The United States Mission in Nigeria has clarified that Nigerian students and exchange visitors holding currently valid F-1 (student) and J-1 (exchange) visas will not be affected by the visa restrictions recently introduced by the US government.
In a statement shared on social media, the US Mission explained that although a new visa policy Presidential Proclamation 10998 imposes limited restrictions on visa issuance for certain nationalities, the measures do not automatically revoke or invalidate existing visas that were issued before the policy took effect.
That means Nigerian students and exchange participants who currently hold valid F-1 and J-1 visas can continue to travel to the United States and pursue their studies, research and cultural programmes without disruption. The mission emphasised that these visa holders remain eligible to enter the US and take part in academic and exchange activities at American institutions.
The clarification comes amid broader concerns over the impact of the new travel restriction policy, which took effect on January 1, 2026 and temporarily suspends issuance of certain non-immigrant visas to Nigerians and citizens of several other countries under a national security framework. However, the US authorities have been at pains to reassure those with valid visas that their status remains intact.
Prospective applicants who do not yet hold valid visas may still face delays or limitations in visa processing under the new rules, but students and exchange visitors already holding F-1 and J-1 documentation are not impacted by the current restrictions.
This reassurance is expected to offer relief to thousands of Nigerian students already enrolled in US schools and universities, as well as families and sponsors concerned about travel and academic continuity.
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