From EB-3 Visa to Green Card: Why Nigerians Choose This Path
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
Is the EB-3 visa really a path to a green card?
That’s one of the most common questions we hear from Nigerians.
The answer is yes — and not only is the EB-3 visa a legitimate path to permanent U.S. residency, but it’s also one of the most accessible for those willing to work and follow the process. You don't have to possess special skills or qualifications but you do need to meet the requirements.
If you're wondering whether the EB-3 route actually leads to a green card, or you're worried it sounds too good to be true, this post is for you.
The EB-3 Is Not a Temporary Work Visa
Many people confuse the EB-3 with a short-term job offer. But here's the truth:
The EB-3 is an immigrant visa, which means that it was designed to help foreign workers move to the U.S. permanently.
It’s very different from H-1B, J-1, or seasonal work programs. Those are non-immigrant visas — they allow you to stay for a time, but not live permanently in the U.S. unless you switch visa categories later (which isn’t guaranteed).
The difference between an immigrant and non-immigrant visa is very important. The U.S. Federal government and the many state governments treat the two groups very differently and you would rather be on an immigrant visa if you are planning to stay in the U.S.
With the EB-3, you’re applying for a green card right from the start. That means:
You’re not coming to the U.S. as a visitor or guest — you’re coming as a future resident.
You and your family receive green cards after approval, not just job authorization.
You don’t have to “adjust status” later — the green card is built into the process.
No Lottery. No Sponsorship Limbo. Just a Clear Path.
If you’ve applied for the U.S. Diversity Lottery (DV Lottery) or looked into the H-1B, you already know the odds aren’t great:
The DV Lottery selects fewer than 1% of Nigerian applicants each year.
The H-1B is lottery-based and temporary — even if you’re picked, it doesn’t guarantee a green card.
Family sponsorship can take 10+ years depending on the category.
With EB-3, there is no draw or chance system. Instead:
A U.S. employer offers you a job.
That employer sponsors your green card by filing the required petitions.
You go through a structured, step-by-step process approved by USCIS and the U.S. Embassy.
It’s not fast but it’s predictable, and most importantly: it’s a process
Your Family Comes Too — With Green Cards
One of the most powerful aspects of the EB-3 route is this: your spouse and children can get green cards with you.
Here’s what that means:
Your spouse gets a work permit and can build their own career.
Your children (under 21) get green cards and access to U.S. public schools.
Your family builds their future together — no need to split or delay reunion.
It’s a full family migration plan, built into U.S. immigration law and if you have a family, it prevents the terrible scenario where they cannot join you in the U.S.
What’s the Timeline for Nigerians?
Let’s be honest, the process isn’t quick. But what needs to be done is very clear to everyone involved.
Here’s what most Nigerians can expect in 2025:
Job matching & sponsorship – A few weeks to months
PERM labor certification – 6 to 12 months
I-140 petition processing – 3 to 6 months
Visa bulletin wait time – Currently no backlog for Nigeria in EB-3
Embassy interview in Lagos or Abuja – Typically 2 to 3 months after document processing
Total time from job offer to green card: ~18–30 months depending on case speed
The key takeaway? It’s long—but it moves. There’s no indefinite “stuck in line” status as long as everything is filed properly.
Still Skeptical? You're Not Alone.
We understand. The idea of a green card through a job — especially for roles that don’t require a university degree — can seem too good to be true.
That’s why scams exist: people try to sell a dream without backing it up with the law.
But the EB-3 is a legal U.S. immigration program, backed by employer sponsorship and verified by U.S. immigration authorities. Every part of the process is tracked, documented, and adjudicated by official government agencies.
If someone says:
“You don’t need an interview” — That's a lie, you have to interview.
“You’ll get your green card in 6 weeks” — Not true, it will take months.
“Just pay ₦3 million and we’ll take care of it” — You are a big part of the application, you need to know what they are 'taking care of'.
Work with verified consultants and ask questions because if you don't know what you're signing up for, you will be duped.
Why More Nigerians Are Choosing EB-3 in 2025
For many middle-class, educated Nigerians, the EB-3 is becoming the most realistic option for U.S. immigration.
Why?
Family sponsorship is too slow (especially for adult children or siblings).
The lottery is unreliable.
Skilled visas (like H-1B) are hard to get and don’t guarantee a future.
EB-5 requires $800,000+ in capital, which is out of reach for most.
EB-3 offers a clear, legal route to permanent residency and this is obtained through honest work, not luck or loopholes.
A Job Offer Can Be the Door to a New Life
The EB-3 visa isn’t magic. It requires patience, paperwork, and persistence.
But it’s one of the few immigration paths that combines real opportunity with legal certainty.
If you’ve ever dreamed of living in the U.S. — not just visiting or working short term — this could be your chance.
Want to know if you qualify? Talk to our team. We’ll walk you through the details and give you an honest assessment.
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