How to Qualify for an EB-3 Visa from Nigeria: Requirements Explained

The EB-3 visa is one of the most accessible and reliable pathways for Nigerians who want to live and work in the United States. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a skilled worker, or someone with no formal education but a strong work ethic, the EB-3 visa offers a structured route to permanent residency, which is commonly known as a green card.

But how do you actually qualify for the EB-3 visa from Nigeria?

What kind of job do you need?

And how do your Nigerian credentials fit into the U.S. immigration system?

This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know and how working with a licensed immigration consultancy like InvestMigrate can help you succeed in your journey.

What Is the EB-3 Visa?

The EB-3 visa is a U.S. employment-based green card designed for three categories of foreign workers:

• Unskilled workers (requiring less than two years of experience or training)

• Skilled workers (requiring at least two years of relevant work experience)

• Professionals (requiring a U.S. bachelor's degree or its foreign equivalent)

  
  

Once approved, EB-3 visa holders are granted permanent residency and can bring their spouse and children (under 21) to the United States.

Who Can Qualify from Nigeria?

1. Education and Work Experience

To qualify under one of the EB-3 categories, you must meet specific minimum criteria:

• Unskilled Workers: No degree required. Many Nigerians qualify for EB-3 roles in hospitality, sanitation, construction, caregiving, and warehousing. There are many jobs here and people with more qualifications will be able to do these jobs as well.

• Skilled Workers: Must prove two or more years of relevant training or work experience. This could include technical or vocational roles in sectors like mechanics, plumbing, or electrical work.

• Professionals: Requires at least a bachelor’s degree. For Nigerian applicants, foreign degree equivalency evaluations are often needed to match U.S. standards.

✅ InvestMigrate works with credential evaluators to ensure your Nigerian degrees or WAEC certificates are properly assessed for U.S. immigration purposes.

2. A Valid U.S. Job Offer

A job offer from a U.S. employer willing to go through the green card process is mandatory for the EB-3 visa. The employer must:

• Complete the PERM labor certification process

• Demonstrate that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the role

• File an I-140 petition on your behalf

💼 InvestMigrate maintains a network of vetted U.S. employers who are actively hiring and eligible to sponsor EB-3 candidates. We handle job matching, document verification, and petition filing from start to finish.

Common Questions from Nigerian Applicants

“Do I need to speak perfect English?”

No, but you should have basic English communication skills suitable for the role. InvestMigrate will help you plan for this if necessary.

“Can I apply if I don’t have formal work experience?”

Yes, especially under the unskilled category. Many Nigerians without formal employment history still qualify based on family work, vocational skills, or on-the-job learning. There are many opportunities but finding the right fit for the applicant and the U.S. employer is very important.

“Is my WAEC or OND certificate enough?”

It depends on the EB-3 category. For unskilled and some skilled roles, yes. For professionals, you’ll need a recognized bachelor’s degree. InvestMigrate will go through your documents and let you know which credentials apply.

What Role Does InvestMigrate Play?

Navigating the EB-3 process alone can be overwhelming because the paperwork, job verification, and interview prep required is difficult if you don't know all the steps. InvestMigrate helps many Nigerians get to the U.S. through EB-3 every year.

Here’s what InvestMigrate handles for you:

• Job placement with eligible U.S. employers

• Coordination of your PERM and I-140 filings

• Credential evaluation support (if required)

• Guidance on police certificates and medical exams in Nigeria

• Full preparation for your consular interview in Lagos or Abuja

  
  

We cannot guarantee you will get the visa. But we do offer honest, expert guidance at every step.

Next Steps: Start Your EB-3 Journey with Confidence

Qualifying for an EB-3 visa from Nigeria is a long process with most cases taking at least 2 years to process but if you start well you can end well.

InvestMigrate is here to help. If you're serious about building a new life in the U.S., we invite you to book a free consultation with our team today.