₦airaland Forum

Family, USCIS just dropped a serious policy memo on May 21, 2026 that affects every Nigerian planning to get a green card while inside the U.S. The memo is called PM-602-0199. The short version: USCIS is now saying that adjustment of status — which is when you file Form I-485 to become a green card holder while still inside the U.S. — is “extraordinary relief.” Not a default. Not automatic. Not a right. USCIS Spokesman Zach Kahler said it plainly: “From now on, an alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances.” Why this matters for us: 1. If you are on H-1B, L-1, or O-1 with an approved I-140, you are still fine. The memo preserves dual intent. But you must still show strong equities. 2. If you came in on B-1, B-2, or F-1 and now you want a green card, the road just got tougher. Officers will look hard at whether your conduct shows you always intended to stay permanently. If yes, that is a strike against you. 3. If you have any history of overstays, unauthorized work, or anything you told the embassy that did not match what you actually did, the discretionary lens just got sharper. 4. For those still in Naija waiting for the I-140 priority date, this memo actually points to good news. Consular processing is now being treated as the preferred default. The embassy path may get more focused USCIS resources going forward. Legitimate paths still exist. EB-1A and EB-2 NIW remain strong if you build real expertise. Do not let anyone sell you shortcuts. Full video breakdown on my YouTube channel. Be Prepared. Be Proactive. @ProfDanUSgreencard

Hello family, ICE just made a major announcement on May 12, 2026 that affects every Nigerian on F-1 status, STEM OPT, H-1B, or with a pending green card. Even those still at home preparing for the US visa interview. Here is the gist: ICE says they have flagged more than 10,000 foreign students working with suspicious employers under the OPT program. The number came from only the top 25 OPT employers. More enforcement is coming. What they found at the worksites was wild. Empty buildings. Locked doors. Multiple companies claiming the same address with no lease. Some students had EADs but never showed up to work. Some employers were being run by managers in India, which is against the program rules. Why this matters for us: 1. If you are on OPT or STEM OPT now, please audit your employer. Save every record. Pay stubs, W-2, I-983, supervisor emails. 2. If you moved from OPT to H-1B or you are now in the green card process, this still affects you. Prior OPT employment can be reviewed years later. 3. If you are still in Nigeria waiting for your F-1 interview, expect sharper questioning at the embassy. Choose schools and programs carefully. Avoid agents promising guaranteed OPT or guaranteed jobs. Those are the exact networks ICE is now investigating. We have legitimate paths. EB-1A and EB-2 NIW are still strong for those who build real expertise. Do not let anyone sell you a shortcut. Full video on my YouTube channel: see bio. Be Prepared. Be Proactive. @ProfDanUSgreencard

🚨 HISTORIC: EB-2 NIW Don Become CURRENT! March 2026 Visa Bulletin

My people, I get MASSIVE news for una today!

The March 2026 Visa Bulletin don drop and this one na history. EB-2 NIW don go CURRENT for Dates for Filing!

Wetin this one mean? If you get approved I-140 for EB-2 category, you fit file your I-485 RIGHT NOW. No need to wait for priority date again o. The door don open wide!

📊 WETIN HAPPEN FOR MARCH 2026:

✅ EB-2 Dates for Filing: CURRENT (before na October 15, 2024)
✅ EB-2 Final Action: Move +6.5 MONTHS forward!
✅ EB-3 Dates for Filing: Move +3.5 months
✅ India EB-2: Jump 11 MONTHS in one bulletin!
✅ EB-1: Still dey CURRENT
✅ USCIS confirm say make we use DATES FOR FILING chart

🤔 WHY EB-2 COME GO CURRENT?

1. Filing volume no reach wetin dem expect - people no dey file as dem think
2. The 75-country visa ban wey start January 21st don reduce consular processing. When people no fit get visa for embassy, those visa numbers come dey available for Adjustment of Status
3. USCIS don dey use Dates for Filing chart for 5 months straight - dem WANT people to file
4. Visa numbers dey available pass the people wey wan use am

⚠️ IMPORTANT FOR NIGERIANS:

Remember say the 75-country immigrant visa suspension still dey in effect o! Nigeria dey the list.

