US Issues Statement on Visa Ban for Nigerian Students and Exchange Visitors

The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a clarification on the recent visa restrictions affecting some foreign nationals.

The mission said Nigerian students and exchange visitors who already hold valid visas will not be impacted by the new policy announced by the U.S. government.

In a statement released on Monday, the mission explained that holders of F1 and J1 visas remain eligible to travel and study in the United States despite the partial visa suspension.

“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.

The clarification followed growing concerns from students and families after the implementation of Presidential Proclamation 10998 on January 1, 2026. The order is officially titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”

Under the policy, Nigeria is listed among 19 countries facing partial entry restrictions.

Officials stressed that the new measure does not cancel or invalidate existing F1 and J1 visas. They said students and exchange visitors with approved documents can continue their academic and research activities without disruption.

The mission also encouraged affected applicants to check official U.S. embassy platforms for updates and guidance on future visa processing.

In recent months, immigration rules affecting Nigerians have tightened. Earlier this year, the U.S. government reduced the validity of most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians to single-entry permits with a three-month duration.

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