The United States Mission in Nigeria has reassured Nigerian students and exchange visitors that those holding valid F1 and J1 visas will not be impacted by the recent partial visa restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 10998.
In a statement shared on its official X account, the mission confirmed that students and exchange participants with current visas can continue their studies, research, and other academic activities at U.S. institutions without disruption.
The clarification follows the January 1, 2026, implementation of the proclamation, which partially limits entry for citizens from 19 countries, including Nigeria. The suspension primarily affects nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M, and J student and exchange visas, as well as immigrant visas, with certain exceptions.
U.S. authorities emphasized that the restrictions apply only to foreign nationals outside the United States on the effective date who do not already hold a valid visa. All visas issued before January 1, 2026, remain valid and have not been revoked under the proclamation.
Earlier measures this year also reduced the validity of most non-immigrant visas for Nigerians to single-entry visas with a three-month duration. Despite these changes, current students and exchange visitors are unaffected, ensuring continuity for ongoing academic programs.
The mission’s announcement aims to ease concerns among prospective and current Nigerian students planning to study or conduct research in the United States, though new applicants will still be subject to the updated visa provisions.
