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The H1B visa is the most popular work visa for skilled professionals seeking employment in the United States. For Nigerian tech workers, engineers, healthcare professionals, and other specialists, the H1B represents a direct pathway to working for top American companies and eventually obtaining a Green Card.
This guide covers everything Nigerian professionals need to know about the H1B visa — eligibility requirements, the lottery system, how to find sponsoring employers, the application process, costs, and pathways to permanent residency.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. U.S. immigration laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements on the official USCIS website (uscis.gov) and consider consulting a licensed immigration attorney for personalized advice.
Table of Contents
- What Is the H1B Visa?
- H1B Eligibility Requirements
- The H1B Lottery System
- How to Find H1B Sponsors
- Companies That Sponsor H1B Visas
- The H1B Application Process
- H1B Costs and Fees
- H1B Cap-Exempt Employers
- From H1B to Green Card
- H1B Alternatives
- Common Challenges and Solutions
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is the H1B Visa?
The H1B is a non-immigrant work visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The visa is initially granted for 3 years and can be extended to a maximum of 6 years. If you’re in the process of obtaining a Green Card, you can extend beyond 6 years. The H1B requires employer sponsorship — you cannot apply on your own. Every year, 85,000 visas are available (65,000 regular cap plus 20,000 for those with U.S. Master’s degrees or higher), and when applications exceed this number, USCIS conducts a lottery to select applicants.
One of the biggest advantages of the H1B is “dual intent,” meaning you can openly pursue permanent residency (Green Card) while on H1B status. Your spouse and children under 21 can accompany you on H4 dependent visas.
What “Specialty Occupation” Means
For a job to qualify as a specialty occupation, it must meet all of these criteria: the position requires at least a bachelor’s degree as a minimum, the degree field must be directly related to the position, a degree requirement must be common for this role across the industry, and the job must require theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge.
Jobs That Typically Qualify
In the technology sector, qualifying positions include software developers, data scientists, IT specialists, and systems analysts. Engineering roles like mechanical, electrical, civil, and chemical engineers typically qualify. Finance positions such as financial analysts, accountants, and actuaries are eligible. Healthcare roles including physicians, pharmacists, and physical therapists qualify. Scientific positions like research scientists, biologists, and chemists are eligible, as are architects, urban planners, university professors, researchers, management consultants, and market research analysts.
Jobs That Typically Do NOT Qualify
General manager positions without a specialty requirement don’t qualify because they don’t require a specific degree. Sales representatives, administrative assistants, retail positions, and general labor roles don’t qualify because they have no specialized education requirement.
2. H1B Eligibility Requirements
Requirements for the Employee (Nigerian Professional)
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To be eligible for H1B sponsorship, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a field related to the job. Nigerian degrees are generally accepted but may need a credential evaluation. The job itself must be a specialty occupation that requires your degree. You need a valid job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you, and there must be a genuine employer-employee relationship where you work under the employer’s direction.
Education Requirements
If you have a 4-year bachelor’s degree, you meet the education requirement. A master’s degree or PhD not only qualifies you but also makes you eligible for the advanced degree cap, which gives you an additional chance in the lottery. If you have an HND plus work experience, you may qualify — generally, 3 years of progressive work experience is considered equivalent to 1 year of education. If you have no degree but 12 years of relevant experience, you may qualify on a case-by-case basis depending on the specialty.
Degree Evaluation for Nigerian Credentials
Nigerian degrees need to be evaluated for U.S. equivalency. The most common evaluation services are WES (World Education Services), ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators), and other NACES member organizations. A Nigerian bachelor’s degree (4-5 years) typically evaluates as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. A Nigerian master’s degree evaluates as a U.S. master’s degree. An HND may evaluate as less than a bachelor’s degree, and an OND typically evaluates as an associate degree equivalent.
Requirements for the Employer (U.S. Company)
The sponsoring company must be a U.S. employer with a business presence in the United States. The position must be a specialty occupation requiring a degree. The employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for that position in that location. They must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor, and there must be a genuine employer-employee relationship where the company supervises and directs your work.
3. The H1B Lottery System
The H1B has an annual cap, and when applications exceed available visas, USCIS conducts a lottery to randomly select applicants.
Annual H1B Cap
Every year, 65,000 visas are available under the regular cap, plus an additional 20,000 visas for applicants with a U.S. master’s degree or higher (the advanced degree exemption). This means 85,000 total cap-subject visas are available annually.
