Existing student and exchange visas remain valid despite Presidential Proclamation 10998, US Mission in Nigeria clarifies.

The United States Mission in Nigeria has reassured Nigerian students and exchange visitors that those holding valid F-1 and J-1 visas are not impacted by the recent partial suspension of certain US visa issuances under Presidential Proclamation 10998.

In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the mission stressed that the proclamation does not apply to Nigerians who already possess valid student or exchange visas. According to the mission, such visa holders can continue their academic, research, and exchange activities in the United States without disruption.

“Nigerian students and exchange participants with currently valid F-1 and J-1 visas are not affected by Presidential Proclamation 10998,” the statement said. “Students and exchange participants with visas can continue to contribute to learning, research, and innovation at US colleges and institutions.”

F-1 visas are granted to international students enrolled in academic programmes, while J-1 visas cover exchange visitors involved in research, training, and cultural exchange initiatives.

The clarification follows widespread concern over Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.” The policy, issued in December 2025, took effect on January 1, 2026, and partially suspends the issuance of nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M, and J visas, in addition to all immigrant visas for nationals of 19 countries, including Nigeria.

However, the restrictions apply only to individuals who were outside the United States on the effective date and did not already hold a valid US visa. Visas issued before January 1, 2026, are not revoked, and holders—whether inside or outside the US—are exempt from the new entry limitations.

Nigeria is among several countries listed for partial restrictions, alongside Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Venezuela, Zambia, and others, though details vary slightly across official sources. The proclamation cites national security concerns, including screening and vetting challenges linked to extremist groups operating in parts of Nigeria.

The policy also outlines limited exemptions, including dual nationals travelling on passports from unaffected countries, Lawful Permanent Residents, certain Special Immigrant Visa holders, participants in major international sporting events, and specific US government–related cases.

In addition, the measures build on earlier restrictions, including the introduction of a $15,000 refundable visa bond for eligible Nigerian B-1/B-2 applicants, effective January 21, 2026, as well as pauses on some immigrant visa categories deemed to carry high public-benefit reliance risks.