Visa restrictions: Nigerian students with valid F1, J1 visas unaffected - US
The United States Mission Nigeria has clarified that Nigerian students and exchange visitors with valid visas will not be affected by the partial visa suspension introduced under Presidential Proclamation 10998.
The United States Mission Nigeria has clarified that Nigerian students and exchange visitors with valid visas will not be affected by the partial visa suspension introduced under Presidential Proclamation 10998.
In a post shared on X on Monday, the mission stated that holders of valid F-1 and J-1 visas remain eligible to travel and continue their academic and exchange activities in the United States.
“Nigerian students and exchange participants with currently valid F1 and J1 visas are not affected by Presidential Proclamation 10998. Students and exchange participants with visas can continue to contribute to learning, research, and innovation at U.S. colleges and institutions,” the statement read.
The clarification comes after the January 1, 2026, implementation of the proclamation, formally titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”
The suspension affects:
• Nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas
• F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas
• Immigrant visas, with limited exceptions
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U.S. authorities emphasised that the measure applies only to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and who do not hold a valid visa as of January 1, 2026.
Officials also clarified that individuals who already possess valid visas will not be impacted.
“Foreign nationals, even those outside the United States, who hold valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998. No visas issued before January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation,” authorities said.
Nigeria was listed among 19 countries affected by the partial suspension announced in December 2025.
Visa categories explained
• F-1 visa: Issued to international students enrolled full-time in academic programmes at U.S. schools or universities.
• J-1 visa: Granted to exchange visitors, including students, researchers, and interns, participating in approved educational or cultural exchange programmes in the U.S.
