If you’re a student from Nigeria planning to study abroad in the US, obtaining a US student visa is a vital first step. The process may seem challenging at first, but thousands of Nigerian students still successfully obtain their visas each year. With a good understanding of your student visa requirements and some early preparation, you will be able to confidently navigate the application process and take the first step toward achieving your academic and professional goals in the US.
Read on to learn more about the process of obtaining a student visa for Nigerian students so you can prepare well and take the first steps of your higher education journey with confidence.
August 2025 Update
Shorelight anticipates increasing availability for visa interviews at embassies worldwide. Be aware of new social media guidelines for all incoming students heading to US universities: Check out our FAQs guide to studying in the US in 2025, or reach out to a Shorelight advisor for personalized guidance.
Nigerian students may be subject to additional regulations. Learn more on The PIE and the U.S. State Department website.
Get in touch today for personalized recommendations and to learn more about the US student visa process and requirements for Nigerian students >
Types of Student Visas Available for Nigerian International Students in 2025
The first important step in the visa application process is choosing the type of visa that best suits you. The student visa options you should consider as an international student are the F-1, J-1, and M-1 visas. The particular visa you should choose depends entirely on your academic and career goals for studying in the US.
F-1 Visa — The F-1 student visa is the most common option for Nigerian students pursuing a full-time academic program at Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved institutions in the US. With an F-1 visa, you are allowed to travel in and out of the country and work part time on campus during your studies. You can also apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation (if you are eligible), which allows you to work or study for up to 12 months in the US.
J-1 Visa — The J-1 student visa is ideal for Nigerian students participating in exchange programs at US colleges or universities approved by the U.S. Department of State. With it, you can work on campus (or off campus, with permission) for 18 months, or up to 36 months for PhD students.
M-1 Visa — The M-1 student visa is meant for students who intend to pursue non-academic or vocational studies, like technical or trade programs, in the US. Unlike the F-1 or J-1 visas, an M-1 visa does not allow you to work while studying, and you cannot enroll in academic courses, transfer schools, or extend your course beyond one year. But you can still open a US bank account, get a driver’s license, and access basic health care services.
Choosing the right visa depends entirely on the type of program you are enrolling in, but if you are a Nigerian student aiming for a degree at a US university, an F-1 is a good choice to consider.
Visa Requirements for International Students from Nigeria
To be eligible for a US student visa, you must first be accepted by a SEVP-approved institution in the United States, and you can check if an institution is SEVP-accredited by visiting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s school search page. Most US institutions require you to prove your English proficiency through standardized English language tests such as IELTS and TOEFL. Make sure to carefully review all the specific admission requirements for the institutions you are considering so you know which tests you need to complete.
There will be several documents that you will need to have ready throughout the application process, such as your Form I-20, DS-160 form, a valid passport, and other supporting documents. You will also need documentation to prove that you can support yourself financially during your studies in the US.
Working with professional visa advisors and counselors can help Nigerian students make the US student visa process much smoother. Your advisor can guide you through every step of the process, such as preparing for interviews and organizing all your necessary documentation, minimizing the chances of denial or delays.
Step-by-Step Application for a Student Visa from Nigeria to the USA
While the F-1, J-1, and M-1 student visas are different in many ways, their respective processes for applying are similar. Here is an overview of the steps involved:
Get Accepted by a University
Before you can start the application process for obtaining a USA student visa from Nigeria, you must have received an offer of acceptance from a SEVP-approved university or institution in the US. Once you accept the offer, your school will issue a Form I-20 document, which confirms your eligibility to apply for a student visa.
For a J-1 visa, you need to find a legitimate sponsor organization to accept you into their program, so check out the U.S. Department of State’s official list of designated sponsored organizations to ensure you choose a valid organization. Once accepted by the sponsor, you will be issued a DS-2019 form, which confirms your eligibility for J-1 status.
Pay Your SEVIS Fee
After receiving your I-20 or DS-2019 form, you must pay the SEVIS fee online through its payment portal. Currently, it is $350 for an F-1 or M-1 visa, and $220 for J-1 visa applicants. Once you’ve paid it, make sure to save the SEVIS fee receipt, as you will need it for your visa interview.
