Nigerian nationals received 880 H-1B visas in FY 2024, with the highest number of approvals recorded in December 2023

Key Takeaways

  • Nigeria received a total of 880 H-1B visas in FY 2024, averaging about 73 per month.
  • December 2023 was the peak month, with 118 issuances, while June 2024 recorded the lowest at just 46.
  • Issuances fluctuated throughout the year, reflecting no clear upward trend but significant month-to-month volatility.
  • Despite peaks and dips, overall activity remained steady, with most months ranging between 60–90 approvals.

Nigeria’s H-1B visa issuances in FY 2024 highlight both consistency and volatility in the flow of skilled professionals to the U.S. A total of 880 approvals were recorded, with December 2023 standing out as the peak month at 118 and June 2024 dipping to just 46. The year’s monthly average of 73 approvals reflects a steady stream of Nigerian talent finding pathways into specialised roles abroad, even though the numbers swing significantly from month to month. This steady outflow underscores Nigeria’s role as Africa’s top contributor of highly skilled professionals to the U.S., even as the country’s total remains modest compared with global leaders like India and China.

Source:

US Department of State

Period:

Fiscal year 2024
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Trade and agriculture led Nigeria’s ₦51.20 trillion economy in Q2 2025, as oil’s share remained modest
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Africa secured just 1.5% of the US Skilled Worker (H-1B) Visas in 2024 — Nigeria tops the list
  • Nigeria ranked first in Africa, with 880 H-1B visas issued in FY 2024, far ahead of Ghana (499) and Egypt (364).
  • East and Southern Africa featured prominently, with Kenya (320), South Africa (208), and Zimbabwe (132) among the top 10.
  • North African representation was modest, with Morocco (78) and Egypt (364) being the only countries in the region on the list.
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Ghanaian applicants secured 499 H-1B Visas in FY 2024, with April 2024 as the peak month
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  • Visa issuances were relatively steady until early 2024, before a mid-year surge and late-year decline.
  • Ghana ranks second in Africa for H-1B visas, behind Nigeria, reflecting its growing pool of skilled professionals abroad.

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