How the Lottery Works
The registration period typically opens in early March and closes after about 2-3 weeks in late March. USCIS then conducts the lottery and announces results in late March or early April. Selected applicants have from April 1 to June 30 to file their complete petition. USCIS processes these petitions over 2-6 months, and approved H1B employment can begin on October 1, which is the start of the new fiscal year.
The lottery selection happens in two stages. First, all registrations are entered into the lottery together (including advanced degree holders). Then, advanced degree holders who weren’t selected in the first round get a second chance in a separate lottery just for them.
Recent Lottery Statistics
To give you an idea of the competition, in fiscal year 2024, there were approximately 780,000 total registrations competing for about 85,000 spots. This resulted in a selection rate of roughly 11%. The odds are challenging, but thousands of Nigerians are selected every year.
Registration Fee
The H1B registration fee is $215 per beneficiary, and this must be paid by the employer.
If You’re Not Selected
If you don’t get selected in the lottery, you have several options. You can try again in next year’s lottery. You can seek employment with a cap-exempt employer like a university or nonprofit research organization, which doesn’t require going through the lottery. You can explore other visa categories like O1 or L1. Sometimes USCIS conducts additional selection rounds if they need more applicants, so there’s a small chance of being selected later.
4. How to Find H1B Sponsors
Finding an employer willing to sponsor H1B is the biggest challenge for Nigerians seeking this visa. Here are proven strategies.
Strategy 1: Apply to Known Sponsors
The most efficient approach is targeting companies that have sponsored H1B visas before. You can check H1B sponsor databases to see which companies have a history of sponsoring. Target large tech companies as they typically have higher volumes of sponsorships. Focus on companies in your specialty field as they’re more likely to sponsor for roles matching your expertise.
Useful databases for researching H1B sponsors include H1B Grader (h1bgrader.com), MyVisaJobs (myvisajobs.com), H1B Data (h1bdata.info), and the official USCIS H1B Employer Data Hub (uscis.gov/h-1b-data-hub).
Strategy 2: Use Job Boards with Sponsorship Filters
When searching on LinkedIn, use keywords like “visa sponsorship” to filter results. On Indeed, add “H1B sponsorship” or “visa sponsorship” to your search terms. Use Glassdoor to research which companies sponsor. Dice is particularly good for tech roles and has many sponsors. Hired is another tech-focused platform where some employers sponsor. AngelList/Wellfound lists startup jobs, and some startups do sponsor.
Strategy 3: Apply Directly to Company Websites
Research your target companies thoroughly, focusing on large companies, tech firms, and consulting companies. Check their career pages for information about international hiring. Apply directly through company websites rather than third-party job boards, as this often gets better results. Network on LinkedIn and connect with recruiters at your target companies. Be upfront about your sponsorship needs so you don’t waste time on employers who won’t sponsor.
Strategy 4: Consider Consulting and Staffing Companies
Some consulting firms hire H1B workers and place them at client sites. The pros are that they’re often more willing to sponsor and can provide multiple opportunities. The cons are that they may pay less than direct hires and offer less job security. However, they can be a good way to get your foot in the door in the U.S. job market.
Strategy 5: Leverage Your Network
LinkedIn networking is powerful — connect with Nigerians already working in U.S. tech companies. Nigerian professional associations like NIDO and NiDCOM can provide valuable connections. Attend tech conferences, both virtual and in-person, to meet potential employers. Tap into university alumni networks if you studied in the U.S. or have connections who did. Employee referrals significantly increase your chances of getting hired, so building relationships is crucial.
When to Mention Sponsorship
Don’t mention sponsorship needs on your resume. In your cover letter, mentioning it is optional — only do so if the job posting says “sponsorship available.” During the initial screening, be honest if asked directly. At the interview stage, discuss it openly and professionally.
Here’s a script you can adapt: “I’m currently based in Nigeria and would require H1B visa sponsorship to work in the United States. I understand this involves a lottery process. I’m committed to this role long-term and want to be transparent about my situation. Can you tell me about your company’s policy on sponsoring international candidates?”
5. Companies That Sponsor H1B Visas
Top H1B Sponsors by Volume
The companies that sponsor the most H1B visas annually include Amazon with over 10,000 petitions, Infosys with around 8,000, Tata Consultancy Services with approximately 7,000, Google and Microsoft each with around 5,000, Meta (Facebook) and Cognizant with roughly 3,000-5,000 each, and Deloitte and IBM each sponsoring 2,000-3,000 annually.
