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EB-3 Visa Requirements for Nigerians in 2025: What You Must Know

  • Writer: Joshua Godin
    Joshua Godin
  • Jul 30, 2025
  • 4 min read

The EB-3 visa offers a direct path to U.S. permanent residency for Nigerians willing to take on qualifying employment. But to succeed, applicants must meet very specific requirements. from eligibility to documentation, and understand how the process works from a Nigerian perspective. This 2025 guide outlines exactly what are the EB-3 visa requirements for Nigerians.

a family facing the ocean

What is the EB-3 Visa?

The EB-3 (Employment-Based Third Preference) is a U.S. green card category for foreign nationals in one of three groups:

  • Skilled workers (2+ years of training or experience)

  • Professionals (Bachelor’s degree holders)

  • Unskilled workers (jobs requiring less than 2 years of experience. often the most common category for Nigerian applicants)


Most Nigerians apply through the unskilled worker route, which includes roles in hospitality, construction, caregiving, and food processing. You can apply through the other categories but they come with stronger requirements and more importantly, these are jobs that American citizens are more likely to apply for. This means that there are fewer of these jobs in EB-3 visa categories.


What are the EB-3 Visa requirements for Nigerians?

To apply successfully, you must:

  • Be physically fit and able to work full-time in the U.S.

  • Have no serious criminal record

  • Be willing to work in a role offered by a U.S. employer under a permanent, full-time job offer

  • Be able to follow instructions and integrate into a U.S. workplace culture

  • Show intent to immigrate legally and follow all U.S. immigration laws


English fluency is not strictly required, but basic communication skills are strongly preferred by employers and interview officers. It's much easier if you already work and communicate in English, so keep that in mind.


Key Documents Required in Nigeria

Here’s what you’ll need to gather before and during the process:

  • Valid International Passport

  • Birth Certificate (from the National Population Commission)

  • Police Clearance Certificate (from CID Headquarters in Lagos or state CID)

  • Education Certificate (e.g., WAEC, NECO — not always required but helpful)

  • Medical Examination Results (from a U.S. embassy-approved physician)

  • Employment Offer Letter (from your U.S. employer via InvestMigrate)

  • Form DS-260 Confirmation Page (visa application form)

  • 2x2 Passport Photographs (U.S. visa photo standard)

Note: InvestMigrate guides all clients through documentation prep and ensures you meet U.S. government standards before your interview.

Step-by-Step Process from Nigeria

  1. Secure a U.S. Job Offer InvestMigrate helps you connect with U.S. employers recruiting under the EB-3 program.

  2. PERM Labor Certification Your employer applies for a labor certification to prove there’s no qualified U.S. worker for the role.

  3. I-140 Petition Filing The employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with USCIS.

  4. NVC Case Creation Once the petition is approved, the National Visa Center opens your immigrant visa case.

  5. Visa Interview at U.S. Embassy (Abuja or Lagos) You attend an in-person interview with your documents and medical results. If approved, you’ll receive your immigrant visa and can travel to the U.S.


Common Mistakes Nigerians Make and How to Avoid Them

  • Using unverified agents or middlemen: Work only with licensed consultants. If someone promises “guaranteed” approvals, it’s likely a scam. We don't offer these guarantees but we will support you every step of the way.

  • Failing to prepare documents early: Police reports and birth certificates can take time, so start as soon as possible or it'll take too long for your application to process.

  • Assuming it’s a tourist visa: The EB-3 is a path to permanent residency, not a visit. Your answers at the interview must reflect serious intent and you have to be committed to working the job you have been offered in the United States.


FAQs for Nigerian Applicants

How much does it cost?

Expect to invest ₦55M–₦67M ($35,000–$40,000 USD), including legal, government, and processing fees. We provide a full breakdown during your consultation.


Can my family come with me?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply as dependents. Their applications also need specific paperwork so you'll need to include them in your application from the very beginning.


How long does it take?

As of mid-2025, timelines from Nigeria average 18–30 months depending on case type and U.S. processing speed. It can take longer in some cases but as long as you have the right paperwork and your employer in the U.S. keeps the job for you, it is eventually granted.


Final Thoughts: Making the EB-3 Journey Work for You

The EB-3 process is complex but not impossible. For Nigerians seeking a better future in the U.S., it remains one of the most reliable immigration options available today. We offer clear and transparent consulting services to our clients but you must possess two very important things.


Firstly, you need financial resources to pay for our services and the various fees in the visa process. You also need to support yourself and family through the duration of the visa process and pay for relocation of your family to the U.S. as this might not be covered by your U.S. employer.


Secondly, you must be patient and stay committed to following this course because your visa is going to take time. Don't believe people who say it takes only one year as this is not the case at all. We have helped dozens of Nigerian families move to the U.S. successfully and it has never taken less than 18 months.


With the right support, honest guidance, and proper preparation, you can turn this opportunity into a permanent life upgrade for you and your family.


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