Nigerian students, others with valid F-1, J-1 visas allowed to enter America: U.S. Embassy

The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced that Nigerian students and exchange participants currently holding valid F‑1 and J‑1 visas are not affected by U.S. Presidential Proclamation 10998, which restricts entry for certain foreign nationals.
The U.S. embassy disclosed this in a statement on X on Monday.
”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,” it stated.
According to the U.S. embassy, the proclamation applies only to foreign nationals who are outside the US on its effective date and do not hold a valid visa.
It noted that Nigerians who already possess valid visas are exempt from the restrictions even if they are outside the U.S.
The embassy restated that students and exchange participants can continue to contribute to learning, research, and innovation at U.S. colleges and institutions.
The proclamation, approved by President Donald Trump last December, limited the entry of foreign nationals into the U.S., aiming to protect the country’s security.
Although signed in December, the proclamation became effective on January 1, 2026.
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