Do You Need a Degree for the EB-3 Visa from Nigeria?

Think You Need a Degree to Immigrate to the U.S.? Think Again.

For many Nigerians, the dream of living and working in the United States feels out of reach especially if you don’t have a university degree. But what if we told you that you can still qualify for a U.S. green card, even without formal higher education?

The EB-3 visa program is one of the few U.S. immigration options where a degree is not a requirement. In this post, we’ll break down exactly what that means, who qualifies, and how you can take the first step toward a new life in America.

What Is the EB-3 Visa—and Who Qualifies Without a Degree?

The EB-3 visa is a U.S. green card category for employment-based immigration. It’s divided into three groups:

• Skilled Workers – with at least 2 years of experience or training

• Professionals – typically require a bachelor’s degree

• Other Workers (Unskilled) – for jobs that need less than 2 years of experience or training

If you don’t have a university degree, you may still be eligible under the “Other Workers” subcategory. This category is ideal for roles like caregiving, cleaning, hotel support, factory work, or warehouse operations. These positions rely more on reliability and readiness to work, rather than education but they are very important jobs that the U.S. needs filled.

Do You Need a Degree for the EB-3 Visa as a Nigerian?

No, you do not need a university degree to qualify for the EB-3 visa.

This is one of the few legal U.S. immigration options open to applicants with minimal formal education.

Instead of looking at your academic background, U.S. immigration officers and employers focus on:

• Whether you have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer

• Whether that job falls under the "unskilled" category

• Whether you can pass basic documentation and medical checks

So even if you didn’t attend university, or didn’t finish, you may still be eligible if you meet these practical requirements.

What Jobs Can Nigerians Do on the EB-3 Visa Without a Degree?

Many EB-3 unskilled jobs are in essential service industries. Typical roles include:

• Caregivers or nursing assistants (with some training or on-the-job instruction)

• Cleaners or janitorial staff

• Hotel or resort housekeepers

• Kitchen assistants or food prep workers

• Warehouse packers and general laborers

• Landscaping or groundskeeping jobs

There are many other jobs available here but these roles don’t require formal qualifications. In many cases, the U.S. employer will provide basic training once you arrive.

What You Do Need to Apply from Nigeria

While you don’t need a degree, you will still need to meet certain documentation and eligibility standards:

• A valid Nigerian passport

• A clean police clearance certificate (often obtained from the Lagos CID)

• Medical exam results from an approved panel physician

• Proof that you’re able and willing to do the job offered

• No previous immigration violations or criminal issues

If you’ve worked in similar jobs before, even informally, that experience can support your case, but it’s not always mandatory.

Do WAEC or NECO Results Matter?

No, WAEC, NECO, or other academic transcripts are not required to qualify for the EB-3 visa under the “Other Workers” category. The U.S. immigration system is more focused on your job offer and medical/legal clearance than your school records, especially in this visa path.

Is There an Age Limit?

There is no official age limit for EB-3 visa applicants. However, your age may influence the likelihood of U.S. employers hiring you. Most employers are looking for individuals who are physically fit, responsible, and available for full-time work. Nigerians in their 20s to 40s tend to make up the majority of applicants, but older candidates can still qualify.

How Long Does the EB-3 Process Take for Nigerians in 2025?

While every case is different, a typical EB-3 visa journey can take between 12 to 24 months, depending on demand, documentation, and consular scheduling. You’ll go through the following stages:

1. Job offer and sponsorship

2. PERM labor certification

3. I-140 petition (green card petition)

4. National Visa Center processing

5. Visa interview at the U.S. embassy (Abuja or Lagos)

Make Sure You are Ready

As you can see, applying for an EB-3 visa is possible for Nigerians who do not have a university degree. However, it is important to note that you still need the money and time to actually make a successful application as the EB-3 visa takes time and U.S. employers might not cover many costs associated with the visa application.

If you find the job offer on your own and the U.S. employer selects you for the job, you still have to get through the entire application process. Any mistakes lead to long delays and it can make your move extremely difficult. Also, you will most likely have to cover the cost of moving to the U.S. including buying flight tickets.

That's why consultants like InvestMigrate are working to help both employer and employee get through the EB-3 process smoothly. We also ask for fees associated with our services and you will need the funds to cover this as well.

Once, you have the resources and the time to go through the process the EB-3 visa can completely change your life and lead to a brighter future in the U.S.

Get Started Without Delay

If you’ve been holding back from applying because of a lack of formal education, now is the time to move forward. The EB-3 “Other Workers” path is open to Nigerians like you, who are motivated, honest, and ready to work. You don’t need a degree. You just need guidance and the right opportunity.

At InvestMigrate, we’ve helped many Nigerian applicants qualify for the EB-3 visa and begin a new life in the U.S. without needing a university education. If you’re serious about moving forward, we can walk you through every step of the process.