Documents Nigerians Should Prepare Early for the EB‑3 Visa

Relocating to the United States through the EB‑3 employment‑based visa is a serious, life‑changing decision. It promises long‑term security, better income, quality education for children, and a clear path to permanent residency.

But beneath the big dream, the reality is very administrative: your case will only move as fast as your documents allow.

The good news is that most of these delays are preventable if you start early and know what to prepare.

This guide explains, in detail, the core documents Nigerians should organize well before starting an EB‑3 application, why each one matters, and practical tips for getting them in order. Even if you’re still “thinking about” EB‑3 and haven’t decided yet, beginning this documentation journey now can save you months later.

Why Early Documentation Matters for EB‑3

The EB‑3 journey involves multiple stages and different U.S. agencies:

• U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) – PERM Labor Certification

• USCIS – I‑140 Immigrant Petition

• National Visa Center (NVC) and U.S. Embassy/Consulate – immigrant visa processing and interview

Each stage may request documents—identity, education, work history, family status, and more. If you can’t produce them quickly, your file simply waits.

Typical Consequences of Poor Preparation

From the experience of many migrants:

• Applicants spend 3–6 extra months chasing transcripts or correcting names.

• Some lose job offers because employers can’t wait indefinitely for missing documents.

• Inconsistent or “arranged” documents trigger extra scrutiny or refusal at the embassy.

A structured firm like InvestMigrate can guide you, but they cannot invent documents for you. Being ready is your responsibility.

Identity Documents: Starting With the Basics

Your identity documents form the foundation of your case. If these are inaccurate or inconsistent, every other part of the process becomes harder.

International Passport

You and each family member included in the case (spouse, children under 21) will need a valid Nigerian international passport.

Action points:

• Ensure your passport will still be valid for at least two years from the likely date of your visa interview. If it will expire soon, start renewal early.

• Check that your name, date of birth, and place of birth are correct and match your other documents.

• If you have multiple passports (e.g., old and new), keep them all safe. Sometimes old passports are requested to verify travel history.

Birth Certificates

Every applicant, including children, should have an official birth certificate from the National Population Commission (NPC) or recognized government authority.

Common issues in Nigeria:

• Hospital “birth cards” or baptismal certificates are not enough.

• Names are misspelled or dates differ from school records and passports.

Action points:

• Obtain NPC birth certificates for all family members who don’t have one yet.

• Check that names and dates of birth match your passports and school records.

• If there are discrepancies, speak to your advisor about the best lawful way to correct or explain them (e.g., affidavits, sworn statements, or corrected certificates).

National ID and Other Proof of Identity

While not always mandatory for EB‑3, it is wise to have:

• National Identification Number (NIN) slip

• Voter’s card, driver’s license, or other official IDs

These can help prove identity and may be useful for local processes like police clearances.

Education and Training Records: Proving Your Qualifications

Your education and training documents are central to determining whether you fit into Professional, Skilled, or Other Worker categories for EB‑3.

Degree, HND, OND, and Other Certificates

Gather all relevant certificates:

• Bachelor’s degrees (BSc, BA, BEng, etc.)

• HND or OND from polytechnics

• Professional diplomas or certificates (e.g., in IT, hospitality, engineering, or healthcare)

• NYSC discharge certificate

Tips:

• Make several clear photocopies and scan digital copies (PDF, high‑resolution).

• Keep the originals in a safe, dry place—water damage or fading is a common problem.

• If any certificate is missing, apply to the institution for a replacement early; Nigerian schools can be slow.

Academic Transcripts

For many EB‑3 cases—particularly professional roles—your U.S. immigration lawyer or credential evaluation agency may require official transcripts.

Challenges:

• Some Nigerian universities and polytechnics take weeks or even months to issue or send transcripts.

• Miscommunication, strikes, and bureaucratic delays are common.

Action points:

• Request your academic transcripts now, even if you haven’t fully committed to EB‑3.

• Confirm whether the institution will send transcripts directly to a credential agency or release them to you in a sealed envelope.

• Track your request closely; follow up politely but consistently.

Credential Evaluation

For degree holders, the U.S. side may require a credential evaluation to confirm whether your Nigerian qualification is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.

Your advisory firm will usually coordinate this, but you must provide:

• Clear copies of certificates and transcripts

• Translations if any document is not in English (less common for Nigerians, but relevant for foreign‑language programs)

Starting early gives you time to correct any issues discovered during evaluation.

