The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has assured Nigerian students and exchange visitors that those with valid visas will not be affected by the partial visa suspension outlined in Presidential Proclamation 10998.
In a message posted on X on Monday, the mission stated: “Nigerian students and exchange participants holding valid F1 and J1 visas are not impacted by Presidential Proclamation 10998.
“Those with visas can continue to engage in learning, research, and innovation at U.S. colleges and institutions.”
The proclamation, titled: “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
It will partially suspend certain visas for Nigerian nationals, including nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas, along with some immigrant visas.
However, this suspension only applies to individuals outside the U.S. who do not have a valid visa as of the effective date.
Officials emphasized that “foreign nationals, including those outside the U.S., who possess 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 under the Proclamation.”
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This clarification follows a series of U.S. immigration policies affecting Nigerians, such as limiting most nonimmigrant visas to single-entry with a three-month validity and placing Nigeria on a revised travel restriction list.
Currently, Nigerian students and exchange participants can continue their academic and cultural activities in the U.S. without worry.
The U.S. Mission previously reminded travelers that overstaying visas could adversely affect future opportunities for Nigerians wishing to visit the U.S.
F-1 visas are designated for international students enrolled in full-time academic programs, while J-1 visas are for exchange visitors participating in approved educational or cultural initiatives.
