The United States Mission in Nigeria has clarified that Nigerian students and exchange visitors with valid visas will not be affected by the partial visa suspension introduced under Presidential Proclamation 10998.
In a statement released on Monday via its official X account, the mission said Nigerian students and exchange programme participants who already hold valid F-1 and J-1 visas can continue their studies and academic engagements 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 mission stated.
The clarification follows growing concerns among Nigerian students after the United States announced a partial suspension of certain visa issuances to nationals of 19 countries, including Nigeria. The restriction, which took effect on January 1, 2026, was introduced under Presidential Proclamation 10998 titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”
According to the initial announcement, the Department of State partially suspended visa issuance to nationals of 19 countries for nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M, J student and exchange visitor visas, and all immigrant visas with limited exceptions.
The proclamation initially raised concerns among Nigerian students, as it suggested that new student and exchange visas might be restricted. However, the U.S. Mission’s clarification indicates that students and exchange participants who already possess valid visas can continue their programmes without disruption.
The proclamation also provides limited exemptions, including immigrant visas issued to ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran, dual nationals applying with passports not subject to the suspension, Special Immigrant Visas for U.S. government employees, participants in certain major sporting events, and lawful permanent residents.
The development comes amid a series of tightening U.S. immigration measures affecting Nigerian travellers. In July 2025, the United States Department of State revised its visa policy for Nigerians, limiting most new non-immigrant visas to single-entry with a three-month validity period. Additionally, the United States paused immigrant visa processing for Nigeria and about 74 other countries beginning January 21, 2026.
Despite these measures, the mission’s latest clarification is expected to reassure Nigerian students currently studying in the United States that their academic plans remain protected.
