenyan students are increasingly accused of using academic visas to work illegally or pursue business opportunities in America instead of focusing on their studies. At the same time, financial challenges have kept many learners out of class and caused them to inadvertently violate visa conditions.

Reports suggest the impact of the stricter rules is already being felt. According to NBC News, more than 4,700 student visas were revoked in April alone, often without warning. Many of those affected have condemned the process as opaque and unfair, with some being deported immediately.