Work and Experience Documents: Telling Your Career Story

EB‑3 is fundamentally about employment. Even for unskilled roles, authorities want to see who you are, what you have been doing, and whether your history is genuine.

Detailed CV/Resume

Prepare an up‑to‑date, international‑standard CV with:

• Accurate employment dates (month and year)

• Clear job titles and responsibilities

• Education history and professional certifications

• Any breaks in employment explained

Your CV should match what eventually appears in reference letters and application forms.

Employment Reference Letters

Reference letters are key when proving experience for Skilled Worker roles or supporting your general credibility.

Each letter should ideally:

• Be printed on company letterhead

• Include company name, address, and contact details

• State your job title, employment dates, and whether you were full‑time or part‑time

• Describe your main duties and responsibilities

• Be signed by an appropriate person (e.g., HR manager, supervisor, director) with their name and position clearly typed

Because Nigerian employers can be slow or reluctant to issue such letters, you should start requesting them long before any official filing deadlines.

Supporting Work Evidence

In addition to reference letters, keep:

• Employment contracts or appointment letters

• Promotion or confirmation letters

• Pay slips where available

• Staff ID cards or company badges (for reference, not as primary evidence)

These help your advisors and lawyers cross‑check your history and respond to any detailed government questions.

Self‑Employment or Informal Work

If you are self‑employed (common in Nigeria) or have worked in the informal sector:

• Gather business registration documents (CAC), if you have them.

• Keep records of invoices, receipts, bank statements, and any contracts.

• Obtain letters from major clients confirming your work relationship, duration, and type of services.

U.S. immigration is used to formal documentation. The more you can structure evidence of your entrepreneurial or contract work, the easier your case becomes.

Family and Civil Status Documents

Because EB‑3 can include your spouse and unmarried children under 21, family documentation is just as important as your own.

Marriage Certificate

If you are married and your spouse will immigrate with you—or even if they might join later—you need a legally recognized marriage certificate.

Common Nigerian marriage types:

• Court/registry marriages

• Church or mosque ceremonies (which may or may not be legally registered)

• Traditional marriage rites

'For U.S. immigration, registered civil marriages carry the strongest weight.

Action points:

• If your marriage is only traditional or religious and not registered, consider completing a civil registration to obtain an official certificate.

• Ensure names and dates on the marriage certificate match your passports and other documents.

• Keep wedding photos or evidence of relationship history—these can sometimes help if officers need more proof that your marriage is genuine.

Divorce or Widowhood Documents

If you have been married before:

• Obtain divorce decrees or proof of legal separation.

• If widowed, keep death certificates of the former spouse.

These documents show that your current marriage is valid and recognized.

Children’s Birth Certificates and Adoption Papers

For each child who may immigrate:

• Official birth certificate listing both parents’ names

• For adopted children, legal adoption orders and any related court documents

• If a child’s surname or parental information differs from your passport, speak with your advisor early; you may need affidavits or corrections.

  
  

Police, Security, and Medical Documents

These documents are usually needed later in the process, but it is wise to understand them now.

Police Clearance Certificates

The U.S. consulate will want to know that you and your family members have no serious criminal history.

Typically, you’ll need:

• A police clearance certificate from every country where you have lived for 6 months or more since age 16. For many Nigerians, that mainly means Nigeria, but if you have lived abroad, those countries count too.

These certificates often have a validity period (e.g., 6–12 months), so you should not get them too early. However:

• Check what the process involves in Nigeria (e.g., where to apply, biometric capture, fees) so you’re not surprised later.

• Make sure any past brushes with the law are discussed honestly with your advisor; hiding issues is worse than explaining them.

Medical Exam Documents

At the immigrant visa stage, each applicant must complete a medical examination with a U.S.‑approved panel physician.

You’ll need:

• Vaccination cards or immunization records if available

• Any important medical history documents, especially for chronic illnesses

Again, you don’t need to do the exam early in the EB‑3 journey, but being organized with your records reduces stress when the time comes.

Financial and Supporting Documents

While EB‑3 is employment‑based (not a self‑sponsorship visa like some investor categories), certain financial information may still be helpful or required.

