US Issues Statement on Visa Ban for Nigerian Students and Exchange Visitors
Concerns eased on Monday after fresh clarification emerged regarding the recent US visa restrictions impacting certain foreign nationals.
PulseNets learnt that the United States Mission in Nigeria confirmed Nigerian students and exchange visitors who already possess valid visas will not be affected by the newly announced policy of the U.S. government.
In a statement obtained by PulseNets, the mission explained that holders of F1 and J1 visas remain eligible to travel to and study in the United States despite the partial visa suspension introduced under a presidential directive.
“Nigerian students and exchange participants with currently valid F1 and J1 visas are not affected by Presidential Proclamation 10998. Students and exchange participants with visas can continue to contribute to learning, research and innovation at U.S. colleges and institutions,” the statement read.
PulseNets reported that the clarification followed heightened anxiety among students and their families after the enforcement of Presidential Proclamation 10998 on January 1, 2026. The directive, officially titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” introduced partial entry restrictions on selected countries.
Nigeria is listed among 19 nations affected by the partial entry restrictions under the new immigration policy.
Officials told PulseNets that the measure does not revoke or invalidate existing F1 and J1 visas. They stressed that students and exchange visitors with valid and approved documentation can proceed with their academic programmes and research engagements in the United States without disruption.
Also Read: US Revokes Visas of 80,000 Nigerians and Other Foreign Nationals
The mission further encouraged applicants to rely on verified U.S. embassy communication platforms for updates, processing guidelines and official immigration information.
PulseNets learnt that immigration policies affecting Nigerians have tightened in recent months. Earlier in the year, the U.S. government reduced the validity of most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians, limiting them to single-entry permits valid for three months.