If you dey Nigeria dey wait for consular processing, e go hard. But if you dey US right now on valid visa (H-1B, F-1, O-1, etc.), you fit file I-485 and process your green card from inside US!

Filing I-485 go give you:
✓ EAD - work permit (you fit work anywhere!)
✓ Advance Parole - you fit travel comot and come back
✓ Protection - even if dates retrogress later, your case safe

🎯 WETIN YOU SUPPOSE DO NOW:

IF YOU GET APPROVED I-140:
→ File your I-485 IMMEDIATELY! No dey wait!
→ Go do your medical exam (I-693)
→ Gather your documents - birth certificate, passport, marriage certificate if you marry
→ Don't wait for April bulletin - current status fit change anytime

IF YOU NEVER GET I-140:
→ This one na your sign! Start your EB-2 NIW or EB-1A petition TODAY
→ Build your case now so you go ready for the next opportunity

Bros and sisters, this bulletin prove wetin I dey always talk: BE PREPARED. BE PROACTIVE.

Those wey prepare before? Dem dey file today!
Those wey no prepare? Dem dey watch from sideline.

No be sideline you wan dey o!

Watch my full video breakdown on Youtube: See profile page

Make una drop your category and priority date for comments! Who dey file this month? 👇

If you need help with your EB-2 NIW or EB-1A petition, SaintDanielsGlobal LLC dey here to help you build strong case.

Be Prepared. Be Proactive.

Bros and sisters, another one has dropped.
The US just announced that they are suspending immigrant visa processing for 75 countries. And yes, Nigeria is on the list. This one is based on something called "public charge" — basically, the American government is saying they think people from these countries might need welfare when they get there.
This is now the 4th thing affecting Nigerians trying to go to America:
1. Travel Ban (PP 10998) - started January 1
2. USCIS Holds (PM-602-0194) - also January 1
3. Visa Bond - $5,000 to $15,000 deposit for tourist visas - starts January 21
4. This new 75-country freeze - also January 21
Four different restrictions. One country. Na wa o.
Other countries newly affected that weren't on the travel ban before: Brazil, Ghana, Jamaica, Egypt, Russia, Pakistan, Thailand, Colombia.
I have explained everything in detail in a new video. What "public charge" actually means (I used examples so you can understand), the full list of 75 countries, what type of visas are frozen and which ones you can still get, and what you should be doing now.
Watch on YouTube: @ProfDanUSgreencard
If you know anyone planning to travel to America for green card, share this with them. Things are changing fast.
Be prepared. Be proactive.

USCIS Premium Processing Fees Increasing March 1, 2026 – What You Need to Know!

Fellow Japa enthusiasts and US immigration applicants,

DHS has published a FINAL RULE increasing premium processing fees. If you're planning to file EB-1A, NIW, or any employment-based petition, this affects you directly!

HERE ARE THE NEW FEES:

✅ Form I-140 (EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, EB-3):
Old: $2,805
New: $2,965
Increase: +$160

✅ Form I-129 (H-1B, L-1, O-1):
Old: $2,805
New: $2,965
Increase: +$160

✅ Form I-765 (OPT, STEM-OPT):
Old: $1,685
New: $1,780
Increase: +$95

✅ Form I-539 (F-1, J-1, M-1):
Old: $1,965
New: $2,075
Increase: +$110

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 1, 2026

The postmark date determines which fee applies. So if your petition is ready and you want to save some dollars, consider filing before March 1st.

But please, don't rush an incomplete petition just to save $160. A well-prepared case is more important!

Also note: The USCIS Stabilization Act allows fee adjustments every TWO YEARS. So expect more increases in the future. Budget accordingly!