Employer’s Ability to Pay

The U.S. employer must prove their ability to pay your offered wage. That is mainly their responsibility, but your provider might ask you for:

• A copy of your employment offer/contract

• Understanding of your expected wage and benefits

Your Personal Finances

For budgeting and some consular questions, it can help to have:

• Basic savings records or evidence that you can support your family during transition.

• A simple personal budget showing you have thought through housing, transport, and relocation costs.

While not always required as official documents, they strengthen your overall planning.

Managing Name Differences and Inconsistencies

One of the most common Nigerian documentation problems is name inconsistency:

• Middle names appearing on some documents but not others

• Different spellings (e.g., “Abdulrahman” vs “Abdurrahman”)

• Married names vs maiden names

These may seem small, but they can cause big headaches when foreign officials evaluate your case.

Steps to Handle Name Issues

• Identify all discrepancies early. Compare your passport, birth certificate, academic documents, and marriage certificate.

• Discuss with your advisor. Sometimes an affidavit is enough; in other cases, it’s safer to correct the official document.

• Avoid new errors. When filling any EB‑3‑related form, always use the same spelling and order of names as your passport, unless specifically instructed otherwise.

Digital Organisation: Your Personal EB‑3 Archive

With so many documents involved, physical folders alone are not enough. Create a digital system:

• Scan every document clearly (front and back where needed).

• Save as PDFs and label them consistently:

  • Passport_MainApplicant_2024.pdf

  • BirthCert_Child1.pdf

  • Degree_BSc_ComputerScience_2015.pdf

• Keep backups on:

  • A secure cloud drive (e.g., Google Drive, OneDrive)

  • An external hard drive or USB stored safely

Having a neat digital archive allows you and your advisory firm to respond quickly to any request from lawyers, employers, or government agencies.

How InvestMigrate Supports Your Documentation Journey

Even with the right motivation, navigating documentation alone can be confusing. InvestMigrate helps Nigerian families by providing:

• Customized Document ChecklistsBased on your profile (single, married, with children, degree holder, skilled worker, etc.), you receive a clear list of specific documents to gather.

• Templates and GuidanceWe provide sample employment reference letters, tips for approaching former employers, and advice on dealing with slow institutions.

• Pre‑Screening for IssuesOur team reviews your documents for obvious inconsistencies—name differences, missing details—so they can be corrected before filings.

• Ongoing SupportAs your case progresses from assessment to employer match to consular processing, we remind you of upcoming documentation needs and help you avoid last‑minute panic.

A Practical Starter Checklist

Here is a condensed list you can begin working through today:

For You (Main Applicant)

• [ ] Valid international passport (and old ones)

• [ ] NPC birth certificate

• [ ] Degree / HND / OND certificates

• [ ] NYSC discharge certificate

• [ ] Academic transcripts (requested/secured)

• [ ] Updated CV/resume

• [ ] Reference letters from past and current employers

• [ ] Employment contracts / promotion letters / pay slips

• [ ] National ID (NIN), driver’s license or other ID

• [ ] Marriage certificate or proof of single/divorced status

For Spouse (if applicable)

• [ ] Passport, birth certificate, and national ID

• [ ] Marriage certificate linking spouse to you

• [ ] Any degree or work records (helpful but not always required)

For Each Child Under 21

• [ ] Passport and NPC birth certificate

• [ ] Adoption papers if not biological child

Later in the Process

• [ ] Police clearance certificates

• [ ] Medical exam results (from approved panel doctor)

• [ ] Vaccination records, if available

Start checking off these items now, and you will be far ahead of most applicants by the time your EB‑3 file is ready.

Documentation Is the Engine of Your EB‑3 Journey

When Nigerians think about relocation, they often focus on big questions:

“Which state will I live in?”“What school will my children attend?”“How much will I earn?”

All of these are important. But none of them matter if your documents are not in order.

Well‑organized documentation:

• Speeds up each stage of your EB‑3 case

• Reduces stress and panic

• Shows employers and officials that you are serious and reliable

• Protects you from depending on falsified or “arranged” documents that could destroy your future

If you are even considering EB‑3 within the next 1–3 years, the best time to start preparing your documents is today.

To receive a structured checklist tailored to your profile and learn how your skills and family situation fit into the EB‑3 program, you can begin here: Sign up in the lead form.

Your dream of a stable life in the United States will be built, document by document. Start putting those pieces together now, and you’ll thank yourself later when the opportunity to file arrives and you are fully ready.