DV Lottery (Diversity Visa): Overview for Nigerians ₦440,160
The DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) is one of the main routes Nigerians use to relocate to United States. This overview covers the verified 2026 fees, processing time, and the documents you need to apply. All figures are pulled from our verified relocation database — no estimates.
DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦440,160 (~$331 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Not required | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦440,160 (~$331 USD) |
Priced at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s exchange rates of a year ago, these fees would have come to about ₦490,000: ₦50,000 more than today (CBN rates as of 9 Oct 2026). Every country, then and now.
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 12 October 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦440,160 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦440,160: Paid to the United States immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: Not available to Nigerian nationals (Nigeria is DV-ineligible, and immigrant visas are suspended since 1 January 2026)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦440,160 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: Not available to Nigerian nationals (Nigeria is DV-ineligible, and immigrant visas are suspended since 1 January 2026).
Expert tip
DV Lottery (Diversity Visa)
This is not a route for Nigerians. Nigeria has been ineligible for the DV lottery in recent years because more than 50,000 Nigerians immigrated to the US in the preceding five years, exceeding the program's threshold. On top of that, diversity visas are immigrant visas, and Proclamation 10998, s.5(j), has suspended the entry of Nigerian nationals as immigrants since 1 January 2026 (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-12-19/html/2025-23570.htm), so a Nigerian national cannot currently be issued one. Check the DV instructions published each September on travel.state.gov and the status of the proclamation before planning around it. For reference: DV-2027 added a $1 registration fee, and if selected the DV application fee is $330 and the USCIS immigrant fee is $235.
Where Nigerians settle in United States
Once your DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) is approved, most Nigerians head to New York City or Houston. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- New York City: 1-bedroom rent ₦5,095,745/month · Lagos–New York City flights from ~$750 · Nigerian community: Very Large
- Houston: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,937,500/month · Lagos–Houston flights from ~$900 · Nigerian community: Very Large
- Atlanta: 1-bedroom rent ₦2,187,500/month · Lagos–Atlanta flights from ~$800 · Nigerian community: Large
Life in New York City
New York has one of the largest Nigerian communities in the US, concentrated in Brooklyn (Flatbush, East New York) and the Bronx. The city offers unmatched job opportunities in finance, tech, and healthcare, but rent is brutal — average 1-bed in Manhattan is $3,500+. Move to outer boroughs: 1-beds in the Bronx start at $1,500, Brooklyn around $2,200. A 30-day MetroCard is $33 (unlimited rides). Health insurance through the ACA marketplace runs $400–$600/month without employer coverage — this is a cost most Nigerians don't budget for. Direct flights from Lagos on Delta are available but pricey; connecting through Accra (United) or European hubs saves $200–$400.
22% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose United States as their destination. Average Japa Score: 55/100. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦500K–₦1.5M.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) cost for Nigerians moving to United States?
- Total government fees for the DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) are ₦440,160 (about $331). This covers the visa application fee, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) is Not available to Nigerian nationals (Nigeria is DV-ineligible, and immigrant visas are suspended since 1 January 2026). Apply from the United States High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- What documents do I need to apply for the DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) from Nigeria?
- You will need a valid Nigerian international passport (at least 6 months validity beyond your intended travel date), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and supporting evidence of eligibility.
- Where do most Nigerians settle after relocating to United States?
- New York City is the most popular destination for Nigerians relocating to United States. Average 1-bedroom rent is ₦5,095,745 per month. The Nigerian community in New York City is smaller but active; diaspora associations and online groups help new arrivals settle quickly.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into United States.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 12 October 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last reviewed: 8 Oct 2026