Technology Companies
Major tech sponsors include Google (strong sponsor but very competitive), Microsoft (consistent sponsor), Amazon (high volume sponsor), Meta (sponsors heavily), Apple (sponsors for key roles), Netflix (selective but sponsors), Salesforce (regular sponsor), Oracle (sponsors tech roles), Adobe (sponsors specialists), and Intel (sponsors hardware and software roles).
Finance Companies
In the finance sector, Goldman Sachs sponsors analysts and tech roles. JPMorgan Chase is a large sponsor. Morgan Stanley sponsors specialists. Citi is a regular sponsor. Bank of America sponsors various roles. Capital One, being a tech-focused bank, sponsors frequently.
Consulting Companies
All the Big Four accounting firms sponsor: Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG. Top strategy consulting firms McKinsey and BCG sponsor consultants, though they’re selective. Accenture is a high volume sponsor for consulting and tech roles.
Healthcare
Major hospital systems sponsor physicians and specialists. Research institutions sponsor scientists. Pharmaceutical companies sponsor researchers and scientists.
Universities (Cap-Exempt)
Universities are particularly attractive because they’re cap-exempt, meaning no lottery required. All universities, research institutions, and nonprofit research organizations fall into this category.
How to Research a Company’s Sponsorship History
Go to an H1B database like h1bdata.info or myvisajobs.com and search for the company name. Look at their historical petition numbers to see how many they sponsor each year. Check their approval rates — higher is better. See what job titles they’ve sponsored to see if they match your role. Note the salary ranges they’ve offered to understand compensation expectations.
6. The H1B Application Process
Overview Timeline
The process begins with your job search and securing an offer, which can take months to years. Once you have an offer, the employer decides to sponsor you. In March, the employer registers you for the lottery. Lottery results come in late March or April. If selected, the employer files the complete petition between April and June. USCIS processes the petition over 2-6 months. If approved, your H1B employment can begin on October 1.
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
This involves the normal hiring process — applying, interviewing, and receiving a written job offer. The key is getting confirmation that the employer will sponsor your H1B.
Step 2: H1B Registration (March)
Your employer or their immigration attorney creates a USCIS account and submits your registration during the registration period. The employer pays the $215 registration fee. Then you wait approximately 2-3 weeks for the lottery results.
Step 3: Lottery Selection
If you’re selected, you proceed to file the full petition. If you’re not selected, you may wait for a possible second lottery, try again next year, or explore alternative visa options.
Step 4: Labor Condition Application (LCA)
The employer (or their attorney) files the LCA with the Department of Labor. This certifies the wage and working conditions. Processing typically takes about 7 days.
Step 5: File H1B Petition (Form I-129)
The employer files Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with USCIS. You are the beneficiary (the worker). Supporting documents include your degree, credentials evaluation, experience letters, and job details. The filing window for lottery-selected cases is April 1 through June 30.
Step 6: USCIS Processing
Regular processing takes 3-6 months and is included in the base fees. Premium processing guarantees a response within 15 business days but costs an additional $2,805.
Step 7: Approval and Visa Stamping
If you’re outside the U.S. when your petition is approved, you’ll receive the I-797 approval notice. You then schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Lagos or Abuja. After a successful interview, you receive your visa stamp in your passport. You can then travel to the U.S. and enter on H1B status.
Documents for H1B Visa Interview in Nigeria
Bring your valid passport, I-797 approval notice, DS-160 confirmation page, interview appointment letter, job offer letter, degree certificates, transcripts, your resume/CV, any previous U.S. visas if applicable, and pay stubs if you’re already working for the company.
7. H1B Costs and Fees
Who Pays What
The employer is legally required to pay most H1B fees and cannot pass these costs to the employee.
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid By |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $215 | Employer |
| Base Filing Fee (I-129) | $780 | Employer |
| ACWIA Education/Training Fee | $750 or $1,500 | Employer |
| Fraud Prevention Fee | $500 | Employer |
| Asylum Program Fee | $600 | Employer |
| Premium Processing (optional) | $2,805 | Employer or Employee |
| Visa Interview Fee | $205 | Employee |
| Credential Evaluation | $200-$300 | Employee |
| Legal Fees (typical) | $2,000-$5,000 | Employer (usually) |
The ACWIA fee is $750 for employers with 25 or fewer employees, and $1,500 for employers with 26 or more employees.
Total Employer Costs
For a small employer using regular processing, total costs typically range from $2,845 to $3,595. For a large employer with regular processing, expect $3,595 to $4,595. If premium processing is used, add $2,805 to these amounts. Legal fees add another $2,000 to $5,000 on top.
