The United States Mission in Nigeria has assured Nigerian students and exchange participants holding valid F1 and J1 visas that they will not be impacted by the recently announced visa restrictions.
In a statement posted on X, the Mission clarified that students with valid F1 and J1 visas can continue their studies and exchange programs in the United States without disruption. The statement emphasized that these students remain eligible to contribute to academic research, innovation, and learning at U.S. institutions.
The clarification comes after the introduction of Presidential Proclamation 10998, which limits entry for certain foreign nationals as part of broader security measures.
Under the proclamation, the U.S. government partially suspended the issuance of some visas to Nigerian nationals, including nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas, and certain immigrant visas, with limited exceptions.
However, U.S. authorities stressed that the restrictions apply only to foreign nationals who were outside the United States when the policy took effect and did not already hold a valid U.S. visa. Existing visas issued before the proclamation remain valid, and holders of these visas are exempt from the new limitations.
Nigeria is one of 19 countries affected by the partial suspension, which is part of broader immigration adjustments implemented in recent months. Previous measures had already reduced the validity of most nonimmigrant visas issued to Nigerians to single-entry permits lasting three months.
The latest guidance is expected to reassure Nigerian students and exchange participants that those with valid F1 and J1 visas can continue their academic and exchange programs in the U.S. without interruption.
