The United States Mission Nigeria has clarified that Nigerian students and exchange visitors holding valid visas will not be affected by the partial visa suspension under Presidential Proclamation 10998.
In a statement shared on X on Monday, the mission stated that Nigerian students and exchange participants with currently valid F1 and J1 visas remain eligible to continue their academic and exchange programmes in the United States.
According to the mission, holders of valid visas can continue to contribute to learning, research and innovation at American colleges and institutions, despite the new immigration restrictions.
What the Proclamation Says
Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 1, 2026.
Under the directive, the United States willy partially suspend the issuance of certain visas to Nigerian nationals. The categories affected include B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M and J student and exchange visas, as well as immigrant visas, with limited exceptions.
However, U.S. authorities stressed that the suspension applies only to foreign nationals who are outside the United States as of the effective date and who do not hold a valid U.S. visa by January 1, 2026.
Officials further explained that foreign nationals who already possess valid visas before the implementation date will not have their visas revoked under the proclamation.
Nigeria Among Affected Countries
Nigeria is among 19 countries listed for partial visa suspension scheduled to begin in January 2026.
In recent months, the United States has introduced additional immigration-related measures affecting Nigerians. Earlier in the year, the validity of most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians was reduced to single-entry visas with a three-month duration.
Washington also re-listed Nigeria among countries accused of religious freedom violations and later included it in a revised travel restriction framework imposing partial entry limitations.
The latest clarification is expected to ease anxiety among Nigerian students and exchange participants over the status of their existing visas.
Earlier in February, the United States Mission Nigeria warned that visa overstays by Nigerian travellers could negatively impact travel opportunities for other citizens.
An F-1 visa is issued to international students enrolled full-time in academic programmes at U.S. institutions, while a J-1 visa is granted to exchange visitors, including students, researchers and interns participating in approved cultural or educational exchange programmes.
For now, the mission has reaffirmed that Nigerians with valid F1 and J1 visas can continue their studies and exchange activities in the United States without disruption.