I've made a detailed video breaking everything down: YouTube: check profile

Share with others who need this information.

Be Prepared. Be Proactive.

@ProfDanUSgreencard

Fellow Nairalanders,

Important update for anyone planning to travel to the United States.

The U.S. government has added Nigeria to the Visa Bond Pilot Program. Starting January 21, 2026, if you're applying for a B1/B2 visa (tourist or business), you may be required to pay a REFUNDABLE deposit before your visa can be issued.

BOND AMOUNTS:
- $5,000 (about N8.2 million)
- $10,000 (about N16.4 million)
- $15,000 (about N24.6 million)

The consular officer at your interview will determine which amount applies to you.

This is now the THIRD policy affecting Nigerians in 2026:
1. PP 10998 - Travel Ban (suspends immigrant visas + B/F/M/J)
2. PM-602-0194 - USCIS Holds on pending applications
3. Visa Bond - $5K-$15K deposit for B1/B2

IMPORTANT RESTRICTIONS:
- You can ONLY enter/exit USA through Boston, JFK, or Washington Dulles
- Visa valid for only 3 months (not 10 years like before)
- Single entry only
- Maximum 30-day stay

HOW TO GET YOUR MONEY BACK:
- Leave before your authorized date
- Use only the designated airports
- Follow all visa rules

HOW YOU LOSE YOUR MONEY:
- Overstay even 1 day
- Use any other airport
- Apply for green card or asylum
- Break any visa rules

38 countries are now on this list. 24 of them are African countries.

I have made a detailed video explaining everything step by step.

Watch on YouTube: See profile

Share with anyone who needs this information. The bond program is a pilot ending August 2026, but it could become permanent.

Be Prepared. Be Proactive.

Fellow Nigerians,

This is an urgent update that affects every Nigerian with a pending U.S. immigration application.

On January 1, 2026, USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0194 went into effect. This policy places a HOLD on ALL pending immigration benefit applications for nationals from 39 countries listed in Presidential Proclamation 10998.

Nigeria is on the PARTIAL BAN list.

WHAT APPLICATIONS ARE AFFECTED?

- I-485 (Adjustment of Status / Green Card)
- I-140 (Immigrant Petition)
- I-765 (Employment Authorization Document / Work Permit)
- I-131 (Advance Parole / Travel Document)
- N-400 (Naturalization / Citizenship)
- I-130 (Family-Based Petitions)

WHAT DOES "HOLD" MEAN?

Your case can still be processed — USCIS can issue RFEs, schedule biometrics, conduct interviews. However, NO FINAL DECISION will be made. No approval. No denial. Your case is essentially frozen until the USCIS Director lifts the hold.

There is NO END DATE specified in the policy.

EB-2 NIW AND EB-1A APPLICANTS

Exception #8 in the policy references cases that benefit the "U.S. national interest." This sounds like it could apply to NIW and EB-1A petitioners. However:

- It is NOT automatic
- Requires USCIS Headquarters approval
- Case-by-case determination
- Higher burden than just meeting the NIW/EB-1A criteria

EAD HOLDERS — VERY IMPORTANT

If you have a work permit (EAD) based on your pending Adjustment of Status (category c)(9)), your renewal is SUBJECT TO THE HOLD. This category is NOT excepted.

If your EAD is expiring in the coming months, please consult an immigration attorney immediately.

ALREADY GOT YOUR GREEN CARD?

If your case was approved after January 20, 2021, USCIS may re-review your case. They will check against:

- Terrorist screening databases
- Criminal connections
- Identity verification

Keep all your documents organized.

OTHER COUNTRIES AFFECTED

Full Ban (19 countries): Afghanistan, Belarus, Burundi, Central African Republic, China, Cuba, DRC, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Mali, Nicaragua, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen

Partial Ban (20 countries): Nigeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Mauritania, Moldova, Myanmar, Pakistan, Rwanda, Senegal, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uzbekistan, Zambia, Zimbabwe

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NOW?

