F-1 Student Visa + OPT/STEM OPT: Fees Breakdown for Nigerians ₦1,375,171
Below is the complete breakdown of F-1 Student Visa + OPT/STEM OPT fees for Nigerian applicants moving to United States. Every line item is verified against the official immigration authority schedule — application fee, health surcharge, language test, credential evaluation, and other government fees.
F-1 Student Visa + OPT/STEM OPT fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦729,877 (~$535 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Refundable to you | ₦34,106,412 (~$25,000 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦300,136 (~$220 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦345,157 (~$253 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦1,375,171 (~$1,008 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 3 June 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
Expert tip
F-1 Student Visa + OPT/STEM OPT
The F-1 is the most accessible US visa for Nigerians but the most expensive upfront. You must show funds for at least one year of tuition plus living expenses — typically $25,000–$50,000 depending on the school. The total visa cost is $535 ($185 MRV application fee + $350 SEVIS I-901 fee), and TOEFL costs $220 in Nigeria. After graduation, OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization, and STEM degree holders get a 24-month extension (36 months total). This is your bridge to an H-1B or green card. Target state universities in Texas, Georgia, or the Midwest where tuition runs $15,000–$25,000/year for international students — half the cost of private universities. You can work on-campus 20 hours/week during school.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the F-1 Student Visa + OPT/STEM OPT cost for Nigerians moving to United States?
- Total government fees for the F-1 Student Visa + OPT/STEM OPT are ₦1,375,171 (about $1,008). This includes the visa application fee, health surcharge, language test, and credential evaluation where applicable.
- How long does F-1 Student Visa + OPT/STEM OPT processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the F-1 Student Visa + OPT/STEM OPT for Nigerian applicants is 4–8 weeks for visa (schedule interview at US Embassy Lagos early — wait times can exceed 60 days).
- How much proof of funds do I need for the F-1 Student Visa + OPT/STEM OPT?
- You need to show ₦34,106,412 ($25,000) in proof of funds for the F-1 Student Visa + OPT/STEM OPT. This is your own money in a bank account — you do not pay it to the government.
- What is the most important tip for F-1 Student Visa + OPT/STEM OPT applicants from Nigeria?
- The F-1 is the most accessible US visa for Nigerians but the most expensive upfront. You must show funds for at least one year of tuition plus living expenses — typically $25,000–$50,000 depending on the school. The total visa cost is $535 ($185 MRV application fee + $350 SEVIS I-901 fee), and TOEFL costs $220 in Nigeria. After graduation, OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization, and STEM degree holders get a 24-month extension (36 months total). This is your bridge to an H-1B or green card. Target state universities in Texas, Georgia, or the Midwest where tuition runs $15,000–$25,000/year for international students — half the cost of private universities. You can work on-campus 20 hours/week during school.
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 3 June 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02