From Nigeria to your US nursing career
Nigerian-trained nurses have several US visa options — EB-3 + Schedule A, H-1B, F-1 → OPT → EB-3, and EB-2 NIW. Nigeria ranked 5th among CGFNS VisaScreen source countries in FY 2023.
Available US visa pathways
The six US work visa pathways most relevant to internationally-trained nurses. Status reflects eligibility for nationals of Nigeria, not certainty of approval.
| Pathway | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
EB-3 + Schedule A Permanent (green card) | Available | ~2yr wait (Rest of World). |
TN (USMCA) Temporary, renewable | Not applicable | Nigeria is not party to USMCA. |
H-1B1 (FTA) Temporary, Chile/Singapore only | Not applicable | Reserved for Chilean and Singaporean nationals only. |
H-1B Temporary, lottery-capped (cap-exempt employers exist) | Conditional | Requires BSN + specialty role; general RN typically denied, but cap-exempt employers (universities, teaching hospitals, nonprofits) are not subject to the lottery. |
EB-2 NIW Permanent (green card), self-petition | Conditional | Best fit for advanced practice with national-interest impact. |
F-1 → OPT → EB-3 Student → permanent path | Available | — |
Source: USCIS, DOL Schedule A, USMCA Annex 16-A. Last updated April 2026.
EB-3 priority date queue (May 2026)
If you file for an employment-based green card, the wait depends on your country of chargeability. Where each category stands today:
- Rest of World(yours)~2 years
- Mexico~2 years
- Philippines~3 years
- China~5 years
- India12+ years
Source: U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for May 2026 (travel.state.gov). Refreshed monthly.
The Nigeria nurse diaspora in the US
Nigerian nurses are one of the fastest-growing groups in the US healthcare workforce. Nigeria ranked 5th among top source countries for CGFNS VisaScreen certificates in FY 2023, and the number of Nigerian-educated applicants has grown substantially since 2018 (CGFNS 2023 Nurse Migration Report). The community is organized through the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America (NANNNA), with strong chapters in Texas, Maryland, Georgia, and the Midwest. The broader Nigerian-American diaspora exceeds 700,000 people.
Sources: CGFNS 2023 Nurse Migration Report, HRSA NSSRN, NCSBN National Nursing Workforce Study, Migration Policy Institute.
CGFNS & NCLEX-RN
Nigeria is among the top five source countries for CGFNS VisaScreen applicants and has shown considerable growth in recent years. Thirty-seven African countries appear on the WHO Health Workforce Support and Safeguards List 2023, raising ethical-recruitment considerations. Despite worsening domestic shortages, economic factors and staffing conditions continue to push Nigerian nurses toward US and UK opportunities (CGFNS 2023 Nurse Migration Report).
Sources: CGFNS 2023 Nurse Migration Report (Bakhshi, Álvarez, Cook, Maiyer — CGFNS International, Inc.), NCSBN NCLEX examination statistics.
NCLEX-RN testing centers near Nigeria
Nigeria does not currently have an NCLEX testing center. Nigerian candidates typically travel to South Africa (Johannesburg), Kenya (Nairobi), or the United Kingdom (London) to sit for the exam.
Source: Pearson VUE / NCSBN international NCLEX testing center list. Locations may change quarterly — verify on nclex.com before scheduling.
What you'll need to clear in Nigeria
NMCN (Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria) governs credential verification. Recent guidance has affected timing for newly licensed nurses — verify current policy before committing.
US travel ban — partial restrictions
Nigeria was subject to partial travel restrictions under Proclamation 10998. On June 5, 2026, a federal court struck down the USCIS policies that froze immigration benefits for nationals of affected countries, finding them unlawful. The practical effects of this ruling and timeline for visa processing normalization remain to be determined. Consult an immigration attorney for the latest guidance.
Source: Executive Order 14161 / Proclamation 10998 (December 2025, effective January 1, 2026). Consult a licensed immigration attorney for current status.