US Mission Nigeria Clarifies Visa Status for Nigerian Students Amid New Restrictions
The United States Mission Nigeria has issued a crucial clarification regarding the status of Nigerian students and exchange visitors holding valid visas under the upcoming Presidential Proclamation 10998. In a statement released on social media platform X, the mission confirmed that individuals with currently valid F1 and J1 visas will not be affected by the partial visa suspension set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Details of the Presidential Proclamation
Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled "Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States," will partially suspend the issuance of certain visas to Nigerian nationals beginning at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 1, 2026. The suspension specifically covers:
- Nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas
- F, M and J student and exchange visitor visas
- Immigrant visas, with limited exceptions
However, U.S. authorities have emphasized that this measure applies only to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and who do not hold a valid U.S. visa as of January 1, 2026. Officials have stated clearly that "foreign nationals, even those outside the United States, who hold valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998."
Specific Protection for Current Visa Holders
The U.S. Mission Nigeria specifically addressed concerns among Nigerian students and exchange participants, stating: "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."
This clarification comes as welcome news to the Nigerian academic community, particularly given recent immigration-related measures affecting Nigerian travelers. The mission has confirmed that no visas issued before January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the proclamation.
Broader Context of U.S.-Nigeria Immigration Relations
Nigeria is among 19 countries affected by the partial visa suspension that comes into effect on January 1, 2026. This development occurs within a broader context of recent immigration policy changes affecting Nigerian travelers to the United States.
In recent months, the United States has implemented several measures impacting Nigerian nationals:
- The validity of most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians was reduced to single-entry visas with a three-month duration earlier this year
- In October, Washington added Nigeria back to its list of countries accused of violating religious freedom
- Nigeria's inclusion on a revised U.S. travel restriction list imposing partial entry restrictions
The U.S. Mission Nigeria had previously warned that visa overstays by Nigerian travelers could negatively affect opportunities for other citizens seeking to travel to the United States. This latest clarification specifically addresses concerns within the academic community about whether existing F1 and J1 visas would remain valid after the proclamation takes effect.
Understanding the Visa Categories
F-1 visas are designated for international students enrolled full-time in academic programs at U.S. schools or universities, while J-1 visas are for exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange. The protection of these specific visa categories underscores the continued importance the United States places on educational and cultural exchange with Nigeria, despite broader immigration restrictions.
For now, the mission has confirmed that holders of currently valid F1 and J1 visas can continue their studies and exchange programs in the United States without interruption. This assurance provides stability for Nigerian students and researchers currently contributing to American academic institutions and research facilities.
