For self-employed professionals, the U.S. doesn’t offer a direct “freelancer visa,” but you may qualify for pathways like the O-1 visa if you can demonstrate extraordinary ability or unique accomplishments. Some freelancers also explore investment-based options like the E-2 visa, though that requires a business investment and isn’t available to Nigerian nationals without dual citizenship. A consultation with an immigration attorney can help identify the strongest option based on your profile.

If your work fits into the tech or specialized services sector, some people pursue employment sponsorship by securing a U.S. company willing to hire them formally. This could allow you to transition from freelance to employee status, making visas like the H-1B or H-1B1 possible. It requires proper qualifications, but it’s a viable path if clients are open to converting you to staff.

Another approach is building your business to the point where it can operate as a U.S. entity and potentially support an L-1 visa in the future. This is a longer-term strategy that requires having a formal Nigerian company and establishing a U.S. branch. It takes planning, but it gives freelancers a structured path to eventually relocate for business expansion.