Total Employee Costs
As the employee, you can expect to pay around $400-$600 total, covering the $205 visa interview fee, travel to the embassy, credential evaluation ($200-$300), and miscellaneous expenses.
What Employers Cannot Charge Employees
Employers cannot legally charge employees for H1B petition filing fees, the ACWIA fee, fraud prevention fee, or training fees. The rules around legal fees are complex. Premium processing fees may sometimes be charged to employees.
8. H1B Cap-Exempt Employers
Certain employers are exempt from the H1B annual cap, meaning no lottery is required.
Who Is Cap-Exempt
Institutions of higher education (universities) are cap-exempt. Nonprofits affiliated with universities are cap-exempt. Nonprofit research organizations are cap-exempt. Government research organizations are cap-exempt. Regular private companies are NOT cap-exempt. Regular nonprofits that don’t do research are NOT cap-exempt.
Benefits of Cap-Exempt Employment
Working for a cap-exempt employer means no lottery — you’re not competing with hundreds of thousands of other applicants. You can apply year-round, not just during the April filing period. You have a much higher chance of approval since there’s no random selection. The process is also faster since you’re not waiting for lottery results.
Examples of Cap-Exempt Employers
Universities include Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and all state universities. Medical schools affiliated with universities qualify. Teaching hospitals connected to universities are cap-exempt. Research institutions like NIH and the Smithsonian qualify. Nonprofit research foundations are also included.
Cap-Exempt Strategy for Nigerians
A smart approach is to first apply for jobs at universities in teaching, research, or administrative positions. Get your H1B through the university without dealing with the lottery. Work for at least a year to build U.S. experience and professional connections. Then, if you want, you can transfer to a private sector company.
The important thing to know is that once you’ve been counted against the H1B cap (even through a cap-exempt employer who later sponsoring your transfer to a cap-subject employer), you can transfer to any cap-subject employer without going through the lottery again, as long as you’re within your 6-year H1B limit.
9. From H1B to Green Card
The H1B allows “dual intent,” meaning you can pursue permanent residency while on H1B status. This is one of the main advantages of the H1B over other visa categories.
Main Pathways from H1B to Green Card
The most common routes are EB-2 (for those with advanced degrees or exceptional ability), EB-3 (for skilled workers and professionals), and EB-1 (for those with extraordinary ability or who are multinational managers). EB-2 and EB-3 typically take 2-10+ years depending on your country of birth. EB-1 can be faster, taking 1-3 years.
EB-2 and EB-3 Process (Employer-Sponsored)
The process has several steps. First, the employer files for PERM Labor Certification, which involves testing the U.S. labor market to prove no qualified American is available. This takes 6-12 months. Next, the employer files an I-140 immigrant petition, which takes 4-12 months. Then you wait for your priority date to become current, which depends on country backlogs. Finally, you file I-485 for Adjustment of Status (or do consular processing if outside the U.S.), which takes 6-18 months. After approval, you receive your Green Card.
Priority Date Waiting Times by Country
This is where Nigerians have a significant advantage. For Nigerian applicants (and all “rest of world” countries), EB-2 and EB-3 waiting times are typically current to 2 years. Compare this to Indian applicants who face 10-15+ year waits for EB-2 and 10+ years for EB-3. Chinese applicants typically wait 3-5 years.
Because Nigeria falls under “rest of world” rather than having its own backlogged category, your path to a Green Card is much faster than for applicants from India or China.
EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver)
This is an alternative that doesn’t require employer sponsorship. You can self-petition if you can prove your work benefits the U.S. national interest. It’s best for researchers, scientists, and specialists with significant impact in their field. The timeline is typically 1-3 years.
H1B Extension Beyond 6 Years
Normally, H1B status is limited to 6 years. However, if your I-140 has been approved and you’re waiting for your Green Card, you can get 3-year H1B extensions. If your PERM has been pending for 365 days or more, you can get 1-year extensions. If you haven’t started the Green Card process at all, you must leave the U.S. after 6 years (though you could potentially return after a year abroad).
10. H1B Alternatives
If the H1B lottery doesn’t work out, there are other visa options to consider.
O1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)
The O1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. There’s no annual cap, so no lottery. It’s granted for up to 3 years and is renewable indefinitely. You need substantial evidence of your extraordinary ability.
