US Clarifies: Nigerian students with valid visas exempt from new entry curbs
The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced that Nigerian students and exchange visitors holding valid F1 and J1 visas are not affected by the recent partial visa suspension introduced under Presidential Proclamation 10998.
In a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Mission reassured applicants and current visa holders that the new restrictions do not apply to Nigerians already in possession of valid student and exchange visitor visas.
“Nigerian students and exchange participants with valid F1 and J1 visas are not affected by Presidential Proclamation 10998. They can continue to contribute to learning, research, and innovation at U.S. colleges and institutions,” the statement read.
READ ALSO: 71% Nigerian students, others denied US visa in 2022
The clarification follows the implementation of Proclamation 10998 on January 1, 2026. The directive, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” introduces partial visa restrictions targeting certain foreign nationals outside the U.S. who did not possess valid visas as of the effective date.
Nigeria is listed among 19 countries impacted by the partial suspension. The measures apply to specific categories, including B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas and certain immigrant visas, subject to outlined exceptions.
However, U.S. officials emphasized that individuals who held valid visas as of January 1, 2026, will not have their visas revoked under the proclamation.
The development comes amid broader immigration policy adjustments affecting Nigerians, including reduced validity periods for some non-immigrant visas and Nigeria’s recent inclusion on updated U.S. travel and religious freedom watch lists.
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