The United States Embassy in Nigeria says Nigerian students with valid F-1 and J-1 visas are not affected by the visa restrictions order issued on December 16, 2025.
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Presidential Proclamation 10998, which took effect on January 1, 2026, imposes entry and visa restrictions on nationals of 15 countries, including Nigeria.
The US government cited concerns over screening, vetting, information sharing, and overstay rates, as well as the need to protect American national security and public safety.
Other African countries on the list include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, and The Gambia.
In Nigeria’s case, the US highlighted the free operation of Islamic terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State, in some areas, which it said creates “substantial screening and vetting difficulties.”
Overstay rates of 5.56 percent on B-1/B-2 visas and 11.90 percent on F, M, and J visas were also cited.
The travel suspension covers both immigrant and non-immigrant visas, including B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J categories, which are routes most commonly used by Nigerians, despite relatively low overstay rates.
In a statement on Monday, the US Embassy noted that the proclamation does not affect Nigerian students and exchange participants with valid F-1 and J-1 visas.
“Students and exchange participants with valid visas can continue to contribute to learning, research, and innovation at U.S. colleges and institutions,” the statement read.
According to the US Department of Homeland Security, F-1 and J-1 are the two main types of non-immigrant visas for international students and exchange participants.
Both are managed through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) but serve different purposes.
The F-1 visa is for full-time academic studies, while the J-1 visa supports approved exchange programs sponsored by the US Department of State to promote cultural and educational exchange.
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