EB-5 Visa Nigeria: How Wealthy Nigerians Can Invest to Immigrate

For high-net-worth Nigerians seeking legal, reliable pathways to U.S. permanent residency, the EB-5 investor visa offers a compelling opportunity. Unlike employment-based visas like EB-3, the EB-5 allows you to gain a U.S. green card by investing in the American economy without needing to secure a job offer or sponsorship.

But while the promise is big, so are the risks and complexities. For Nigerians navigating Source of Funds (SoF), project selection, and compliance requirements are some common risks.

In this post, we break down exactly what wealthy Nigerians need to know about the EB-5 process in 2025 and how InvestMigrate supports clients every step of the way.

What Is the EB-5 Visa and How Does It Work?

The EB-5 visa is a U.S. government program that grants permanent residency (green cards) to foreign nationals who:

• Invest a minimum of $800,000 into a qualifying U.S. business or project

• Create or preserve at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs for American workers

• Prove that their investment funds are legally sourced and traceable

  
  

Once approved, the EB-5 visa provides green cards for the investor, their spouse, and any children under 21.

Why Nigerians Are Turning to the EB-5 Visa

In recent years, more Nigerians—especially business owners, senior professionals, and diaspora returnees—have shown interest in EB-5. Here’s why:

• No employer sponsorship needed

• Direct path to a green card for entire family

• Lower backlog compared to family-based or H-1B options

• A hedge against political or economic uncertainty in Nigeria

• Access to U.S. schools, healthcare, and global mobility

Investment Requirements: $800,000 or More

The minimum required investment is $800,000 for a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) project, or $1.05 million for non-TEA areas.

Most Nigerian investors opt for Regional Center projects, which are government-approved commercial ventures that pool investor funds into real estate, infrastructure, or hospitality projects. These projects typically:

• Manage the job creation requirement for you

• Provide regular updates and legal documentation

• Offer passive participation—no daily involvement required

⚠️ Not all Regional Centers are equal—some are riskier than others. InvestMigrate helps you vet EB-5 projects for credibility, job creation compliance, and realistic return profiles.

It is really important that you have all the information necessary to make an informed decision about your investment in the U.S. instead of causing financial strain. Our team only puts forward projects that we can thoroughly explain to you.

The Biggest Hurdle: Source of Funds (SoF)

For Nigerians, one of the most complex parts of EB-5 is proving that your investment money comes from legal, traceable sources. The U.S. government is strict about this.

Common Nigerian SoF sources include:

• Sale of real estate or family land

• Business income (registered and tax-compliant)

• Inheritance or gift from a family member

• Dividends or investments in Nigerian or foreign companies

  
  

Every dollar must be supported by bank records, tax filings, property documents, and notarized affidavits where needed. Unexplained cash transfers or undocumented assets often lead to delays or denials.

✅ InvestMigrate works with Nigerian financial professionals, chartered accountants, and U.S. immigration attorneys to help you build a clean, audit-proof SoF package.

To minimize your risks and reduce wait time, we get started on the Source of Funds documentation very early in our process. Immigration consultants need to lead you through this process in a transparent manner by giving you clear expectations about procedures and other details.

Timeline: How Long Does the EB-5 Process Take in 2025?

Here’s a typical EB-5 timeline for Nigerian investors:

Stage	Time Estimate
Investor onboarding + Source of Funds documentation	1–3 months
I-526E petition filing and adjudication	12–24 months
U.S. consulate interview and visa issuance	3–6 months after approval
Green card arrival in U.S.	Immediately upon entry
Conditional status lifted (I-829 filing)	After 2 years of job creation validation

Risks and Realistic Expectations

While EB-5 is a legitimate pathway, it is not risk-free:

• Your funds are invested in a commercial enterprise, not “held” by the government

• Projects may underperform or delay job creation

• Immigration timelines are subject to change based on USCIS backlogs

  
  

That’s why selecting the right EB-5 project—and working with a credible advisor—is crucial. Promises of guaranteed green cards or guaranteed returns are red flags.

We will always be available to answer any questions you have about risks and your investment.

How InvestMigrate Supports EB-5 Investors from Nigeria

At InvestMigrate, we work exclusively with vetted EB-5 Regional Centers and legal teams to provide:

• End-to-end project guidance (TEA or non-TEA)

• Source of Funds strategy tailored for Nigerian clients

• Due diligence on EB-5 project credibility

• Document prep and USCIS filing support

• Consular interview preparation and family onboarding

  
  

Our role is to give you clarity, compliance, and peace of mind through every phase of the EB-5 journey.

Should You Consider EB-5 in 2025?

If you’re a Nigerian citizen with access to legally-sourced investment capital and want a direct, secure path to U.S. permanent residency for your family, the EB-5 program may be your best option.

But success depends on making the right moves from the very start—and that’s what we’re here for.