1. Don't panic — this is a hold, not a denial
2. Maintain your current visa status (F-1, H-1B, etc.)
3. Keep all documents organized and accessible
4. Consult a qualified immigration attorney
5. Monitor USCIS.gov for policy updates
6. Prepare documentation for potential exception requests

I have created a detailed Q&A video explaining all 12 critical questions about this policy. Please watch on YouTube (see profile) and share:

If you know anyone with a pending U.S. immigration case, please share this information with them.

Be Prepared. Be Proactive.

URGENT: Trump Expands Travel Ban - Nigeria Now Affected (Effective Jan 1, 2026)
I made a detailed video explaining everything: See profile for YouTube link...

Fellow Nairaland members,

President Trump signed a new proclamation on December 16, 2025. Nigeria is now under PARTIAL travel restrictions starting January 1, 2026.

WHAT'S SUSPENDED FOR NIGERIANS:
- B-1/B-2 (Tourist/Business visas)
- F visas (Student)
- M visas (Vocational)
- J visas (Exchange)
- Immigrant visas (Consular processing)

WHAT'S STILL AVAILABLE:
- H-1B (Specialty workers)
- L-1 (Intracompany transfer)
- O-1 (Extraordinary ability)
- E-2 (Treaty investor)

IMPORTANT: If you already have a valid visa issued before Jan 1, 2026, it will NOT be revoked.

If you're already in the U.S., you can still pursue EB-1A or EB-2 NIW through Adjustment of Status.



Be Prepared, Be Proactive.

EB-2 NIW wait time may not be as bad as many fear.

For example:
Someone who filed EB-2 NIW on Oct 14, 2024 may be able to file Adjustment of Status around Jan 2026 — roughly 15 months. That’s not insignificant, but it’s also not hopeless.

Some practical thoughts 👇

1️⃣ File NIW as early as possible
Once your profile reasonably qualifies, filing early helps:
• Lock in a priority date
• Reduce future uncertainty
• Often lowers RFE risk compared to rushed filings later

2️⃣ If NIW is approved but time is critical, consider EB-1A — cautiously
Only if:
• EB-1 remains current
• Your profile is genuinely top-tier
• You are confident you meet the very high EB-1A standard
EB-1A is not a shortcut; it’s a different, stricter test.

3️⃣ If you receive an RFE, don’t rush your response
An RFE is not a denial.
Take time to:
• Strengthen evidence
• Clarify arguments
• Get help from someone truly experienced
This is one place where paying for quality guidance can matter.

4️⃣ If EB-2 NIW is denied, don’t give up
Denial ≠ end of the road.
Many successful NIWs are approved on refiling after:
• Better positioning
• Stronger national interest framing
• Improved evidence

5️⃣ If EB-1A is denied, EB-2 NIW may still be viable
These categories have different legal standards.
An EB-1A denial does not automatically mean you fail EB-2 NIW.

6️⃣ One more point people overlook
Your long-term strategy matters more than speed alone.
Priority dates, visa bulletin movement, profile growth, and timing all interact.

In the end:
Green cards come to those who plan well, position themselves wisely, and don’t quit.

Patience + strategy + persistence still work.

