How to Move to the U.S. Legally with Your Family – Step-by-Step Guide for Nigerians (2025)

But here’s the catch: moving to the U.S. legally is not only the safest path but also the most sustainable. Illegal migration can result in bans, deportation, and a shattered dream.

In this long-form guide, you’ll learn all the legal options, costs, steps, and expert tips to help you relocate to the U.S. with your family without breaking immigration laws. This is your high-value, high-accuracy roadmap to the American Dream.

Why Are Nigerian Families Moving to the U.S.?

• Access to quality education for children
• High-paying job opportunities
  
• World-class healthcare and child-friendly policies
• A chance to build generational wealth in USD
• Well-established Nigerian communities in Texas, Maryland, New York, and beyond

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 500,000 Nigerians now legally reside in the U.S., making them one of the most educated and upwardly mobile immigrant groups.

Legal Pathways to Move to the U.S. with Your Family (2025)

1. Family-Sponsored Green Card

If you have a close relative in the U.S. who is a citizen or permanent resident, they may sponsor you and your family.

Eligible sponsors include:

• U.S. citizen spouses sponsoring Nigerian husbands/wives
• U.S. citizen parents sponsoring unmarried children under 21
• Adult U.S. citizen children sponsoring their Nigerian parents
• U.S. green card holders sponsoring spouses and children

Timeline: 8 months to several years, depending on the category

2. F1 Student Visa + F2 Dependent Visa

If you are planning to study in the U.S., you can apply for an F1 visa and bring your spouse and children under the F2 visa.

Benefits:

• Your children can attend U.S. public schools
• Your spouse can stay with you during your program
• After study, you may switch to an H1B or green card track

3. Employment-Based Visas (H-1B, EB-3)

Nigerian professionals in tech, healthcare, or engineering can move with their families via a U.S. job sponsorship.

Popular work visa types:

• H-1B Visa (for skilled professionals)
• EB-3 Green Card (for skilled and unskilled workers)

Dependents (spouse and children under 21) are eligible for derivative visas (H4 or E-34) and some can work or study.

4. Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery)

The DV Lottery is a random draw that awards 50,000 green cards yearly. Nigeria has been excluded in recent years but may return based on new criteria.

If eligible, you can apply as a family unit.

Cost: FREE to enter.

Caution: Use only the official U.S. government site: dvprogram.state.gov

5. EB-5 or E-2 Investor Visa

For wealthier Nigerians, investing in a U.S. business can secure green cards for the entire family.

EB-5 Visa: Requires investing $800,000+ in a government-approved project
E-2 Visa: Requires starting or buying a business (treaty investor status)

Benefits: Permanent residency for spouse and children

6. Asylum or Refugee Programs

This applies if your family faces serious threat or persecution. Requires strong evidence and legal support.

Legal help is essential. Apply at port of entry or from within the U.S.

Documents Required for Each Family Member

Prepare these early to avoid delays:

• Valid international passports (min 6 months validity)
• Certified birth certificates (children)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical exam results (U.S. panel-approved clinic)
• School transcripts, bank statements, sponsor letters

Most Common Mistakes Nigerians Make

1. Paying unregistered travel agents
2. Using fake job or university admission letters
3. Misrepresenting intent (e.g. applying as tourist to stay)
4. Ignoring visa restrictions for dependents
5. Entering on expired or overstayed visas

Result: Denial, ban, or removal from U.S.

Step-by-Step Process for U.S. Family Relocation

Cost of Moving a Nigerian Family to the U.S. in 2025

How to Handle Money Before Relocation

• Open a domiciliary account in Nigeria (GTBank, Zenith, Access)
• Use Wise, Payoneer, or WorldRemit to move funds
• Declare funds at the airport (above $10,000)
• Pay visa fees only via official U.S. platforms

Best U.S. States for Nigerian Families

Final Thoughts: Your Legal Path to the American Dream

Moving to the United States with your family is not a dream – it’s a doable reality if you follow the right steps. With patience, preparation, and proper documentation, you can legally migrate and enjoy a brighter future.

Don’t fall for shortcuts. Use only government-approved channels and consider hiring a verified immigration lawyer for complex cases.

FAQs: U.S. Immigration for Nigerians with Families

Q1: Can my spouse work on a dependent visa?
A: H-4 visa allows work in some cases; F2 does not.

Q2: What’s the fastest legal way for a Nigerian to move to the U.S. with family?
A: Family sponsorship or employment-based green card.

Q3: Can I switch from student to work visa?
A: Yes, through OPT and H1B transition after studies.

Q4: Is it safe to enter the U.S. on a tourist visa and overstay?
A: No. It is illegal and leads to bans or deportation.

Q5: Can I take my children to school in the U.S. on a visa?
A: Yes, children on F2 or H4 visas can attend school legally.

Q6: When should I start planning the process?
A: At least 6–12 months before your desired departure date.

Q7: Are there scholarships that cover family relocation?
A: Scholarships usually cover the student only; dependents need separate support.