Evidence categories for O1 include nationally or internationally recognized awards, membership in exclusive professional associations that require outstanding achievement, published material about you in professional or major media, evidence that you’ve judged others’ work in your field, original contributions of major significance, authorship of scholarly articles, a high salary compared to others in your field, and employment in a critical role at a distinguished organization. You typically need to meet at least 3 of these criteria.
L1 Visa (Intracompany Transfer)
The L1 is for managers, executives, or employees with specialized knowledge who are being transferred from a foreign office to a U.S. office of the same company. You must have worked for the company abroad for at least 1 year. There’s no annual cap. L1A (managers/executives) is valid for up to 7 years, while L1B (specialized knowledge) is valid for up to 5 years.
This creates an interesting strategy for Nigerians: get hired by a multinational company in Nigeria, work in the Lagos office for at least a year while building expertise, then request a transfer to the U.S. office on an L1 visa. No lottery required.
TN Visa
The TN visa is only available to Canadian and Mexican citizens under NAFTA/USMCA. Nigerians are not eligible for this visa.
EB-1A (Direct Green Card Without H1B)
If you have truly extraordinary ability at the very top of your field, you can skip the H1B entirely and apply directly for a Green Card through EB-1A. No employer sponsor is required — you can self-petition. However, the bar is very high, as this is reserved for those with major international recognition in their field.
J1 Visa (Exchange Visitor)
The J1 is for trainees, interns, researchers, and exchange visitors. Duration varies by program. A significant limitation is that many J1 holders face a 2-year home residency requirement, meaning they must return to their home country for 2 years before they can apply for certain other visa types. However, this can be waived in some circumstances. Some Nigerians use J1 for training, return home, then pursue H1B later.
11. Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge 1: Not Selected in the H1B Lottery
With selection rates around 10-15%, most applicants aren’t selected. Solutions include applying again next year (you can try multiple times), seeking employment with cap-exempt employers like universities or research organizations, pursuing an O1 visa if you have strong credentials, using the L1 route by working for a multinational company, or obtaining a U.S. master’s degree to get two chances in the lottery (regular pool plus advanced degree pool).
Challenge 2: Difficulty Finding a Sponsor
Many companies are reluctant to sponsor due to costs and uncertainty. Solutions include targeting companies known to sponsor (use the H1B databases), applying to many companies since it’s a numbers game, networking extensively because referrals really help, considering consulting firms which are often more willing to sponsor, and highlighting your unique skills to stand out from the competition.
Challenge 3: Low Lottery Odds
The approximately 11% selection rate is discouraging. Strategies to improve your chances include getting a master’s degree from a U.S. university (this gives you two chances in the lottery), applying to cap-exempt employers for guaranteed processing without the lottery, and preparing a backup plan with other visa categories.
Challenge 4: Employer Won’t Sponsor
If an employer you want to work for isn’t willing to sponsor, try negotiating. Emphasize your long-term commitment and offer to sign a retention agreement. Show flexibility by suggesting you understand if they want to wait until after your probation period. Highlight your unique value and explain that your rare skills justify their investment. But also be realistic — some employers simply won’t sponsor, and you need to move on and focus on those who will.
Challenge 5: Maintaining Status After Getting H1B
If you lose your job, you have a 60-day grace period to find a new employer to sponsor your H1B transfer, change to another visa status, or leave the U.S. If your employer has issues, remember that H1B is portable and you can transfer to a new employer. The key is to always maintain valid status and avoid gaps in employment.
H1B Transfer (Changing Employers)
Yes, you can change employers while on H1B — the visa is portable. No lottery is required for transfers since you’ve already been counted against the cap. You can start working for the new employer as soon as the new petition is filed (you don’t have to wait for approval, though there’s some risk if it’s denied). The risk is that if the new petition is denied, you lose status.
12. Frequently Asked Questions
What are my chances in the H1B lottery?
Recent selection rates have been around 10-15%, depending on total registrations. Having a U.S. master’s degree gives you two chances — first in the regular pool with everyone, then again in the advanced degree pool if you’re not selected initially.
Can I apply from Nigeria?
Yes. Your employer registers you in the lottery and files the petition while you’re in Nigeria. If approved, you attend a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, receive your visa stamp, and then travel to the U.S.
How long can I stay on H1B?
Initially 3 years, extendable to 6 years total. If your Green Card process is underway (I-140 approved or PERM pending for over a year), you can extend beyond 6 years.
Can my spouse work on H4 visa?
H4 visa holders can only work if the H1B holder has an approved I-140 (immigrant petition). Then the spouse can apply for an H4 EAD (Employment Authorization Document). Without the approved I-140, H4 visa holders cannot work.
