Segun Atanda/
The United States Embassy in Nigeria has clarified that Nigerian students and exchange participants who already hold valid American visas can continue their academic activities in the United States despite new immigration restrictions introduced under Presidential Proclamation 10998.
In a message shared on social media, the mission sought to reassure students and families who had become anxious following reports of visa limitations affecting several countries, including Nigeria.
“Nigerian students and exchange participants with currently valid F1 and J1 visas are not affected by Presidential Proclamation 10998,” the embassy said. “Students and exchange participants with visas can continue to contribute to learning, research, and innovation at U.S. colleges and institutions.”
The clarification came amid widespread confusion after the United States government announced new entry restrictions covering dozens of countries as part of its security and immigration policy.
Presidential Proclamation 10998, which took effect on January 1, 2026, restricts or suspends the issuance of certain visas to nationals of several countries, including Nigeria.
The policy was introduced under a directive titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”
Under the measure, many visa categories for affected countries face limitations, particularly for applicants who do not yet possess a valid visa.
However, the U.S. government emphasised that individuals who already hold valid visas issued before the policy took effect are generally not affected by the restrictions.
The embassy’s message specifically addressed concerns among Nigerian students studying in American universities or preparing to travel for academic programmes.
F-1 visas are issued to international students enrolled in academic institutions, while J-1 visas are granted to participants in exchange programmes such as research, teaching, and cultural exchange.
Officials said holders of these visas can continue their studies and research without disruption despite the new proclamation.
Nigeria is among about nineteen countries affected by the broader restrictions, alongside nations such as Angola, Senegal, Tanzania, and Venezuela.
The travel and visa measures were introduced after a U.S. government review of information-sharing and identity-management systems of several countries, which Washington said were relevant to national security and immigration control.
While the restrictions affect new visa issuance in several categories, existing visas remain valid and are not automatically cancelled under the proclamation.
For many Nigerian families and students, the embassy’s statement serves as reassurance that those who already secured visas before the new rules took effect can continue their education and exchange programmes in the United States.
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Honestly this is not ok the US president is doing too much now. All those who paid for visa charges and are supposed to go to Us embassy some were denied and done given 2 month , that’s for what exactly? And those that was given months who decided to go are not allowed entry after paying huge amount. Anyways 4 years is around the corner . Then people will decide if they will still vote for him. Ire oooo