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Why EB-3 Visa Applications from Nigeria Get Delayed — And How to Avoid It

  • Writer: Joshua Godin
    Joshua Godin
  • Jun 10
  • 3 min read

Worried that your EB-3 green card is taking too long? You’re not alone. Many Nigerians applying for the EB-3 visa find themselves waiting months longer than expected — and often, these delays are preventable.


In this post, we explain the most common reasons EB-3 visa applications from Nigeria get delayed, how to avoid them, and how to stay on track in 2025.

What Is the EB-3 Visa?

The EB-3 visa is a U.S. employment-based immigrant visa that leads to permanent residency. It’s available to unskilled, skilled, and professional workers with a valid U.S. job offer. For most Nigerians, this path provides a long-term opportunity to live and work in the United States with their families.


Typical EB-3 Timeline (Without Delays)

Under normal circumstances, Nigerians can expect the EB-3 process to take 20 to 30 months, depending on how smoothly each stage goes:


  1. Job offer + PERM labor certification: 6–12 months

  2. I-140 petition: 4–7 months

  3. NVC & consular processing: 6–10 months

  4. Visa interview & approval: 2–8 weeks


But when something goes wrong at any of these stages, the process can stretch well beyond 3 years.


Top Reasons EB-3 Applications from Nigeria Get Delayed

Understanding what causes delays can help you avoid them. Here are the most common issues Nigerian applicants face:


1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation

Missing or mismatched documents are one of the biggest causes of visa processing slowdowns.


Common culprits:

  • Birth certificates with spelling inconsistencies

  • Police certificates not issued by the correct CID department (e.g., Lagos CID)

  • Academic records missing certified WAEC verification

  • Lack of marriage/divorce certificates (for dependents)

✅ Tip: Work with a licensed immigration consultant who can help you prepare all required Nigerian documents the right way from the start.

2. Delays in Scheduling Medical Exams

Before your interview, you must complete a medical exam with a U.S.-approved panel physician in Nigeria. These appointments can book out weeks in advance — especially in Lagos and Abuja.

✅ Tip: As soon as your interview is scheduled, book your medical exam immediately. Any delay here will hold up your visa issuance.

3. U.S. Employer Filing Errors

Your employer must handle the PERM and I-140 filings correctly and promptly. If they miss deadlines or file incomplete petitions, USCIS may issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or even deny the case.

✅ Tip: Use a recruiter or consultancy that works directly with experienced EB-3 employers. This greatly reduces risk on their end.

4. Administrative Processing After the Interview

Sometimes, the U.S. embassy needs to conduct additional security or background checks. This is known as “administrative processing”, and it can take weeks or even months.

While not always avoidable, this usually happens due to:

  • Inconsistent travel history

  • Missing employment explanations

  • Unclear family relationships

✅ Tip: Be honest and thorough in your DS-260 form and interview. Consular officers are trained to spot gaps — and those gaps trigger delays.

5. Delays in Paying NVC Fees or Uploading Documents

After I-140 approval, your case goes to the National Visa Center (NVC). If you’re slow to:

  • Pay the visa fees

  • Upload civil documents

  • Submit your DS-260 online form

your case may sit untouched for weeks or months.

✅ Tip: Check your email daily once you’re in the NVC phase — and respond promptly to all requests.

Does Visa Retrogression Affect Nigerians in 2025?

Not significantly. As of 2025, Nigeria remains in a favorable position for EB-3 processing, with no major visa backlogs reported under this category. That means your “priority date” remains current, allowing you to move forward without long quota waits.


Still, delays for Nigerians often stem from case-specific issues, not visa availability.


How to Avoid EB-3 Delays: A Checklist for Nigerian Applicants

✔ Start gathering Nigerian documents early — especially police, WAEC, and birth records

✔ Confirm that your employer has a proven EB-3 track record

✔ Work with a consultant who knows the Nigerian context

✔ Book your medical exam as soon as the interview is set

✔ Respond promptly to all embassy and NVC requests

✔ Be honest and consistent in all forms and interviews


What Happens If You're Already Delayed?

If you’ve already been waiting for months with no progress:

  • Check your case status online using your USCIS receipt number

  • Contact NVC for updates if you're post-I-140

  • Request help from your immigration consultant — they can escalate stalled cases where appropriate


Final Thoughts: Preparation Prevents Problems

Delays in the EB-3 process can be stressful — especially when you’ve made life plans around immigration timelines. But most delays are preventable with the right information, organization, and guidance.


If you’re applying from Nigeria in 2025, the key is to stay prepared and proactive.

And if you’d rather not handle it all alone, our team is here to help you every step of the way.

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