relocating my bf to the states with me from nigeria

US immigration law does not allow anyone from another country to just decide and come to the US permanently because he or she wishes to do so. There must be a basis, which is usually through family relations or employment. A person who wishes to come here just to visit can apply for a visiting visa. If you are serious about your boyfriend and will marry, you can sponsor him as a fiancé and upon entering the US, you would have to marry within 90 days and he could then apply for the green card. Otherwise you could marry in Nigeria or some other country and sponsor him directly for the green card. A fiancée visa would take approximately 9 months and an immigrant visa approximately 12 months to process. Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.