Nigerian Students with valid Visas are not affected by restrictions – US govt

The United States Mission in Nigeria has reassured Nigerian students and exchange participants holding valid F1 and J1 visas that they will not be affected by the planned visa restrictions.

In a statement shared on X, the Mission clarified that individuals with valid F1 and J1 visas can continue their studies and exchange programmes in the United States without disruption. It added that these students remain free to contribute to academic research, innovation, and learning at U.S. institutions.

The clarification follows the implementation of Presidential Proclamation 10998, which restricts and limits the entry of certain foreign nationals into the United States as part of broader security measures.

Under the proclamation, the U.S. government partially suspended the issuance of some visas to Nigerian nationals. The suspension covers nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M and J student and exchange visitor visas, as well as immigrant visas, with limited exceptions.

However, U.S. authorities emphasized that the measure applies only to foreign nationals who were outside the United States on the effective date and did not already possess a valid U.S. visa. Visas issued before the policy took effect will not be revoked, and holders of valid visas remain exempt from the new restrictions.

Nigeria is among 19 countries affected by the partial suspension, which forms part of wider immigration adjustments introduced in recent months. Earlier measures had reduced the validity of most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians to single-entry permits lasting three months.

The latest clarification is expected to ease concerns among Nigerian students and exchange participants, as those with valid F1 and J1 visas can proceed with their academic and exchange programmes without interruption.