top of page
Search

EB-3 Visa Timeline for Nigerians in 2025: How Does it Take?

  • Writer: Joshua Godin
    Joshua Godin
  • Jun 10
  • 4 min read

If you're a Nigerian planning to move to the United States through the EB-3 employment-based green card, understanding the visa timeline is crucial. Many applicants wonder: “How long will it take from job offer to U.S. entry?” This guide provides a detailed, realistic breakdown of each stage in the EB-3 process, helping you plan your journey with clarity and confidence.

What Is the EB-3 Visa?

The EB-3 visa is a U.S. employment-based green card for unskilled, skilled, and professional workers. Most Nigerian applicants fall under the “unskilled worker” category, which does not require a university degree — only the ability and willingness to perform full-time work offered by a U.S. employer.


With the EB-3 visa, you and your immediate family (spouse and children under 21) can move to the United States, live permanently, and work legally.


EB-3 Processing Time Overview for Nigerians

On average, the full EB-3 process can take anywhere from 18 to 36 months, depending on various factors. Here’s a stage-by-stage timeline tailored for Nigerian applicants in 2025.


Step 1: Job Offer from a U.S. Employer (1–3 Weeks)

Before the EB-3 process begins, you must secure a legitimate job offer from a certified U.S. employer participating in the EB-3 program.


For Nigerians applying through InvestMigrate, this step is often streamlined — we work directly with pre-vetted employers to match you to a role.


Step 2: PERM Labor Certification (6–12 Months)

The PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) process is the U.S. Department of Labor’s way of confirming that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job being offered to a foreign national.


Key Steps in the PERM Stage:

  • Employer conducts recruitment efforts.

  • Files ETA Form 9089 with the Department of Labor.

  • Waits for adjudication (can be regular or audited).

Typical Timeframe for Nigerians: 6 to 12 months Note: If the case is audited (a common occurrence), this stage may take up to 15 months.

Step 3: I-140 Immigrant Petition (4–7 Months)

Once the PERM is approved, your employer files Form I-140 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This confirms that the employer is financially capable and that the job is real and available.


Key Factors Affecting I-140 Speed:

  • Accuracy of documentation.

  • Use of premium processing (if opted by employer).

  • USCIS workload at the time of filing.

Typical Timeframe for Nigerians: 4 to 7 months

Step 4: National Visa Center (NVC) & Consular Processing (6–10 Months)

After USCIS approves your I-140, your case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC), which handles the next phase leading to your visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.


What Happens Here:

  • Submission of civil documents (passport, birth certificate, police certificate, etc.)

  • Payment of visa application fees

  • Medical exam scheduled with an approved panel physician in Nigeria

  • Interview appointment at the U.S. Consulate in Lagos or the Embassy in Abuja

Typical Timeframe for Nigerians: 6 to 10 months

Step 5: Visa Interview & Final Approval (2–8 Weeks)

Once you complete your medical exam and attend the visa interview, the consular officer will review your documents and assess your eligibility.


Key Tips for Nigerian Applicants:

  • Ensure your WAEC certificate and other educational/work documents are well-organized.

  • Bring original police clearance from the Lagos CID or your local issuing authority.

  • Answer honestly and clearly during the interview.

Typical Timeframe for Nigerians: 2 to 8 weeks after interview If no administrative processing is required, visas are often issued within 2–3 weeks.

Step 6: U.S. Entry & Green Card Issuance (2–4 Weeks)

Once your visa is approved, you will receive your passport with the visa and a sealed immigration packet. You must enter the U.S. before the visa expiration date (usually valid for six months from issuance).


Upon arrival, your green card will be mailed to your U.S. address within a few weeks.


Common Factors That Can Delay the Process

While most EB-3 applications follow the timeline above, a few issues may cause delays:

  • Missing or inaccurate documents

  • U.S. employer delays in filing

  • Administrative processing after visa interview

  • Visa retrogression (when demand exceeds supply for a country or category)

🔍 Good news for Nigerian applicants: As of mid-2025, visa retrogression does not significantly affect Nigeria under the EB-3 category, meaning your priority date should stay current.

FAQs About EB-3 Visa Timeline for Nigerians

❓ Can I track my EB-3 application status?

Yes. USCIS provides online tracking for PERM and I-140 stages. NVC will also send email updates for document submission and interview scheduling.


❓ Is there a way to speed up the process?

Premium processing is available for the I-140 stage (15-day adjudication), but other stages like PERM and consular processing cannot be expedited.


❓ How long does the entire process take in 2025?

For Nigerians applying in 2025, the realistic end-to-end timeline is 20 to 30 months, assuming no major delays.


Final Thoughts: Be Patient, Be Prepared

The EB-3 journey may seem long — but it’s worth it. Each step is a milestone toward permanent residency in the United States, with the ability to build a future for yourself and your family.


By understanding the realistic timeline and preparing each stage carefully, you increase your chances of success and reduce avoidable delays.


If you're ready to begin your EB-3 journey or want expert support navigating the process from Nigeria, we’re here to help.


Comentarios

bottom of page