The United States Mission Nigeria has clarified that Nigerian students and exchange visitors who already hold valid U.S. visas will not be affected by the partial visa suspension introduced under Presidential Proclamation 10998.
In a statement posted Monday on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the mission sought to reassure concerned applicants and current visa holders ahead of the policy’s implementation date.
“Nigerian students and exchange participants with currently valid F1 and J1 visas are not affected by Presidential Proclamation 10998,” the mission stated. “Students and exchange participants with visas can continue to contribute to learning, research, and innovation at U.S. colleges and institutions.”
The clarification comes in advance of the January 1, 2026 enforcement date of Presidential Proclamation 10998, formally titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”
Scope of the Proclamation
Under the proclamation, the United States will partially suspend the issuance of certain categories of visas to Nigerian nationals beginning at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 1, 2026.
The suspension applies to:
- 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 the measure is prospective rather than retroactive. It affects only foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and who do not possess a valid U.S. visa as of January 1, 2026.
Officials further clarified that individuals who already hold valid visas—even if they are outside the United States on the effective date—will not have their visas revoked under the proclamation.
“Foreign nationals, even those outside the United States, who hold valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998,” U.S. authorities stated. “No visas issued before January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation.”
This assurance directly addresses concerns among Nigerian students and exchange programme participants who feared that their previously issued F-1 or J-1 visas might become invalid once the suspension takes effect.
Understanding F-1 and J-1 Visas
The F-1 visa is issued to international students enrolled full-time in academic programmes at accredited U.S. colleges, universities, high schools, private elementary schools, seminaries, conservatories, or language training institutions. It is the primary visa category for foreign nationals pursuing formal academic studies in the United States.
The J-1 visa, by contrast, is designed for exchange visitors participating in approved educational and cultural exchange programmes. This category includes students, researchers, professors, medical trainees, interns, and other participants in government-approved exchange initiatives.
Both visa categories play a significant role in fostering academic collaboration, cultural exchange, and research partnerships between Nigeria and the United States.
Broader Immigration Measures
Nigeria is among 19 countries affected by the partial suspension set to take effect in January 2026. The proclamation forms part of a broader set of immigration-related measures introduced by U.S. authorities in recent months.
Earlier in 2025, the United States reduced the validity of most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians to single-entry visas with a three-month duration. That adjustment marked a significant departure from prior multi-entry, longer-duration visa policies that had facilitated frequent travel for business, education, and tourism.
In October, Washington also returned Nigeria to its list of countries accused of violating religious freedom standards. This was followed by Nigeria’s inclusion on a revised U.S. travel restriction framework imposing partial entry limitations.
Collectively, these measures have heightened uncertainty among Nigerian travelers, students, and professionals with ties to the United States.
Addressing Student Concerns
The latest clarification by the U.S. Mission Nigeria appears aimed at stabilizing confidence among current students and exchange participants.
With thousands of Nigerians enrolled in American institutions, uncertainty about visa validity had triggered anxiety across academic communities and among families preparing for the 2026 academic calendar.
By explicitly stating that valid F-1 and J-1 visa holders remain unaffected, U.S. authorities have effectively distinguished between existing visa holders and prospective applicants.
The practical implication is that Nigerian students already admitted to U.S. institutions and in possession of valid visas may continue their academic programmes without interruption, provided they comply with existing immigration regulations.
However, new applicants seeking F, M, or J visas after the January 1, 2026 deadline may face restrictions under the partial suspension.
Overstay Concerns
Earlier in February, the U.S. Mission had cautioned that visa overstays by Nigerian travelers could negatively affect travel opportunities for other citizens.
Visa overstay rates are closely monitored by U.S. authorities and often factor into broader immigration policy decisions. Elevated overstay statistics can contribute to the imposition of stricter entry requirements or travel restrictions.
While the proclamation itself cites national security considerations, immigration compliance metrics—including overstays—have historically played a role in shaping U.S. visa policies toward specific countries.
Continuing Academic Engagement
Despite the tightening of certain visa categories, U.S. officials have reiterated their support for legitimate academic and exchange engagement.
By affirming that current F-1 and J-1 visa holders remain unaffected, the U.S. government signals continued recognition of the value international students bring to American higher education institutions.
Nigerian students constitute one of the largest African student populations in the United States, contributing to research, innovation, and cross-cultural dialogue.
For now, the central message from the U.S. Mission Nigeria is clear: holders of currently valid F-1 and J-1 visas may proceed with their studies and exchange programmes without disruption when Presidential Proclamation 10998 takes effect on January 1, 2026.
Prospective applicants, however, are advised to monitor official communications closely as implementation guidelines evolve in the coming months.
