Top 10 Reasons Why Nigerians Are Refused Student Visas

Applying for a student visa requires careful preparation, especially when it comes to Proof of Funds (POF). Many Nigerian applicants get refused for avoidable mistakes. Below are the top 10 reasons why visa officers refuse student visa applications—and how you can avoid them.

1. Sudden, Unexplained Large Deposits

Visa officers are uncomfortable with sudden large deposits that do not have a clear source.
If a big amount enters your account suddenly, you must show its origin through:

Salary slips
Business invoices
Gift deeds
Loan agreements

Unexplained deposits raise suspicion and often lead to refusal.

2. Inconsistent Account History

Avoid presenting a dormant or rarely used account that suddenly becomes active. Visa officers look for a consistent deposit and withdrawal pattern.

For best results, start building your account 6–12 months before your visa application and ensure steady financial activity.

3. Submitting the Wrong Type of Account

Some accounts are not considered liquid or readily accessible, and therefore are not acceptable as Proof of Funds. Avoid presenting:

Cooperative society accounts
Investment accounts you cannot easily withdraw from
Cryptocurrency wallets
Loan app accounts

Your POF must be accessible at any time.

4. Insufficient Funds or “Just Enough” Funds

Accounts with balances below the minimum requirement will be refused.
Even having exactly the minimum amount can be risky because daily bank charges or fluctuations might drop the balance.

Always keep a 10–20% buffer above the required amount.

5. Submitting Accounts With Inconsistencies

Bank statement inconsistencies are a major cause of refusal.
Avoid statements with:

Wrong or mismatched names
Different signatures
Edited or altered pages
Unclear or missing dates
Incomplete pages

Even minor errors can delay or derail your application.

6. Using a Sponsor Who Cannot Logically Support You

Visa officers evaluate whether your sponsor’s income and financial background make sense. Avoid:

Distant relatives with unclear ties
Sponsors whose income cannot support your study plans
Students sponsoring other students without solid financial records

Your financial sponsorship must be credible.

7. Not Providing Required Sponsor Documentation

If you have a sponsor, you must provide full supporting documents. Missing documents often lead to refusal or lengthy delays. Required items include:

Sponsor’s ID card
Employment letter
Payslips
Tax records
Affidavit of sponsorship
Clear explanation of your relationship

Provide complete and authentic documents to avoid complications.

8. Using Multiple Accounts Without Explanation

If you are submitting more than one account—whether for yourself or your sponsor—you must clearly explain why.

Include the explanation in your Letter of Explanation (LOE) or visa essay to avoid confusion or suspicion.

9. Submitting POF That Contradicts Your Study Plan

Your Proof of Funds and your Statement of Purpose (SOP) must align.
Contradictions will weaken your application.

Examples include:

Claiming you are financially stable but presenting unstable bank activity
Saying you are self-sponsored while using a sponsor’s account
Claiming your sponsor has long-standing support but showing no financial relationship in statements

Ensure consistency across all documents.

10. Not Showing Ongoing Access to Funds

Visa officers want to see that you can continue to support yourself throughout your studies—not just at the time of application.

A strong POF should show: