H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa: Fees Breakdown for Nigerians ₦5,011,034
Below is the complete breakdown of H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa 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.
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦4,662,069 (~$3,380 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 | ₦348,966 (~$253 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦5,011,034 (~$3,633 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 14 July 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦5,011,034 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦4,662,069: Paid to the United States immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Credential evaluation — ₦348,966: 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.
Expert tip
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
The H-1B lottery selected 35% of applicants in FY 2026 — a major improvement over FY 2025's 16.6% rate, thanks to the beneficiary-centric selection system that eliminated duplicate registrations. Starting FY 2027, a new wage-level lottery system gives higher-paid roles 2–4x better odds. The $100,000 supplemental fee for new H-1B petitions (effective September 2025) is paid by the employer, not you — but it means smaller companies are less likely to sponsor. Your employer pays all H-1B fees — not you. For large employers (26+ employees), total government fees are $3,380 ($780 base + $500 fraud prevention fee + $1,500 ACWIA fee + $600 asylum program fee). You only pay for credential evaluation and the $205 visa interview fee at the US Embassy in Lagos. Budget 6–9 months from lottery registration to actually starting work.
Where Nigerians settle in United States
Once your H-1B Specialty Occupation 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 ₦4,680,000/month · Lagos–New York City flights from ~$750 · Nigerian community: Very Large
- Houston: 1-bedroom rent ₦2,009,655/month · Lagos–Houston flights from ~$900 · Nigerian community: Very Large
- Atlanta: 1-bedroom rent ₦2,268,966/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 H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa cost for Nigerians moving to United States?
- Total government fees for the H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa are ₦5,011,034 (about $3,633). This covers the visa application fee, credential evaluation of ₦348,966, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa is 3–6 months (lottery registration in March, results in April, start date October 1). 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 H-1B Specialty Occupation 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. A credential evaluation (₦348,966) 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 ₦4,680,000 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 14 July 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02