Doctor Relocating to United States from Nigeria: ₦6,896,552–₦32,137,931
For Nigerian doctors, the US path runs through ECFMG certification, the USMLE Step exams, and then matching into a US residency before full state licensure. It is long and competitive — passing exams is not enough; you must secure a residency post via the NRMP Match. Most international medical graduates train on a J-1 visa (sponsored by ECFMG) or, in some programs, H-1B.
Verified relocation cost — Nigeria to United States
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Total cost (NGN) | ₦6,896,552–₦32,137,931 |
| Total cost (USD) | $5,000–$23,300 |
| Primary visa route | H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa |
| Visa fee | ₦4,662,069 |
| Processing time | 3–6 months (lottery registration in March, results in April, start date October 1) |
| Rent (1-bed, New York City) | ₦4,680,000/mo |
All figures from our verified relocation database. Exchange rates as of 14 July 2026.
Doctor-specific costs in United States
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Registration & licensing costs | ₦3.7M–₦5.3M |
| Entry salary (2024) | USD 60,000 |
| Salary band (2024) | Median $239,200+ (attending physicians) |
| Migration history | Largest IMG source markets incl. Nigeria 2024-2025 |
Full Guide Available
Read the full Doctor → United States guide → — covers registration steps, exam fees, salary progression, and the documents you need to practise in United States.
Visa options for United States
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost for a doctor to move from Nigeria to United States?
- On the work/skilled route, budget ₦6,896,552–₦32,137,931 for visa fees, flights from Lagos and the first months of rent in United States. Profession-specific licensing or registration fees apply on top, and the study route (with tuition and proof of funds) costs more. Use the Japa Calculator for a personalised estimate.
- What is the best visa route for a doctor from Nigeria to United States?
- The primary skilled-worker route for United States is the H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa. Processing time is 3–6 months (lottery registration in March, results in April, start date October 1). Verified visa fee: ₦4,662,069.
- What salary can a Nigerian doctor expect in United States?
- Entry salary for Medical Doctor in United States (Median $239,200+ (attending physicians), 2024) is USD 60,000. Mid-career: USD 239,200. Top of band: USD 239,200. BLS reports the median wage for physicians and surgeons as equal to or greater than $239,200 (May 2024). Residents earn far less (typically ~$60,000-$75,000) during training. Per-percentile breakdown could not be pulled from BLS.
- How much does it cost to relocate from Nigeria to the United States?
- Costs depend heavily on your route. The H-1B (work) route has the lowest personal cost, since employers pay most fees. The F-1 student route is the most expensive at $25,000–$50,000 upfront for tuition plus proof of funds. A hidden cost most Nigerians miss is health insurance — without employer coverage, expect to pay $400–$700/month. Houston and Dallas offer the most affordable living with no state income tax. Use the Japa Calculator to get a personalized cost estimate based on your specific situation.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official government websites. Cost-of-living from Numbeo and local sources. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 14 July 2026). All costs are estimates and subject to change with exchange rates and policy updates. Verify with official immigration websites before making decisions. Last verified: 2026-06-02