In late 2025, the United States announced a partial suspension of visa issuance to Nigerian nationals, effective January 1, 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998. The policy affects several types of visas, including the immigration visa for those seeking permanent residence, the B-1 visa, the B-2 visa, the B-1/B-2 visa, and the F, M, and J visa categories, most relevant to students and academic exchange visitors.
In this article, mystudentkit experts break down what the policy means in practical terms, who is affected, and the key lessons students and prospective applicants can take away from this development.
Table of contents
Visa Categories Affected by the Ban Imposed on Nigerians
The suspension applies to Nigerian nationals outside the United States on or after January 1, 2026, who do not already hold a valid U.S. visa. Included in the visa categories affected are
- Immigrant visas—for Nigerians seeking permanent residence (green cards)
- B-1 visas—business visits
- B-2 visas—tourism, family visits, medical treatment
- B-1/B-2 visas—combined business and tourism visits
- F visas – academic student visas (universities and colleges)
- M visas—vocational and technical training visas
- J visas—exchange visitor visas (researchers, scholars, interns, cultural exchange participants)
What Are The Implications of The US Student Visa Ban On Nigerians?
The suspension of Nigerians from entering the US not only stops the issuance of student visas but also affects other processes like admissions and recruitment to work in the US.
1. New Visa Issuance for Study and Exchange
Nigerian students who are outside the United States and do not hold a valid visa will likely be unable to receive new F, M, or J visas once the suspension takes effect. What this means is that students with pending visa applications will most likely be denied issuance even after attending interviews.
Also, Nigerians who have confirmed admission to U.S. universities but have not yet received their visas may face delays or rejections under the current policy.
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2. Admission Offers no longer Guarantee Entry
Even with an acceptance letter from a U.S. college or university, students may be unable to secure the necessary F or M visa to travel and enroll for the academic session starting after January 1, 2026.
3. Uncertainty and Planning Challenges
Many students interested in studying in the US will face uncertainty over timelines, as visa issuance could be paused indefinitely under the current proclamation. This affects:
- Study abroad planning
- University enrolment confirmations
- Scholarship acceptance timelines
- Financial planning and accommodation arrangements in the U.S.
4. No more Exchange Programs and Training
Nigerians planning to participate in exchange programs, internships, research placements, or cultural exchanges under the J visa are also affected, which limits educational mobility and international experience opportunities.
This prevents Nigerians from taking part in many academic exchanges and funded research opportunities.
With the suspension in place, Nigerian students can consider alternative destinations, such as Canada, the UK, Germany, or other countries with more stable visa entry policies for students.
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5. Nigerian Students Can’t access scholarships tied to US study
Many international scholarships require physical presence in the U.S. Because students cannot enter the country, some U.S.-based scholarships, assistantships, and funded programs may become inaccessible or be withdrawn.
Are There Exceptions To the US Visa Ban For Nigerians?
While the suspension is billed to take effect from January 2026, there are some notable exceptions you should note:
1. Visas Issued Before January 1, 2026
Individuals who already hold valid U.S. visas for F, M, J, or other categories will not have those visas revoked solely because of the proclamation and may still enter using them.
2. Certain Exemptions
The proclamation includes specific exemptions for:
- Dual nationals applying with a passport from a country not affected by the suspension
- Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) (green card holders)
- Special Immigrant Visas for eligible U.S. government employees
- Participants in major international sporting events
It is essential to note that these exemptions are narrow and generally do not apply to standard student visas, such as F, M, or J, unless the applicant qualifies under an applicable special category.
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Does This Suspension Mean All Student Visa Processing Has Stopped?
According to a statement released by the US Embassy in Nigeria, visa applications and interviews may still proceed, and applicants can still submit applications and attend interviews, but the issuance of new visas is unlikely under the proclamation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nigerian students with valid U.S. visas issued before January 1, 2026, can still enter and study. However, new visa issuance for F, M, and J visas is suspended for eligible applicants outside the U.S., which prevents many new students from obtaining visas.
Yes. The U.S. government has confirmed that visas issued before January 1, 2026, remain valid and will not be automatically revoked due to this policy.
Technically, students may choose to apply from a U.S. embassy or consulate outside Nigeria, but the suspension applies based on nationality and validity criteria, so Nigerians without valid visas may still be denied issuance even if they apply from a country other than Nigeria.
No, students already in the U.S. with valid visas or status should not be directly affected by the suspension itself, though they must continue complying with U.S. immigration and academic regulations.
No. This type of suspension is typically policy-based, meaning it can be modified, lifted, and reviewed.
In the wake of the recent developments, Nigerians should not apply for US student visa, as it will most likely be an effort in futility.
Conclusion
The partial suspension of F, M, and J visa issuance to Nigerians represents a significant policy shift with major implications for Nigerian students seeking to study in the United States. While it does not immediately affect those already in the U.S. or those holding valid visas issued before January 1, 2026, it limits new visa approvals and creates uncertainty for future international students.
Prospective applicants should stay informed through official U.S. embassy updates and consider alternative study destinations as needed. ThisDay Live
