By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
NIGERIAN STUDENTS and exchange participants who already hold valid American visas can continue their academic activities in the United States (US) despite new immigration restrictions introduced under Presidential Proclamation 10998, the US Embassy in Nigeria has said.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that in a message shared on social media, the mission said it 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.
It also adds: “Students and exchange participants with visas can continue to contribute to learning, research, and innovation at U.S. colleges and institutions.”
The clarification followed confusion after the US 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 directive is 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.
The US government stated that individuals who already hold valid visas issued before the policy took effect are generally not affected by the restrictions.
The embassy said its message specifically addressed concerns among Nigerian students studying in American universities or preparing to travel for academic programmes.
F1 visas are issued to international students enrolled in academic institutions, while J1 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 proclamation.
Nigeria is among about nineteen countries affected by the broader restrictions, alongside Angola, Senegal, Tanzania, and Venezuela.
The measures followed a US government review of information sharing and identity management systems of several countries, which Washington said were relevant to national security and immigration control.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that while the restrictions affect new visa issuance in several categories, existing visas remain valid and are not automatically cancelled under the proclamation.
