Nigerian citizens moving to United States of America
Nigerian nationals access US employment routes primarily through H-1B, EB-2 NIW, and EB-3. The Diversity Visa programme historically drew significant Nigerian interest but Nigeria became ineligible in 2022.
Tourist entry
No. Nigerian nationals require a visa to enter United States of America, even for short tourism. A separate residence or work route is required for long-term stay.
Treaty & bilateral memberships
No nationality-specific treaty routes apply.
Consular processing: Lagos / Abuja
Routes with nationality-specific notes
All United States of America routes
H-1B Specialty Occupation
Employer-sponsored non-immigrant visa for specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.
L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Executive or Manager)
Intracompany transfer for executives or managers moving to a US office of a related multinational employer.
L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialised Knowledge)
Intracompany transfer for employees with specialised knowledge of the employer’s products, services, or processes.
O-1 Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
Visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, athletics (O-1A) or the arts/film/television (O-1B).
EB-1A Extraordinary Ability (Immigrant)
Employment-based first-preference green card for individuals with extraordinary ability — self-petitionable.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
Second-preference green card with a waiver of the job offer and PERM labor certification, where the beneficiary’s work is in the US national interest.
EB-3 Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers
Third-preference employment-based green card requiring employer sponsorship and PERM labor certification.
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
Permanent residence through investment in a new US commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs.
E-2 Treaty Investor
Non-immigrant treaty investor visa for nationals of countries with a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the US.
J-1 Exchange Visitor
Exchange visitor visa covering academic scholars, students, trainees, interns, researchers, au pairs, and other exchange programs.
TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico)
Non-immigrant work visa under USMCA for Canadian and Mexican citizens in listed professions.
K-1 Fiancé(e) of US Citizen
Non-immigrant visa allowing the fiancé(e) of a US citizen to enter the US to marry within 90 days and then apply for a green card.
Spouse of US Citizen or Green Card Holder (IR1/CR1 & F2A)
Permanent residence for the spouse of a US citizen (IR1/CR1) or lawful permanent resident (F2A preference).
Frequently asked questions
Can Nigerian citizens enter United States of America without a visa?
No. Nigerian nationals require a visa to enter United States of America, even for short tourism. A separate residence or work route is required for long-term stay.
Which United States of America visa routes are best suited to Nigerian applicants?
Common general routes used by Nigerian applicants include F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT). Nigerian nationals access US employment routes primarily through H-1B, EB-2 NIW, and EB-3. The Diversity Visa programme historically drew significant Nigerian interest but Nigeria became ineligible in 2022.
Where do Nigerian applicants typically apply for a United States of America visa?
Applications are typically processed at Lagos / Abuja. Some digital and in-country applications can be filed directly with United States of America's immigration authority without a consular visit.