Tuesday, February 24 2026 -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.
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