EB-2/EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card: Overview for Nigerians ₦2,039,894
The EB-2/EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card 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.
EB-2/EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦1,722,074 (~$1,295 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 | ₦317,819 (~$239 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦2,039,894 (~$1,534 USD) |
Priced at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s exchange rates of a year ago, these fees would have come to about ₦2,250,000: ₦210,000 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 ₦2,039,894 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦1,722,074: Paid to the United States immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Credential evaluation — ₦317,819: A third-party body (WES, ACS, Engineers Australia, SAQA, or equivalent) verifies that your Nigerian degree and certificates meet United States’s standards. Allow 4–8 weeks for this process.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: Suspended for Nigerian nationals since 1 January 2026 (normally 12–36 months: PERM labor certification 6–18 months + I-140 petition 6–12 months + consular processing 3–6 months)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the EB-2/EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates, credential evaluation report.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦2,039,894 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: Suspended for Nigerian nationals since 1 January 2026 (normally 12–36 months: PERM labor certification 6–18 months + I-140 petition 6–12 months + consular processing 3–6 months).
Expert tip
EB-2/EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card
This route is closed to Nigerians applying from abroad. Since 1 January 2026, Proclamation 10998, s.5(j), has suspended the entry of Nigerian nationals as immigrants (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-12-19/html/2025-23570.htm), so a US consulate cannot issue an EB-2 or EB-3 immigrant visa to a Nigerian national, even with an approved I-140 and a current priority date. The proclamation has no employment or family exception; its exceptions cover lawful permanent residents, dual nationals travelling on a passport from a country it does not cover, diplomatic and international-organisation (A, C, G, NATO) visas, athletes at major sporting events, and Special Immigrant Visas for US government employees. The EB-2 NIW self-petition is an immigrant visa too, so it is suspended as well. The H-1B is the only US work route on this page still open to Nigerians. For reference if the suspension is lifted: your employer files the I-140 petition ($715 + $600 asylum fee) and typically pays for the PERM labor certification, and you pay the $345 immigrant visa fee and the $235 USCIS immigrant fee.
Where Nigerians settle in United States
Once your EB-2/EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card 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 EB-2/EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card cost for Nigerians moving to United States?
- Total government fees for the EB-2/EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card are ₦2,039,894 (about $1,534). This covers the visa application fee, credential evaluation of ₦317,819, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does EB-2/EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the EB-2/EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card is Suspended for Nigerian nationals since 1 January 2026 (normally 12–36 months: PERM labor certification 6–18 months + I-140 petition 6–12 months + consular processing 3–6 months). 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 EB-2/EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card 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. A credential evaluation (₦317,819) from an approved body verifies your Nigerian qualifications for United States authorities.
- 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.
Calculate YOUR Japa Score for United States
Get a personalised cost estimate for the EB-2/EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card based on your salary, education, and family size. Takes 2 minutes.
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