U.S. drops important message for Nigerians with valid F-1, J-1 Visas

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The U.S. Mission Nigeria has issued a clear clarification for Nigerian students and exchange visitors amid ongoing concerns over recent U.S. immigration measures.

In a post on X on Monday, the mission stated that holders of currently valid F-1 (student) and J-1 (exchange visitor) visas remain fully eligible to travel to and study in the United States, unaffected by Presidential Proclamation 10998.

The proclamation, issued by President Donald J. Trump on December 16, 2025, and effective January 1, 2026, partially restricts visa issuance and entry for nationals of Nigeria (among 19 other countries) in specific non-immigrant categories, including B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M, and J student/exchange visas and all immigrant visas.

The restrictions stem from assessments of inadequate screening, vetting, and information-sharing capabilities in those countries, aimed at protecting U.S. national security and public safety under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

However, the U.S. Department of State and the embassy have repeatedly emphasized a key grandfathering provision: The measures apply only to foreign nationals who were outside the United States on the effective date and did not hold a valid visa issued on or before December 31, 2025.

Existing valid visas, including F-1 and J-1 categories, are not revoked or invalidated by the proclamation.

The U.S. Mission’s post read: “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. #VisaWiseTravelSmart.”

This re-assurance is particularly significant for Nigeria, which sends thousands of students to U.S. institutions annually through programmes like Fulbright, university admissions, and exchange initiatives.

The partial restrictions do impact new visa applications: Nigerian nationals seeking fresh F-1, J-1, or B-1/B-2 visas face suspension of issuance (with limited exceptions, such as for lawful permanent residents or certain major events).

Applicants may still submit applications and attend interviews but are generally ineligible for approval under the current framework.