What happens if I lose my job?
You have a 60-day grace period to find a new employer to sponsor your H1B transfer, change to another visa status, or leave the U.S. Don’t overstay this grace period.
Can I start a business on H1B?
You can own a business, but you can only work for the employer that sponsors your H1B. Running your own business as your primary activity is not permitted on H1B status.
Is my Nigerian degree accepted?
Yes, but you’ll need a credential evaluation from WES or a similar agency to confirm U.S. equivalency. Nigerian bachelor’s degrees typically evaluate as equivalent to U.S. bachelor’s degrees.
What if I have HND, not a bachelor’s degree?
HND may evaluate as less than a bachelor’s degree. You might need additional work experience (generally 3 years of experience equals 1 year of education) to meet the requirements. Consult with an immigration attorney about your specific situation.
Can I switch employers while on H1B?
Yes. H1B is portable. The new employer files a transfer petition, and you can start working for them as soon as it’s filed. You don’t need to wait for approval, though there’s risk if the petition is denied.
How much do H1B workers earn?
It varies significantly by role, company, and location. Tech workers in major cities typically earn $100,000-$200,000 or more. The employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for your position and location, which is determined by the Department of Labor.
Step-by-Step Action Plan for Nigerians
Phase 1: Preparation (6-12 Months Before Lottery)
Get your degree credentials evaluated by WES or a similar service. Build a strong LinkedIn profile optimized for U.S. job searching. Research H1B sponsor companies in your field using the databases mentioned earlier. Identify target roles that match your qualifications. Network with Nigerians already working in the U.S. Prepare a U.S.-style resume (different from a CV).
Phase 2: Job Search (Ongoing)
Apply to companies known to sponsor H1B visas. Use job boards with sponsorship filters. Network actively on LinkedIn. Attend virtual tech events, webinars, and conferences. Be upfront about your sponsorship needs when asked. Prepare thoroughly for technical interviews.
Phase 3: After Receiving a Job Offer (January-February)
Confirm that the employer will sponsor your H1B. Provide all necessary documents to your employer. The employer prepares your lottery registration. In March, the employer registers you for the lottery.
Phase 4: Lottery and Filing (March-June)
Wait for lottery results, which come in late March or early April. If selected, work with your employer and their attorney on the petition. Provide all supporting documents promptly. The employer files the I-129 petition.
Phase 5: Approval and Interview (July-September)
Monitor your USCIS case status regularly. When you receive the I-797 approval notice, schedule your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Lagos or Abuja. Prepare all interview documents. Attend your visa interview. Receive your visa stamp if approved.
Phase 6: Arrival and Beyond (October and Onward)
Travel to the U.S. — the earliest you can start working is October 1. Begin your employment. Maintain valid H1B status throughout your stay. Discuss Green Card timeline with your employer early. Plan your long-term immigration strategy, taking advantage of Nigeria’s favorable “rest of world” Green Card wait times.
Resources
Official Government Resources
The main USCIS H1B page is at uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations. H1B registration information is at uscis.gov/h-1b-registration. H1B cap information is at uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations-and-fashion-models/h-1b-cap-season. Department of Labor H1B information is at dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/h-1b. The U.S. Embassy Nigeria website is ng.usembassy.gov.
H1B Sponsor Research
H1B Data is at h1bdata.info. MyVisaJobs is at myvisajobs.com. H1B Grader is at h1bgrader.com. The USCIS Employer Data Hub is at uscis.gov/h-1b-data-hub.
Job Search Platforms
LinkedIn is at linkedin.com. Indeed is at indeed.com. Glassdoor is at glassdoor.com. Dice (focused on tech) is at dice.com. Hired (tech platform) is at hired.com.
Credential Evaluation
WES (World Education Services) is at wes.org. ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) is at ece.org. NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) is at naces.org.
Disclaimer
This guide provides general information about the H1B visa process. It does not constitute legal or immigration advice.
U.S. immigration laws and procedures change frequently. Always verify current requirements on the official USCIS website (uscis.gov) and Department of State website (state.gov).
Consider consulting a licensed immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation. The author is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State, or any government agency.
H1B lottery selection is random, and there is no guarantee of selection or visa approval. Individual circumstances vary significantly.
Last updated: 2025
The H1B visa is a proven pathway for skilled Nigerian professionals to work in the United States. Research thoroughly, prepare carefully, and position yourself for success.
Good luck!