United States (USA) — Visa Services

Overview
The United States of America remains the world’s most powerful economy and a top destination for Nigerian and African visitors, students, professionals, and immigrants. From New York to Los Angeles, the USA offers unmatched opportunities — and Travel Expore Agency is your trusted guide through the US visa process.

🛂 Tourist / Business Visa (B1/B2)

• Nigerian passport holders require a B1 (business) or B2 (tourism/medical/family) visa to visit the USA.
• Where to Apply: U.S. Embassy Abuja (https://ng.usembassy.gov) or U.S. Consulate Lagos. Apply via https://ceac.state.gov (DS-160 form).
• Duration: Usually issued for 10 years multiple-entry (for qualifying applicants). Each stay: up to 6 months.
• Process: Complete DS-160 → pay MRV fee (USD 185) → schedule interview at Embassy/Consulate → attend interview with documents.
• Key Requirements:
  • Valid Nigerian passport (6+ months validity)
  • DS-160 confirmation page
  • MRV visa fee receipt (USD 185)
  • Interview appointment letter
  • Passport photograph (2×2 inches, white background)
  • Bank statement (6 months — min. USD 3,000–10,000+)
  • Employment letter / payslips / business documents (CAC, tax returns)
  • Strong ties to Nigeria: property ownership, family, employment
  • Purpose letter (for tourism — itinerary, hotel bookings)
  • Return flight itinerary
  • Invitation letter (for visiting family/friends)
• Interview Tips: Be confident, concise, and demonstrate strong ties to Nigeria. Consular officers look for reasons you will return home.
• Wait Times: Interview appointment wait times vary widely — book early at both Lagos and Abuja offices.

🎓 Student Visa (F-1) / Exchange Visitor (J-1)

• Must be accepted by a SEVP-certified US institution and receive your I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) form.
• IELTS/TOEFL: Most universities require TOEFL iBT 80+ or IELTS 6.5+. Some accept Duolingo.
• Proof of Funds: Must cover full first year: tuition (USD 15,000–60,000) + living expenses (USD 12,000–18,000).
• Interview Required: F-1 visa interview at the US Embassy/Consulate. Demonstrate intent to return after studies.
• OPT (Optional Practical Training): 12 months of work authorization after graduation. STEM graduates get 24-month extension (total 36 months).
• Documents: I-20/DS-2019, SEVIS fee receipt (USD 350 for F-1), financial proof, IELTS/TOEFL, university offer, passport, DS-160, visa fee, strong ties to home country.

💼 Work Visa

• H-1B Specialty Occupation: Employer-sponsored, for degree-level occupations (IT, engineering, finance, healthcare). Annual lottery — 85,000 visas/year. Very competitive.
• O-1 Extraordinary Ability: For individuals with exceptional talent in science, arts, business, or athletics. No cap.
• TN Visa: For Canadians and Mexicans only under USMCA.
• L-1 Intracompany Transfer: For managers/executives or specialized knowledge workers transferring within multinational companies.
• Healthcare: H-1B and EB-3 (Green Card) pathways common for Nigerian nurses, doctors, and allied health workers.

🏠 Green Card (Permanent Residence)

• Employment-Based (EB-1 to EB-5): EB-1 for extraordinary ability, EB-2 for advanced degree, EB-3 for skilled workers. Employer petition (I-140) required for most.
• Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery): Annual lottery open to Nigerians (50,000 visas/year globally). Apply free each October–November at https://dvprogram.state.gov.
• Family-Based: Sponsored by US citizen/PR spouse, child, sibling, or parent.
• EB-5 Investor: USD 800,000–1,050,000 investment creating 10+ US jobs.

🏛️ Citizenship (Naturalization)

• By Naturalization: 5 years as Green Card holder (3 years if married to US citizen). Must pass civics/English test, have continuous residence, good moral character, pay taxes.
• By Birth (Jus Soli): All persons born on US soil are US citizens — regardless of parents’ nationality.
• By Descent: Children born abroad to US citizen parents may claim citizenship by descent.
• Dual Citizenship: USA does not formally recognize dual citizenship but does not require renunciation of Nigerian passport on naturalization (in most cases).

🇳🇬 Nigeria-Specific Notes

• Nigeria is one of the top source countries for US visas and Green Cards.
• The DV Lottery is a strong pathway — Nigerians are eligible and have won thousands of Green Cards annually.
• Strong employment history, property ownership, and family in Nigeria significantly improve B1/B2 approval chances.
• US Embassy wait times in Nigeria can be long — book appointments well in advance (3–12 months).

💡 Why Choose Travel Expore Agency?
We assist Nigerian applicants with DS-160 preparation, document review, interview coaching, DV Lottery applications, and full F-1/J-1 student visa support.