F-1 Student Visa + OPT/STEM OPT: Overview for Nigerians ₦1,375,171
The F-1 Student Visa + OPT/STEM OPT 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.
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.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 4–8 weeks for visa (schedule interview at US Embassy Lagos early — wait times can exceed 60 days)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the F-1 Student Visa + OPT/STEM OPT requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates, language test result, credential evaluation report.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦1,375,171 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 4–8 weeks for visa (schedule interview at US Embassy Lagos early — wait times can exceed 60 days).
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