EB-5 for Nigerian Investors

Nigerian nationals face no EB-5 visa backlog. All categories (unreserved, rural, high unemployment area (HUA), and infrastructure) are "Current" as of March 2026, meaning visa numbers are immediately available upon petition approval.

Nigeria is an emerging source of EB-5 filings driven by a growing affluent population and entrepreneurs seeking U.S. residency. The combination of Nigeria's expanding business class and limited alternative immigration pathways to the United States has contributed to increased interest in the EB-5 program among Nigerian investors and professionals.

Capital transfers from Nigeria require compliance with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulations, including the requirement to obtain a Certificate of Capital Importation (CCI) for the return of investment proceeds. The CCI is an important document that protects the investor's ability to repatriate funds after the EB-5 investment period concludes.

The CBN has periodically imposed restrictions on foreign exchange access, which can complicate the timing of investment capital transfers. Nigerian investors should begin the capital transfer process early and coordinate with banks experienced in international investment transfers. Planning for potential delays in obtaining foreign exchange is a practical necessity.

Source of funds documentation should clearly trace business income, property sales, or other lawful sources. Nigerian investors commonly document capital through business financial statements, audited accounts, property transaction records, and tax filings with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

Consular processing through the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or U.S. Consulate in Lagos handles immigrant visa cases. Nigerian applicants should anticipate potential administrative processing delays and plan their filing timeline accordingly.

The September 30, 2026 grandfathering deadline preserves current investment minimums ($800,000 TEA / $1,050,000 non-TEA) for petitions filed before that date.