EB-3 vs H-1B: Best U.S. Work Visa for Nigerians and Ghanaians

If you're in Nigeria or Ghana and dreaming of working in the United States, you've probably heard about two visa options: the EB-3 green card and the H-1B work visa. Both can lead to life-changing opportunities but they’re not the same.

In 2025, understanding the real differences between EB-3 and H-1B is more important than ever. This guide breaks down both paths, comparing eligibility, timelines, job types, and success rates, all from a West African applicant’s point of view.

What Is the EB-3 Visa?

The EB-3 is a U.S. employment-based immigrant visa (green card). It’s intended for:

• Skilled workers (2+ years experience)

• Professionals (bachelor’s degree holders)

• Unskilled workers (jobs requiring less than 2 years’ training)

Most Nigerians and Ghanaians who apply do so through the unskilled or skilled worker category. Jobs may include food production, caregiving, hospitality, construction and many more.

✅ Key benefit: The EB-3 leads to a green card — permanent residency from day one.

What Is the H-1B Visa?

The H-1B is a temporary non-immigrant visa designed for specialty occupations. It’s mostly used by:

• Software engineers

• Financial analysts

• Doctors, pharmacists, and academics

• STEM graduates from U.S. universities

To qualify, you typically need:

• A U.S. bachelor's degree or higher (or equivalent foreign degree)

• A job offer in a “specialty” role from a U.S. employer

• A position that requires at least a bachelor’s degree

⚠️ Key limitation: The H-1B is temporary and subject to a lottery every year.

EB-3 vs H-1B: How Do They Compare?

Feature	EB-3 Visa	H-1B Visa
Residency Type	Permanent Green Card	Temporary Work Visa
Lottery Required?	No	Yes (highly competitive)
Job Requirements	Unskilled, Skilled, or Professional jobs	Must be a specialty occupation
Educational Requirement	Not required for unskilled category	Bachelor’s degree or higher
Can Family Join You?	Yes (spouse + kids under 21)	Yes (on H-4 visas, no work rights)
Path to Green Card	Direct	Requires separate sponsorship later
Application Timeline	18–30 months	6–12 months (if selected in lottery)
Risk of Rejection	Based on documentation/interview only	High due to lottery cap

Which Is Easier to Get for Nigerians and Ghanaians?

EB-3 is often more accessible for West African applicants, especially those without advanced degrees or U.S. job experience. You do not need to enter a lottery or attend a U.S. school.

H-1B is harder to access unless you already studied in the U.S. or work in a highly technical field with international experience.

In 2024, over 500,000 applicants competed for 85,000 H-1B slots. Less than 20% were selected. Most applicants from Africa were not picked unless they had U.S. degrees.

Which Visa Is More Stable?

EB-3 gives you permanent residency as you’re allowed to live, work, and travel freely. You can change jobs after a certain period and even apply for citizenship down the line because you have a green card.

H-1B is tied to your job. If you get laid off or your contract ends, you must leave the U.S. unless you find another sponsor fast. Without a green card, you can't stay in the U.S. and that's a very scary situation.

Can You Apply for Both?

Yes but timing and eligibility vary. Some Ghanaians and Nigerians apply for both and proceed with whichever moves faster or is approved first. If you already applied for H-1B and didn’t get selected, EB-3 might offer a clearer, more stable alternative.

Final Thoughts: Which U.S. Visa Is Right for You?

For West Africans without a U.S. education or niche profession, the EB-3 visa is the more accessible, secure, and permanent option in 2025. It avoids the unpredictability of lotteries and gives you the right to build a real future in America.

If you qualify for both, understanding the pros and cons of each, and your personal goals, will help you make the best decision.

Need help navigating your options?

Click here to speak with a consultant about EB-3 and H-1B options