Restrictions: US Says Nigerian Students With Valid F1, J1 Visas Safe

The United States Mission in Nigeria has assured Nigerian students and exchange participants holding valid F1 and J1 visas that they will not be affected by the planned visa restrictions, saying existing valid documents remaines secure despite the forthcoming partial suspension.

In a post shared via X on Monday, the Mission stated that holders of valid F1 and J1 visas can continue their studies and exchange programmes in the United States and contribute to learning, research, and innovation at US colleges and institutions.

The clarification came following the January 1, 2026 implementation of Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”

Under the proclamation, the United States partially suspended the issuance of certain visas to Nigerian nationals beginning at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 1, 2026.

The suspension covers nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M and J student and exchange visitor visas, and immigrant visas with limited exceptions. However, U.S. authorities stressed that the measure applies only to foreign nationals outside the United States on the effective date and without a valid U.S. visa as of that date.

Officials further stated that visas issued before the effective time will not be revoked under the proclamation, and holders of valid visas remain exempt from the restrictions.

Nigeria is among 19 countries affected by the partial suspension, which forms part of broader immigration measures introduced by Washington in recent months. Earlier actions included reducing the validity of most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians to single-entry permits of three months’ duration.

The latest clarification is expected to ease concerns among students and exchange participants about the status of their existing visas once the proclamation takes effect. For now, the mission has confirmed that valid F1 and J1 visa holders can proceed with their academic and exchange programmes without disruption.