Nurse Relocating to United States from Nigeria: ₦6,648,936–₦30,984,043
Nigerian Registered Nurses are in strong demand across the US, but licensing is state-controlled and credential-heavy. You must have your nursing education evaluated (CGFNS), pass the NCLEX-RN, complete a VisaScreen certificate, and meet English-language requirements. Licensing is separate from your right to work, and that is now the barrier: RNs almost always immigrate via an employer-sponsored EB-3 green card, and Proclamation 10998 has suspended immigrant visas for Nigerian nationals since 1 January 2026. The H-1B is not suspended, but USCIS rarely treats staff RN roles as specialty occupations.
Verified relocation cost — Nigeria to United States
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Total cost (NGN) | ₦6,648,936–₦30,984,043 |
| Total cost (USD) | $5,000–$23,300 |
| Primary visa route | H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa |
| Visa fee | ₦4,494,681 |
| Processing time | 3–6 months (lottery registration in March, results in April, start date October 1) |
| Rent (1-bed, New York City) | ₦5,095,745/mo |
All figures from our verified relocation database. Exchange rates as of 12 October 2026.
Nurse-specific costs in United States
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Registration & licensing costs | ₦2.0M–₦3.2M |
| Entry salary (2025) | USD 68,940 |
| Salary band (2025) | $68,940 (entry) to $137,470+ (top) |
| Migration history | Top US shortage occupation 2024-2025 |
Full Guide Available
Read the full Nurse → 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 nurse to move from Nigeria to United States?
- On the work/skilled route, budget ₦6,648,936–₦30,984,043 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 nurse 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: ₦4,494,681.
- What salary can a Nigerian nurse expect in United States?
- Entry salary for Registered Nurse in United States ($68,940 (entry) to $137,470+ (top), 2025) is USD 68,940. Mid-career: USD 97,550. Top of band: USD 137,470. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2025 data. Median $97,550; 10th percentile $68,940; 90th percentile $137,470.
- How much does it cost to relocate from Nigeria to the United States?
- Costs depend heavily on your route, and for Nigerians the H-1B work visa is currently the only route on this page that is open: green cards, the DV lottery and F-1 student visas have been suspended for Nigerian nationals since 1 January 2026 under Proclamation 10998, s.5(j). The H-1B also has the lowest personal cost, since employers pay most fees. 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 12 October 2026). All costs are estimates and subject to change with exchange rates and policy updates. Verify with official immigration websites before making decisions. Last reviewed: 8 Oct 2026