Complete Your DS-160 Form
The DS-160 is required for all nonimmigrant visa applicants to the United States and can be submitted online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. To complete this form, you will need a valid passport, your I-20 form, a travel itinerary for your time in the US once you arrive, and any past US travel history. You will also need to provide a passport-sized photo for your visa and pay a Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee when submitting. Currently, the MRV fee for F-1 and J-1 students is $185. The MRV fee for M-1 visas is $160.
Once you’ve completed your DS-160 form submission, print out the confirmation page, as you will also need it for your visa interview.
Schedule a Visa Interview
Once your DS-160 is complete and fees are paid, you can book a visa interview appointment at either the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Nigeria. Due to several notable disruptions for visa interviews in Nigeria and stricter screening procedures globally, the waiting time for your appointment may face significant delays, so schedule your appointment as early as you can.
If you need additional support, Shorelight’s expert advisors can help you with interview tips and mock interviews, so you can head into your visa interview with confidence.
Once you’ve completed these steps, all you have left to do is wait for your application to be processed and officially receive your visa.
Costs of Studying Abroad in the US in 2025
Studying in the US is a major financial commitment for many students, with costs varying by degree program, university, location, and more. Tuition fees for private universities can cost around $50,000 annually on average, with the cost of top-tier institutions being even higher. Keep in mind that tuition is just one part of the total cost, as you also need to consider additional fees like books, supplies, and campus services.
Living expenses such as housing, meals, transportation, and health insurance are also key parts to consider for your overall budget. Many universities offer scholarships and financial support to help reduce the cost and make studying in the US more accessible to students from all backgrounds.
Check out budget-friendly universities enrolling international students with Shorelight >
What to Expect about Studying in the US if You’re Coming from Nigeria
As a Nigerian student, you might notice several signifcant differences in America’s culture and environment that may take some time to adjust to. Though Nigeria and the US share English as a primary language, some international students might find it challenging to communicate due to region-specific differences like accents, slang, and colloquialisms. These types of challenges are temporary, and you will quickly adapt with time and regular interaction with your peers, professors, and advisors.
You may also experience feelings of culture shock, which is common for international students studying abroad for the first time. It can be helpful to reach out to friends, clubs, and communities of people who have a similar cultural background or have gone through similar experiences.
Outside of the classroom, your day-to-day life in the US can vary widely depending on the region. For example, the weather in the US can differ from what you might be used to in Nigeria, since different regions have their own climates, and some states experience far more extreme seasonal changes compared to what you are used to back home. The food in America is also as diverse as its population — with cuisines available from cultures around the world, you will be able to find many restaurants that remind you of home while also trying out completely new types of food that might even become your new favorite!
You may still have several important questions before starting your journey to the US. Check out several common questions Nigerian students ask about the US visa application process.
Nigerian International Student Visas FAQ
Can a Nigerian International Student Work in the US?
Yes, Nigerian international students can work in the US while studying, but there are certain restrictions depending on the visa type. The F-1 student visa allows limited work opportunities, such as only being able to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year and full time during holidays and school breaks. Off-campus work is allowed under certain programs like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which have their own requirements and must be approved by your university and US immigration services. It is important to follow these guidelines carefully to maintain the validity of your status as an international student.
How to Check the Status of My Visa Application
You can check the status of your US visa application through the CEAC site, where you can enter your visa application number to see the latest updates.
How to Maintain F-1 Visa Status
Your F-1 visa will be valid the entire time you are studying in the US, but you need to be careful not to violate any of your university’s rules or the conditions of your visa.
You will also need to keep all your relevant documents valid, like making sure your passport has not expired, and the details of your Form I-20 and SEVIS records stay accurate. If you have to make any significant changes, like extending your visa, transferring schools, or changing your major, you need to communicate that with your designated school official (DSO) and follow all the proper procedures.
Study at the Best US Universities with Shorelight’s Guidance!
Obtaining a student visa for Nigerian students can feel demanding and complicated, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. From guiding you through all the necessary paperwork to preparing for your visa interview, Shorelight’s expert advisors have extensive experience helping international students through every step of the visa application process. Reach out today to get the support you need for a smooth start to your academic journey in the US.
Contact a Shorelight advisor for more information about how to apply for a US student visa from Nigeria >
