The United States Mission in Nigeria has moved to allay fears and confusion surrounding the recent partial visa suspension, confirming that Nigerian students and exchange visitors holding valid documents will not be impacted. In a clear and direct statement posted on X on Monday, the Mission provided crucial clarifications regarding Presidential Proclamation 10998.
The proclamation, titled "Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States," took effect on January 1, 2026, and placed Nigeria on a list of 19 affected countries. However, US authorities have now specified that the suspension is not retroactive and does not invalidate existing visas.
According to the statement, "Nigerian students and exchange participants with currently valid F1 and J1 visas are not affected by Presidential Proclamation 10998." The Mission further emphasized the positive role these individuals play in American society, adding, "Students and exchange participants with visas can continue to contribute to learning, research, and innovation at U.S. colleges and institutions."
The suspension specifically affects the issuance of new visas to applicants who are outside the United States and do not hold a valid visa as of the effective date. The categories impacted by new applications include:
· Nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas
· F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas
· Immigrant visas (with limited exceptions)
Officials were keen to stress the protection for current visa holders. "Foreign nationals, even those outside the United States, who hold valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998. No visas issued before January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation," authorities clarified.
For clarity, the F-1 visa is issued to international students enrolled full-time in academic programs at US schools or universities. The J-1 visa is granted to exchange visitors, including students, researchers, and interns, participating in approved educational or cultural exchange programs. This reassurance means that thousands of Nigerian students currently enrolled or holding valid visas can continue their academic pursuits in the United States without interruption.
#StudyInUSA #F1Visa #J1Visa #NigerianStudents #USEmbassy #VisaNews #Education #Travel