Travel or Crime: Nigerian Man Sentenced to 41 Months in U.S. Prison for Student Visa Fraud
A 26-year-old Nigerian national, Mercy Ojedeji, has been sentenced to 41 months in U.S. federal prison for visa fraud and wire fraud.
According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice dated December 1, 2025, Ojedeji used counterfeit academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a resume, and an English proficiency report to fraudulently obtain a student visa and admission into the University of Missouri's Chemistry PhD program in the fall of 2023.
He also received a stipend and tuition waiver valued at more than $49,000.
Using the fraudulent student visa, Ojedeji obtained a Social Security card, a Missouri driver's license, opened a bank account, and rented an apartment. He never attended any classes, and the university terminated him from the program in January 2024, which also resulted in the cancellation of his student visa.
Despite this, in February 2024, he still used his invalid documents to obtain a driver's license.
The investigation also revealed that Ojedeji was involved in money mule activities connected to a romance fraud scheme. A total of 193 packages containing cash and gift cards were sent to the residence he shared with another individual. Law enforcement seized $94,150 from 17 packages, and the total intended loss was estimated at over $1 million.
U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey handed down the sentence after Ojedeji pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful use of fraudulent immigration documents and one count of wire fraud.
My thoughts:
This case is a reminder that there are no shortcuts in immigration. The consequences of fraud are severe: prison time, deportation, and permanent bars from future immigration benefits.
There are legitimate pathways to study, work, and live in the United States. If you are considering immigration, do your research and follow the proper procedures.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Eastern District of Missouri
https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/man-sentenced-41-months-prison-fraudulently-obtaining-student-visa-other-documents

EB2 National Interest Waiver (NIW): A Self-Petition Path to U.S. Green Card:
Are you considering relocating to the United States? There is a legitimate pathway that does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship. It is called the EB2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) or EB1A (we will discuss this in another post).
I have been helping people with this process, so I want to share some useful information for those interested (you can check my bio/profile for YouTube channel and other pages for more insight).
Who Qualifies for EB2 NIW?
You need one of the following:
- An advanced degree (Master's, PhD, or equivalent)
- A bachelor's degree plus five years of progressive work experience in your field
- Exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business
What Does 'National Interest Waiver' Mean?
Normally, employment-based green cards require a U.S. employer to sponsor you. With the NIW, USCIS can waive this requirement if your work benefits the United States. You petition for yourself.
The key question is: What are you working on, and how does it benefit the U.S. or contribute globally?
The Three Requirements (Dhanasar Framework)
USCIS evaluates NIW petitions using a three-prong test established in Matter of Dhanasar:
1. Substantial Merit and National Importance
Your work must have real value. It should solve a problem, improve a system, create knowledge, or help people. Examples include healthcare improvements, technology advancement, infrastructure development, job creation, or environmental solutions.
It must also have national importance, meaning it can benefit the U.S. broadly, not just one company. This does not mean you need to be famous. It means your field or project can influence U.S. policy, economy, health, technology, education, or security.
2. You Are Well Positioned to Advance the Endeavor
USCIS wants to see that you have the skills, experience, and track record to succeed in your proposed work. You do not need to be a superstar. You need credible evidence showing you can continue your work in the U.S.
Examples of evidence: publications, citations, project results, awards, certifications, degrees, leadership experience, patents, or industry recognition.
3. It Would Be Beneficial to Waive the Job Offer Requirement
This means granting you a green card would benefit the country, even without an employer sponsoring you. If your work brings innovation, public good, economic growth, health improvements, or scientific advancement, this requirement is typically satisfied.
What Evidence Do You Need?
Typical EB2 NIW submissions include:
- A clear description of your proposed work in the U.S.
- Proof of your achievements and qualifications
- Recommendation letters from experts in your field
- Copies of degrees and work experience documentation
- Evidence demonstrating how your work benefits the U.S.
The key is to be simple, structured, and focused on impact.
Who Typically Uses This Pathway?
Professionals from many fields: researchers, engineers, medical professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, economists, climate specialists, and others whose work can positively affect the United States.
Do not underestimate your work. Many people qualify without realizing it.
How Much Does It Cost?
The filing fee for Form I-140 is $715, plus an Asylum Program fee of approximately $300 for individual petitioners. If you want expedited processing, Premium Processing costs an additional $2,805. These are the fees as of December 2025.
Summary
EB2 NIW is a self-petitioned U.S. green card pathway for professionals whose work has value, benefits the country, and can grow in the United States. It is clear, flexible, and open to global talent.
I hope this helps those considering this option. If you have questions or want to share your own experience, feel free to discuss below.