Good News for Nigerian Students: US Says F1, J1 Visa Holders Exempt From New Restrictions

The United States Mission in Nigeria has clarified that Nigerian students and exchange visitors holding valid F1 and J1 visas will not be affected by the partial visa suspension under Presidential Proclamation 10998. In an X post, the mission stated: “Nigerian students and exchange participants with currently valid F1 and J1 visas are not affected… Students and exchange participants with visas can continue to contribute to learning, research, and innovation at U.S. colleges and institutions.”

The clarification comes ahead of the January 1, 2026, implementation of the proclamation, which partially suspends issuance of certain visas to Nigerian nationals, including B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F/M/J student/exchange visas, and immigrant visas. However, authorities emphasised the measure applies only to those outside the US without valid visas as of January 1, 2026. Nigeria is among 19 affected countries.

KEY POINTS

The clarification provides certainty for thousands of Nigerian students in the US.
It confirms existing visa holders can continue their studies without disruption.
Current students gain relief, while future applicants face new restrictions.
This signals that current visa holders are protected from retroactive application.
The timing, ahead of implementation, allows for planning.

US Mission clarifies Nigerian F1, J1 visa holders with valid visas are exempt from new restrictions, can continue studies, research in America.

Sources: Vanguard, US Mission Nigeria