Life With an EB-3 Job in America: A Guide for Nigerians

Starting a new life in the United States through the EB-3 visa is a milestone worth celebrating. For many Nigerians, the first day on the job in America represents not just a career step but the beginning of a new chapter for the entire family.

Yet, an EB-3 job is different from any job you may have had before. It comes with opportunities, commitments, and responsibilities that are part of the visa itself. Understanding what this means will help you make the most of your experience and keep your immigration journey on track.

What an EB-3 Job Really Means

The EB-3 visa is an employment-based green card. This means your permanent residency in the U.S. is tied to a genuine offer of full-time, permanent work from your sponsoring employer.

Under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidance, both you and your employer must have a good faith intent for you to work in that role for the foreseeable future. There’s no exact number of months or years written into the rules — but if someone leaves very soon after arriving, it could raise questions about whether they ever truly intended to take the job.

In other words, the job offer isn’t just a formality to get the visa. It’s the foundation of your immigration status.

Why the Good Faith Requirement Exists

The EB-3 program is designed to fill genuine labor needs in the U.S. economy. Employers go through a long and detailed process — from recruitment to government approvals — to hire qualified foreign workers.

By accepting the job, you’re agreeing to join that workforce in a meaningful way. The system works on trust: the U.S. government trusts that both sides intend for the role to be stable and lasting.

The Risks of Leaving a Job Too Soon

Life can be unpredictable, but it’s important to understand the possible consequences of an early job change:

• USCIS scrutiny: A short employment period can prompt questions if you apply for future immigration benefits, such as U.S. citizenship.

• Misinterpretation of intent: USCIS could view an early departure as evidence that you didn’t have a genuine intent to work in the role.

• Career reputation: Building credibility with U.S. employers often starts with showing reliability in your first role.

Changing jobs isn’t forbidden — but it must be approached carefully, with compliance and documentation in mind.

Myths and Misinformation to Avoid

In Nigeria, you may hear advice from friends, social media groups, or even unverified “consultants” about EB-3 jobs but sometimes these are also just common EB-3 visa scams. Here are some common myths:

• Myth 1: “You can quit as soon as you land.”

  Doing this risks your immigration status and could cause problems in the future.

• Myth 2: “The EB-3 job doesn’t really matter once you have the visa.”

  The job is central to your green card — it’s part of the deal you made with both your employer and the U.S. government.

• Myth 3: “No one checks what you do after you arrive.” Your work history can be reviewed during later immigration applications, including naturalization.

A Unique Kind of Job

An EB-3 job isn’t like other jobs in Nigeria or the U.S. — it carries immigration conditions that make it unique. Treating it with the seriousness it deserves not only protects your green card but also sets you up for long-term success.

By approaching your EB-3 employment with commitment, you’re honoring the process that brought you to America and building a foundation for the opportunities ahead.

Learn more about the applying for EB-3 visa with us here.