EB-5 Visa Nigeria: What You Need to Know Before You Invest in 2025
- Joshua Godin
- May 31
- 3 min read
Introduction: The U.S. Green Card for Investors
For high-net-worth Nigerians, the EB-5 visa offers a clear path to U.S. permanent residency by making a qualifying investment. With no job offer required, this is a smart option for investors seeking long-term relocation opportunities for themselves and their families.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know to apply from Nigeria: investment amounts, documentation, timelines, and how to avoid common mistakes.
What Is the EB-5 Visa?
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program grants U.S. green cards to foreign nationals who:
Invest $800,000–$1,050,000 into a U.S. business
Help create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers
There are two paths:
Regional Center Investment: $800,000 (passive investment)
Direct Investment: $1,050,000 (active business ownership)
Who Qualifies for EB-5 from Nigeria?
To be eligible, you must:
Invest at least $800,000 USD
Prove your funds came from legal, documented sources
Have no criminal record or U.S. immigration violations
Be able to pass a medical exam and visa interview
Your spouse and children under 21 can be included in your petition.
How Much Do You Need to Invest?
$800,000 for Regional Center projects in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs)
$1,050,000 for Direct Investments outside TEAs
Additional costs include:
Legal & advisory fees: $15,000–$25,000
USCIS filing fees (Form I-526E): $3,675
Admin fee for Regional Center: $50,000–$70,000
Source of funds documentation
Visa fees, medicals, and flights
Proving Source of Funds (SoF)
You must prove your investment came from legal, traceable sources such as:
Sale of land or property
Business income or retained earnings
Employment salary and savings
Gift (with affidavit and donor documentation)
Inheritance (with legal proof)
Secured loans (against assets you own)
📌 SoF is the most scrutinized part of the EB-5 process. Accuracy is key.
EB-5 Visa Timeline (2025 Estimates)
Stage | |
Project selection & document prep | 1–2 months |
File I-526E petition | 12–24 months |
Visa processing via NVC | 2–6 months |
U.S. Embassy interview | 1–2 months |
Travel to U.S. (conditional green card) | Upon approval |
File I-829 (remove conditions) | 2 years after entry |
Top Benefits for Nigerian Investors
Green card for you and your family
No job offer, sponsor, or lottery required
Freedom to live and work anywhere in the U.S.
Path to U.S. citizenship in 5 years
Education benefits for your children (e.g., in-state tuition)
What to Watch Out For
❌ Unverified projects with no track record
❌ Incomplete documentation on Source of Funds
❌ Promises of guaranteed returns (a red flag)
❌ Lack of legal guidance through complex steps
How to Choose a Trusted EB-5 Project
✔️ Confirm the Regional Center is USCIS-approved
✔️ Ask for the project’s job creation model & past approvals
✔️ Ensure your capital is placed in an escrow or secured account
✔️ Review the exit strategy and financial structure
✔️ Work with a licensed consultant (like InvestMigrate) or EB-5 attorney
FAQs: EB-5 Visa from Nigeria
Can I take a loan for the investment?
Yes — if it’s secured by personal assets and fully documented.
Can my children study in the U.S. on EB-5?
Yes — they get green cards and can attend public schools or universities.
Can I live anywhere in the U.S.?
Yes — there are no geographic restrictions with the EB-5 green card.
What happens after 2 years?
You’ll file Form I-829 to remove conditions and receive a permanent green card.
Final Thoughts: Invest Smart, Immigrate Confidently
The EB-5 visa is a powerful option for Nigerians with the means to invest and the desire to relocate legally and permanently. But success depends on due diligence, document accuracy, and choosing the right advisors.
At InvestMigrate, we help Nigerians navigate the EB-5 process from start to finish — identifying vetted Regional Centers, compiling legal documentation, and ensuring peace of mind.
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