US Clears Nigerian Students With Valid F-1, J-1 Visas

The United States Mission in Nigeria has clarified that Nigerian students and exchange visitors who already possess valid F-1 and J-1 visas are not affected by the recent visa suspension introduced by the U.S. government.

In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the mission reassured concerned students and families that holders of valid student and exchange visas can continue their academic programmes in the United States without disruption. The clarification follows the implementation of Presidential Proclamation 10998, which restricts and limits the entry of certain foreign nationals as part of broader security measures. Nigeria is among the countries listed under the proclamation, which affects the issuance of some non-immigrant and immigrant visa categories. However, the U.S. Mission emphasised that the suspension does not invalidate visas that were issued before the proclamation took effect. Students and exchange participants who already hold valid F-1 and J-1 visas remain eligible to travel and pursue their studies or research programmes in the U.S. The development had sparked anxiety among prospective and returning students, particularly as Nigeria remains one of the leading African countries with a high number of students enrolled in American universities. While new visa applications in certain categories may be subject to additional restrictions or suspension under the new policy, the mission reiterated that existing valid visas remain usable and have not been revoked.