In a statement posted Monday on X, the mission said holders of valid F1 (student) and J1 (exchange visitor) visas remain eligible to travel to and study 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 statement read.
What the Proclamation Covers
The clarification follows the January 1, 2026 implementation of Presidential Proclamation 10998, formally titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”
Nigeria is among 19 countries affected by the partial suspension, which took effect the same day.
While the proclamation introduces entry restrictions for certain categories of foreign nationals, the U.S. Mission emphasized that it does not invalidate already issued and currently valid F1 and J1 visas.
Broader Immigration Changes
The development comes amid a series of recent U.S. immigration policy adjustments affecting Nigerians.
Earlier this year, the United States reduced the validity of most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerian applicants to single-entry visas with a three-month duration — a significant shift from previous multi-entry, longer-term arrangements.
Together, these measures have generated uncertainty among prospective travelers, students, and families. The latest clarification appears aimed at reassuring Nigerian students and exchange participants that those with valid study and exchange visas may proceed with their academic plans.
For thousands of Nigerians enrolled in U.S. institutions — or preparing to begin programs — the message provides critical certainty: valid visas remain valid, and academic travel under those categories continues uninterrupted despite the broader entry restrictions.