Policy Updates

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2026-03)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-06-01 to 2023-10-01 in the 2026-03 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Nigerian EB-3 applicants will face the new standardized criminal history checks. The focus on 'criminal actors' in the order suggests a more robust review of any prior US visa violations or legal encounters.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2026-02)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-04-22 to 2023-06-01 in the 2026-02 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Increased oversight following the USCIS investigation will likely result in more thorough background checks and verification of educational credentials for Nigerian applicants. This adds a layer of complexity to the already rigorous EB-3 application process.

Nigeria is subject to the 'Rest of World' visa availability. The fee increase adds to the overall expense of the immigration process without the added pressure of severe retrogression.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2026-01)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-04-15 to 2023-04-22 in the 2026-01 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Under Section 5(j), the proclamation suspends the entry of Nigerian nationals as immigrants due to screening and vetting difficulties associated with terrorist groups operating in the region. This effectively halts the issuance of EB-3 immigrant visas for Nigerian nationals currently outside the United States who do not already possess a valid visa.

The memo suggests a more critical eye on the authenticity of foreign documents, which may lead to more frequent requests for original certifications and third-party evaluations.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2025-12)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-04-01 to 2023-04-15 in the 2025-12 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

The increase in USCIS fees affects the affordability of the EB-3 program for Nigerian applicants and their prospective U.S. employers. This change is part of a broader trend of rising costs for employment-based immigration.

Nigerian applicants fall under the general chargeability category. The stay on the 2024 fee rule affects the upfront costs for employers, potentially providing temporary relief from the new Asylum Program Fee.

This procedural change affects the initial filing stage for Nigerian EB-3 candidates. It necessitates that US employers or legal representatives have the necessary digital infrastructure to complete transactions without the use of physical checks.

Nigerian professionals seeking EB-3 status will likely encounter more frequent audits. This shift requires applicants to ensure all documentation regarding their skilled worker status is robust to avoid lengthy RFE responses.

The mandate to increase prevailing wages will specifically impact the growing number of Nigerian professionals seeking EB-3 status. The $100,000 H-1B fee will also limit the ability of Nigerian graduates to enter the US workforce and eventually transition to permanent residency.

Nigerian applicants will likely experience longer processing times as USCIS agents implement new verification protocols. The focus on fraud detection may lead to more frequent Requests for Evidence (RFEs) regarding the employer's business operations.

Electronic payments mitigate issues related to international mail and check verification for Nigerian applicants. This ensures that the I-140 filing date is established as quickly as possible without payment-related rejections.

While Nigeria falls under the 'Rest of World' category with shorter wait times, applicants must be cautious with work history documentation. Enhanced vetting of educational credentials from Nigerian institutions is expected during the I-140 stage.

Nigerian EB-3 applicants will be subject to the same discretionary vetting as other 'Rest of World' countries, leading to marginally longer wait times for green card issuance.

Nigerian applicants benefit from the expanded CSPA calculation by locking in dependent ages sooner, which is particularly helpful if USCIS processing times for I-485 applications increase.

Nigerian applicants, who frequently utilize the EB-3 category for skilled positions, will be required to pay the updated USCIS fees. This impact is consistent with other countries not subject to specific per-country retrogression.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2025-07)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-02-08 to 2023-04-01 in the 2025-07 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

This policy update ensures that Nigerian applicants have a formal chance to address any negative information found by USCIS during the background check or adjudication process, promoting a more equitable review of their employment-based petitions.

This policy change ensures that Nigerian EB-3 applicants are not penalized by long USCIS adjudication times that previously would have necessitated a second medical examination.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2025-06)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-01-01 to 2023-02-08 in the 2025-06 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2025-04)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-12-01 to 2023-01-01 in the 2025-04 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Nigerian applicants will benefit from the removal of the COVID-19 vaccination mandate, which simplifies the I-693 medical form completion. This change helps avoid potential delays caused by vaccination record discrepancies during the Adjustment of Status process.

As part of the 'Rest of World' pool, Nigerian applicants face standard processing. The procedural update is an administrative requirement that does not specifically target or disproportionately hinder Nigerian nationals compared to other non-backlogged countries.

Nigerian EB-3 applicants will have their Jan. 9 appointments moved to a later date. This affects the administrative processing phase for those adjusting status domestically.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2025-01)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-11-15 to 2022-12-01 in the 2025-01 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-10)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2020-12-01 to 2022-11-15 in the 2024-10 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Retrogression: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-09)

The Department of State retrogressed the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2021-12-01 to 2020-12-01 in the 2024-09 bulletin. Some applicants who were previously eligible may need to wait longer.

Visa Bulletin Retrogression: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-07)

The Department of State retrogressed the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-11-22 to 2021-12-01 in the 2024-07 bulletin. Some applicants who were previously eligible may need to wait longer.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-04)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-09-08 to 2022-11-22 in the 2024-04 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-03)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-09-01 to 2022-09-08 in the 2024-03 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-02)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-08-01 to 2022-09-01 in the 2024-02 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-01)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2021-12-01 to 2022-08-01 in the 2024-01 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2023-10)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2020-05-01 to 2021-12-01 in the 2023-10 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Retrogression: EB-3 Rest of World (2023-08)

The Department of State retrogressed the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-02-01 to 2020-05-01 in the 2023-08 bulletin. Some applicants who were previously eligible may need to wait longer.

Visa Bulletin Retrogression: EB-3 Rest of World (2023-07)

The Department of State retrogressed the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-06-01 to 2022-02-01 in the 2023-07 bulletin. Some applicants who were previously eligible may need to wait longer.