United States Fast-Tracks Visa Process for Nigerian Graduates With Job Offers

By: Israel Adeleke

In a move aimed at strengthening the US economy and retaining top human capital in the country, the Biden administration has unveiled a groundbreaking plan to expedite employment-based nonimmigrant visas for Nigerian graduates who have secured job offers in the United States.

OPEN TELEVISION Naija gathered that, the initiative seeks to streamline immigration procedures and attract highly skilled workers to contribute to the country's growth. 

Furthermore, under the new guidelines newly released by the Department of State on July 18, consular officers will recommend that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approve waivers of ineligibility.

This critical step will significantly accelerate the visa application process while maintaining rigorous security protocols.

OPEN TELEVISION Naija recalls that, during the recent election season, the administration pledged to prioritize international students who graduated from US colleges 

Now, with this accelerated visa process, eligible graduates can expect faster issuance of their employment-based nonimmigrant visas.

The H-1B visa, a popular choice for foreign nationals seeking temporary work in the US, will be among the visas expedited. Employers initiating the process will file petitions on behalf of their prospective employees.

For applicants initially denied visas, consular officers will provide detailed reasons for the denial. However, some may qualify for waivers, granting them a second chance to secure their visas.

The Department of Homeland Security and the US Customs and Border Protection’s Admissibility Review Office will handle waiver requests. 

The statement stated that the employers must first obtain approval for a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129) from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before proceeding with the visa application. 

This includes completing the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) and scheduling an interview at a US embassy or consulate.

OPEN TELEVISION Naija also recalls that, in the fiscal year 2023, USCIS and the Department of State issued over 192,000 employment-based immigrant visas, ensuring that no visas remained unused for the second consecutive year. 

Consequently, a cross section of Nigerians whose opinions where sampled on the new development by OPEN TELEVISION Naija shows that the move reflects the administration's commitment to fostering economic growth and welcoming top notch human capital and highly cerebral individuals from around the world into the workforce of the United States.