Nigerian students and exchange participants with currently valid F-1 and J-1 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.
In a clarification posted on X by the United States Mission in Nigeria, Washington has assured Nigerian students and cultural exchange participants holding valid F-1 (academic student) and J-1 (exchange visitor) visas that they remain fully exempted from the effects of Presidential Proclamation 10998 — a sweeping U.S. immigration directive that has tightened visa issuance for Nigerian nationals effective January 1, 2026.
This clarification, which was made on Monday, reiterated that
- Nigerian students and exchange participants with currently valid F-1 and J-1 visas are not affected by Presidential Proclamation 10998.
- Those visa holders are entitled to continue their educational, research, and cultural exchange activities at U.S. institutions without interruption.
- Existing valid visas — regardless of whether the holder is inside or outside the United States — will not be revoked due to the proclamation.
Background: Presidential Proclamation 10998
Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” was signed in December 2025 and took effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 1, 2026.
The proclamation directs the U.S. government to:
- Partially suspend visa issuance for nationals of certain countries, including Nigeria, in specified categories (non-immigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F and M student visas, J-1 exchange visas, and immigrant visas).
- Apply these restrictions to individuals outside the United States as of the effective date who do not hold a valid U.S. visa.
- Retain exemptions and grandfathering provisions for visas issued on or before the cutoff time — meaning such visas remain valid and unaffected.
In practical terms, this means that while new applications for several visa categories from Nigerian nationals are subject to suspension or heightened scrutiny, students and exchange participants with currently valid F-1 and J-1 visas are explicitly exempted.
The U.S. government justified the proclamation on security grounds, citing concerns about:
- Screening, vetting, and information-sharing limitations in certain foreign jurisdictions.
- Immigration and visa overstay rates among some nationalities, including Nigerians, in prior years.
- Broader national security and public safety priorities under section 212(f) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act.
For Nigeria specifically, U.S. authorities referenced the presence and operations of extremist groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates in West Africa, which, they argue, complicates vetting processes.
How the Proclamation Affects Nigerians
1. Current Visa Holders
- Valid F-1 and J-1 visa holders accepted the policy clarification — they can travel, study, and participate in exchange programs as normal.
- Existing visas in all categories issued before January 1, 2026 are not revoked simply because of the proclamation.
2. New Visa Applicants
- Nigerians seeking new visas in affected categories are facing a partial suspension of issuance under the proclamation. This includes applications for B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, with limited exceptions.
- Applicants may still apply and attend interviews at U.S. diplomatic missions, but eligibility for issuance is restricted under current policy.
3. Other Policy Shifts
- In recent months, separate policy measures have also changed visa practices, such as the reduction of many visa validity terms (e.g., limiting to single-entry or shorter durations) for Nigerian nationals.
The policy shift has had broader implications
- Air travel and mobility between the U.S. and Nigeria have reportedly declined due to uncertainty and stricter entry criteria.
- Nigerian authorities and education advocates have underscored concerns about restricted educational, cultural exchange, and economic opportunities, urging clarity and bilateral engagement.
- The U.S. Mission’s X-post is seen as an effort to reassure current students and reduce anxiety ahead of academic calendars.
