EB-3 Visa Nigeria: How to Prove Your Work Experience Without a Degree

Many Nigerians believe the EB-3 visa is only for people with university degrees. This is one of the biggest misconceptions about U.S. immigration. In reality, the EB-3 category was designed to include workers with different levels of experience. So not just professionals with advanced qualifications but critical workers in other industries across the U.S. Labor market.

For Nigerians who have built their skills through trades, service jobs, apprenticeships, or hands-on work, the EB-3 can still be a path to permanent residency in the United States. Even if you have worked in these industries in the past and are in a different profession, your skills and experience are still very valuable. The key is knowing how to present your work experience in a way the U.S. system understands and accepts.

Who Qualifies Without a Degree

The EB-3 visa has three main worker categories:

• Skilled Workers – At least two years of training or work experience.

• Professionals – Jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree.

• Other (Unskilled) Workers – Jobs requiring less than two years of training or experience.

This means you don’t need a university degree to qualify. For many Nigerian applicants, the Skilled or Other Worker categories are the most relevant. Employers in the U.S. often sponsor workers for roles in hospitality, construction, healthcare support, warehousing, and other sectors.

If you currently work in a 'white-collar' job but you have past work experience in the industries mentioned above, you can still apply for the 'Other Worker' category.

Work Experience That Counts in Nigeria

U.S. employers and immigration officials recognize many types of work experience, even if it was gained outside of formal office jobs. For Nigerians, this could include:

• Trades and Technical Work: Electricians, welders, mechanics, carpenters.

• Healthcare Support: Nursing aides, caregivers, hospital attendants.

• Service Industry: Hotel staff, cleaners, drivers, kitchen assistants.

• Apprenticeships: Skills learned under a master craftsman, which are common in Nigeria.

• Factory or Warehouse Work: Packing, assembly, logistics roles.

There are other jobs that I have not mentioned above but they could also be valuable to your job search and eventual, EB-3 visa application. The EB-3 visa values practical skills and the ability to fill essential jobs in the U.S., not just formal qualifications.

However, the major challenge here is proving your work experience. Without the proper evidence, your application could be rejected even if you have the experience you claimed.

How to Prove It

The most important part of applying under EB-3 without a degree is showing credible evidence of your work history. Common ways Nigerians can do this include:

• Employer Reference Letters: Written statements confirming your role, duties, and duration of work.

• Apprenticeship or Trade Certificates: Any certificates from trade schools, vocational training, or unions.

• Pay Slips or Employment Records: Even a small number of payslips can help establish proof.

• Character References: Sworn statements from supervisors, colleagues, or community leaders who can confirm your work.

• Notarized Declarations: For informal jobs, a sworn affidavit with supporting details can carry weight.

Nigerian-Specific Challenges

Many Nigerians face unique hurdles when proving work experience:

• Informal Employment: A lot of work is done without official contracts or payslips.

• Lost or Incomplete Records: Companies may no longer exist, making verification harder.

• Verification Issues: U.S. authorities sometimes struggle to confirm Nigerian documents if they are inconsistent.

These challenges don’t mean you are disqualified. It just means you must prepare carefully and organize your documentation clearly.

How to Strengthen Your Application

Here are a few steps Nigerians can take to make their EB-3 applications stronger:

1. Gather Evidence Early: Start collecting reference letters and records well before your application.

2. Translate and Certify: If your documents are not in English or are handwritten, get them translated and certified.

3. Use Consistent Details: Make sure names, job titles, and dates match across all documents.

4. Seek Professional Guidance: A licensed immigration consultant can help you present your experience in the right format for U.S. review.

Make Your Experience Count

For Nigerians, a university degree is not the only way to qualify for the EB-3 visa. With the right preparation, your work experience whether gained in a workshop, hospital ward, hotel, or construction site, can be the foundation, of your American dream.

The EB-3 program is about more than academic qualifications; it’s about showing that your skills and determination make you ready to contribute to the U.S. workforce. With careful documentation and the right support, Nigerians without degrees can succeed on this path to permanent residency.