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U.S. Immigration Is Still Open to Nigerians in 2025

  • Writer: Joshua Godin
    Joshua Godin
  • Jul 2
  • 4 min read

Heard that Nigerians can’t immigrate to the U.S. anymore? That’s false.

In WhatsApp groups, TikTok videos, and Twitter threads, you’ll see claims like:

  • “The U.S. has banned Nigerians again.”

  • “They’re no longer giving green cards to West Africans.”

  • “Even with a job offer, they’ll still deny you because of your passport.”


Let’s clear this up: U.S. immigration is still open to Nigerians in 2025.


And if you’re pursuing a legal path like the EB-3 or EB-5 visa, you’re still welcome and eligible to become a permanent resident.

a woman thinking about misinformation

MYTH 1: “Trump’s travel bans are back and Nigerians are blocked again.”

FACT: There is no active travel ban on Nigerians in 2025.


Yes, there was a travel restriction under Proclamation 9983 in 2020, which affected certain categories like the Diversity Visa. But that ban was revoked in 2021 under the Biden administration.


In fact, this so-called "ban" has not been officially announced by The White House in the U.S. as it is just speculation. All news reports that mention Nigeria and Ghana as countries that "are being considered" as possible additions to the existing countries on the restricted travel list. This clearly shows that both countries are to consider their relationship with the U.S. as normal.


Legal immigration routes like EB-3 (employment-based) and EB-5 (investment-based) were not part of the ban, and they remain open today.

If you’re applying through EB-3 or EB-5, you are NOT banned or blocked.

MYTH 2: “They’ve stopped giving green cards to Nigerians.”

FACT: Nigerians continue to receive U.S. green cards through legal immigration.


In fact, thousands of Nigerians obtained immigrant visas in the last two years through employment, family sponsorship, and investment programs.


At InvestMigrate, we work with Nigerians every month and their cases are accepted, processed or approved at the U.S. Embassy in Lagos or Abuja. The process is slow but very much active.

✅ The EB-3 visa still leads to a green card. So does EB-5. These are lawful, structured immigration routes—not blocked.

MYTH 3: “Even with a job offer, they’ll reject you because you’re Nigerian.”

FACT: U.S. immigration law does not discriminate by nationality within these visa categories.


The EB-3 and EB-5 programs assess your application based on clear criteria:

  • Do you meet the job or investment requirements?

  • Is your documentation in order?

  • Has your sponsor followed the proper legal process?


If the answer to all the questions above is 'yes' then your application will proceed as usual. Your country of origin does not disqualify you. Nigeria is not under any EB-3 or EB-5 restrictions.

✅ Rejection usually happens due to missing documents, fake credentials, or bad actors—not your nationality.

MYTH 4: “Only people with connections can get in. The system is rigged.”

FACT: Legal U.S. immigration is designed to be fair, structured, and based on eligibility. There is no country that operates with the U.S. government based on "connections" and there is no evidence that this actually happening either.


Here’s what you actually need:

  • A job offer from a U.S. employer (EB-3), or capital for investment (EB-5)

  • A willingness to follow the multi-stage application process

  • Patience to wait out timelines like PERM, I-140, or consular processing


No one needs “special access” or an insider but you do need these documents to make an application. That's also why you need honest guidance, proper filing, and proof that your case is legitimate.

✅ The process isn’t easy—but it’s transparent and legal. And it works.

So What’s Actually Open to Nigerians in 2025?

Here are real, working immigration pathways open to Nigerians right now:

  • EB-3 Visa: For skilled and unskilled workers. Leads directly to a green card with family included.

  • EB-5 Visa: For investors who can legally invest $800,000+ in U.S. job-creating projects.

  • Family-Based Green Cards: Still active, but long wait times for many categories.

  • Student Visas (F-1): Still being issued, but do not lead to permanent status without a visa switch.


The EB-3 is one of the fastest and most realistic paths for working-class and middle-class Nigerians seeking permanent U.S. residency.

What You Should Avoid in 2025

Misinformation is one of the biggest threats to your immigration journey. Here’s what to watch out for:

  • ❌ Viral videos claiming “the U.S. has shut its doors”

  • ❌ Agents offering EB-3 approval without interviews

  • ❌ Promises of guaranteed visas for a flat fee

  • ❌ Any immigration “shortcut” that skips U.S. government involvement


Stick to legal channels. Ask questions. Work with licensed consultants.


Conclusion: The U.S. Is Still Open to Nigerians—If You Follow the Legal Path


Yes, immigration rules shift. Yes, politics can change. But one thing remains true:

The U.S. honors its legal immigration programs.


Let's also remember that nothing has been made official and that the United States of America, Nigeria and Ghana have not changed their immigration policies in 2025. If you’re applying through EB-3 or EB-5 and meet the requirements, you are not blocked, banned, or barred.


Don’t let fear or social media "experts" stand between you and a better future.


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