US visa rules for Nigerian students clarified as mission confirms valid F1 and J1 holders unaffected by Proclamation 10998

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 introduced under Presidential Proclamation 10998.

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In a statement posted on Monday on X, the mission confirmed that holders of valid F1 student and J1 exchange visitor visas remain eligible to travel to and study in the United States despite the new restrictions.

“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 follows the January 1, 2026 implementation of Presidential Proclamation 10998, formally titled.

“Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”

Nigeria is among 19 countries affected by the partial suspension, which took effect the same day.

While the proclamation introduces entry restrictions for certain categories of foreign nationals, the mission stressed that it does not invalidate already issued and currently valid F1 and J1 visas.

The development comes amid broader immigration adjustments affecting Nigerians.

Earlier this year, the United States reduced the validity of most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerian applicants to single-entry visas with a three-month duration, marking a significant shift from previous multi-entry, longer-term arrangements.

These changes have created uncertainty among prospective travellers, students and families.

The latest clarification appears aimed at providing reassurance that those with valid study and exchange visas may proceed with their academic plans without disruption.

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For thousands of Nigerians enrolled in U.S. institutions or preparing to begin programmes, the message offers crucial certainty: valid visas remain valid, and academic travel under those categories continues uninterrupted despite the wider entry restrictions.