The United States Mission in Nigeria has clarified that Nigerian students holding valid F1 and J1 visas can still travel to and study in the United States despite newly introduced entry restrictions.

In a statement shared on X on Monday, the mission explained that the exemptions allow Nigerian students and exchange visitors with existing valid visas to continue their academic and research activities without disruption. It noted that they are not impacted by the partial visa suspension introduced under Presidential Proclamation 10998.

According to the statement, students and exchange participants with valid F1 and J1 visas remain eligible to enter the U.S. and contribute to education, research, and innovation at American colleges and institutions.

The clarification comes after the implementation of Presidential Proclamation 10998 on January 1, 2026. The proclamation, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” introduced a partial entry ban affecting 19 countries, including Nigeria.

In recent months, the United States has rolled out several immigration-related measures impacting Nigerians, including limiting most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerian citizens to single-entry visas valid for three months earlier this year.