U.S. Confirms Nigerian Students with Valid Visas Safe

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has clarified that Nigerian students participating in exchange programs with valid F1 and J1 visas will remain unaffected by the partial visa suspension outlined in Presidential Proclamation 10998, which is set to take effect at 12:01 AM Eastern Standard Time on January 1, 2026.

This proclamation will partially suspend the issuance of certain visas to Nigerian nationals, but it will not impact those who already hold valid visas. The U.S. authorities emphasized that the measures apply to foreign nationals outside the United States and that valid visa holders will not be subject to the proclamation.

The announcement comes amid broader immigration-related measures affecting Nigeria, which was recently placed back on a list of countries accused of violating religious freedom. The U.S.

Mission aims to address concerns regarding the status of Nigerian exchange participants and their ability to continue their studies and research in U.S. educational institutions.