How to Become a US Nurse from Nigeria: 2026 Guide
Last updated: June 2026 · Source: NCSBN 2024 NCLEX Examination Statistics; USCIS Visa Bulletin June 2026
Nigerian nurses represent a growing cohort — approximately 1,100 took the NCLEX in 2024 with a 48.5% first-time pass rate. The EB-3 wait for Nigerian nurses falls under "All Other Countries" (current priority date: June 1, 2024), meaning a shorter wait than the Philippines and far shorter than India. Nigerian nurses also benefit from English-medium nursing education, which typically exempts them from IELTS requirements at the state board and CGFNS VisaScreen stage.
Key Numbers
Source: NCSBN 2024 NCLEX Examination Statistics; DOS Visa Bulletin June 2026.
NCLEX Pass Rate: What the 48.5% Means
The 48.5% first-time pass rate for Nigerian nurses in 2024 sits below the international average of 53.81% and far below the US-educated baseline of 91.16%. That gap is not a reflection of clinical ability. The NCLEX changed in April 2023 to the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) format, which tests clinical judgment reasoning rather than knowledge recall. Nurses trained on older curricula or older prep materials frequently encounter question types they have never seen before.
NGN-specific preparation is the most direct lever available. Courses like Kaplan and UWorld have been rebuilt for the new format. Nigerian nurses have access to the same preparation resources as any internationally educated nurse.
| Group | First-Time Pass Rate (2024) |
|---|---|
| US-educated nurses | 91.16% |
| All internationally educated (average) | 53.81% |
| Kenya | 69.1% |
| Philippines | 51.7% |
| Nigeria | 48.5% |
| Ghana | 47.2% |
| India | 40.5% |
Source: NCSBN 2024 NCLEX Examination Statistics.
NMCN Documents Required for CGFNS
CGFNS (now operating as TruMerit) contacts Nigerian regulatory authorities directly as part of the credential evaluation. For Nigerian nurses, the relevant body is the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). These are the documents CGFNS requires:
- NMCN practicing license (current and valid)
- Official nursing school transcript sent directly from the school to CGFNS
- NMCN verification letter confirming the license is valid and in good standing
- Valid passport copy
NMCN verification is a documented bottleneck. CGFNS contacts NMCN directly, and the turnaround from NMCN has been reported at 4-8 weeks under normal conditions. Do not assume the official CGFNS processing time of 10-12 weeks accounts for NMCN response delays on top of their own workload. Follow up with NMCN directly after submitting your CGFNS application to confirm they have received the request.
English Language Requirements
Nigerian nursing education is conducted in English. Most US state boards and CGFNS VisaScreen exempt Nigerian nurses from IELTS or TOEFL requirements on this basis. This saves both money (IELTS costs roughly $250-$300) and several months of preparation time.
The exemption is not automatic at every board. State boards set their own policies, and a small number apply English requirements regardless of the language of instruction. Confirm with your specific target state board before assuming you are exempt.
For VisaScreen (the CGFNS immigration product required for EB-3 and H-1B), Nigerian nurses are typically exempted from the language component. Confirm this directly with CGFNS when you apply.
EB-3 Green Card Timeline for Nigerian Nurses
Nigerian nurses are not subject to the per-country caps that affect the Philippines and India in the EB-3 category. Nigeria falls under "All Other Countries," which as of the June 2026 Visa Bulletin has a priority date of June 1, 2024.
| Country / Category | EB-3 Priority Date (Jun 2026) | Approximate Wait (new petitions) |
|---|---|---|
| India | December 15, 2013 | 10+ years |
| Philippines | August 1, 2023 | 3-5 years (estimated) |
| Nigeria (All Other Countries) | June 1, 2024 | 1-2 years (estimated) |
Source: DOS Visa Bulletin June 2026.
The DOS Visa Bulletin for June 2026 warned that EB-3 "All Other Countries" may retrogress in coming months due to high demand. A retrogression moves the priority date backward, extending the wait for nurses whose petitions have not yet been filed. Monitor the monthly Visa Bulletin if you are planning your petition timing.
The Core Steps for Nigerian Nurses
- 1.CGFNS Credential Evaluation ($485 standard / $910 expedited). Submit your NMCN license, transcripts, and NMCN verification. Allow extra time for NMCN to respond to CGFNS directly — this step frequently takes 4-8 weeks beyond CGFNS's stated processing time.
- 2.State Board Application. Apply to your target state nursing board with your CGFNS CES report. Some states also require the CGFNS Certification Program ($495 extra). Check your specific state board's requirements.
- 3.NCLEX Registration ($200 + $150 international surcharge). Register through NCSBN's Pearson VUE portal after your state board issues authorization to test (ATT).
- 4.Pass the NCLEX. Use NGN-specific prep — the exam format changed in April 2023. The 48.5% first-time pass rate is closeable with the right preparation.
- 5.VisaScreen ($740 standard). After passing NCLEX, apply for CGFNS VisaScreen. This is required for employment-based visa processing (EB-3 or H-1B). Do not pay for this before passing.
- 6.EB-3 Petition (employer-sponsored).A US employer files an I-140 petition on your behalf. The priority date for "All Other Countries" is currently June 1, 2024.
Type Investigations documented in 2023 that some Nigerian nurses were charged upfront fees of $8,000 or more by recruitment agencies, with contract breach penalties reaching $30,000. Legitimate US healthcare employers do not charge nurses recruitment fees. The employer pays the agency.
If any agency asks you to pay fees before placement or sign a contract with large breach penalties, treat this as a serious warning sign. Read the full agency risk guide before signing anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents does CGFNS need from Nigerian nurses?
CGFNS requires your NMCN (Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria) practicing license, official nursing school transcript sent directly from your school, an NMCN verification letter confirming your license is valid and in good standing, and a valid passport copy. CGFNS contacts NMCN directly to verify — this step can add 4-8 weeks to your total processing time.
Do Nigerian nurses need IELTS for the NCLEX?
Most state boards and CGFNS VisaScreen exempt Nigerian nurses from IELTS because Nigerian nursing education is conducted in English. However, this exemption is not universal — some state boards still require English proficiency testing regardless. Confirm with your specific target state board before assuming you are exempt. Do not pay for IELTS until you have confirmed it is required.
How long does the EB-3 take for Nigerian nurses?
Nigerian nurses fall under the "All Other Countries" EB-3 category. The current priority date is June 1, 2024 (as of June 2026 Visa Bulletin). For petitions filed today, the estimated wait is roughly 1-2 years under current movement rates. The DOS has warned that retrogression is possible in coming months, which could extend this timeline. Monitor the monthly Visa Bulletin.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Nigerian nurses?
48.5% first-time pass rate in 2024, based on approximately 1,100 Nigerian test-takers (NCSBN 2024 NCLEX Examination Statistics). This is below the international average of 53.81% and well below the US-educated baseline of 91.16%. NGN-specific preparation is the primary lever to close this gap.
The CGFNS credential evaluation is the first major step. Once submitted, preparation for the NCLEX runs in parallel. Both require lead time that most timelines underestimate.