We previously explained how you can immigrate to Canada from Nigeria. Now, we take a closer look at how to work in Canada from Nigeria as a temporary foreign worker. With over a million new jobs added to the Canadian economy in 2021 and thousands of occupations in demand across the country, Canada is well-positioned to welcome more foreign workers during this time. Canada is currently accepting and processing work visa applications and prioritizing essential workers, such as nurses and agricultural workers.
In 2019, approximately 12,595 Nigerians obtained permanent residence in Canada through various visa programs. If you meet the visa requirements of a work permit program, you can apply for a Canadian work visa in Nigeria. Learn more below.
3 Steps to Work in Canada from Nigeria
Step 1: Find a Job in Canada
To work in Canada from Nigeria, you will need a valid job offer in Canada before you can apply for a work visa. Finding a job in Canada from Nigeria is feasible, as the country faces a labor shortage due to its aging population. One in four Canadians is currently retiring, creating numerous vacancies that employers can only fill with the help of foreign workers.
NOTE: The type of job offer you receive in Canada will determine the type of Canadian work visa you are eligible for. For instance, if you have a job offer as a farmworker, you can obtain an employer-specific work permit by applying through the Agricultural Worker Program of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Conversely, if you have a job offer in a highly skilled technology position, you could qualify for a work visa through the Global Talent Stream, which offers expedited processing in just two weeks.
Top 15 Jobs in Canada in 2021
According to Randstad, here are the top 15 jobs in Canada, along with their average annual salaries in CAD (Source: Neuvoo):
| Top 15 Jobs in Canada in 2021 | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary in CAD (Source: Neuvoo) |
| 1.Administrative assistant | $43, 875 |
| 1. Administrative assistant | $34, 125 |
| 2. Customer service representative | $37, 050 |
| 3. Sales associate | $44, 234 |
| 4. Driver | $34, 750 |
| 5. Accounts payable and receivable clerk | $80, 126 |
| 6. Registered nurse | $90, 675 |
| 7. Project manager | $31, 919 |
| 8. General labourer | $43, 875 |
| 9. Welder | $74, 997 |
| 10. Electric engineer | $85, 600 |
| 11. Software developer | $31, 346 |
| 12. Merchandiser | $58, 500 |
| 13. Accountant | $78, 975 |
| 14. HR manager | $77, 739 |
Can I Work in Canada Without a Job Offer?
Yes, in very specific circumstances, you may be able to apply for a Canada work visa without a job offer. For example, if you study in Canada and earn a Canadian degree, you may qualify for a Graduate Work Permit (PTPD) without a job offer. This will allow you to stay and gain valuable Canadian work experience that could lead to a permanent future in the country.
Step 2: Get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
Your job offer in Canada may need to be supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA); otherwise, it will not be considered valid when you apply for a Nigerian Canadian work visa. Most work permit programs that allow foreigners to live and work in Canada temporarily generally require an LMIA.
What is an LMIA?
An LMIA is a document issued to Canadian employers who need to hire foreign workers because they could not find someone to fill the position locally. You need a copy of the LMIA document when you submit your work visa application.
Who Doesn’t Need an LMIA?
Nigerian temporary foreign workers eligible for an International Mobility Program (IMP) work permit do not need LMIA documents. For example, if you are a transferee business, you may be eligible for an LMIA-exempt work visa under the IMP. Certain essential professions in Canada, such as health professionals, are also exempt from this requirement.
Step 3: Work Towards a Permanent Future in Canada With Pilot Programs
A unique way to work in Canada from Nigeria is to apply for your work visa through one of two incredible Canadian immigration pilot programs designed specifically for agricultural workers and caregivers abroad. There is a constant demand for workers in these fields, making it easier to find a job. Additionally, the work experience gained in Canada will help you and your family settle permanently in the country.
How It Works: When you apply for your work visa, you will also apply for permanent residence simultaneously. Once you have reached the required working hours in Canada, your application for permanent residence will be processed.
Immigration Pilot Programs:
- The Agri-Food Pilot
- The Home Care Provider Pilots
How Much Does a Canadian Work Visa Cost?
You must pay an application processing fee when you submit your work permit application. You will receive a work permit and a visa to enter Canada when you first apply. Your dependent family members may also be able to join you in Canada.
Canadian Work Visa Application Fees
| Canadian Work Visa Application Fees | |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Cost |
| Work permit | $155 per person |
| Work permit extension | $155 per person |
| Open work permit | $100 per person |
Live and Work in Canada as a Permanent Resident
Sometimes, it is easier to apply to work and live in Canada through an immigration program rather than trying to get a Nigerian work visa. This is especially true if there is not a high demand for your profession and you cannot secure a job offer supported by an LMIA. The second-best option is to apply through the Express Entry immigration system, which does not require a valid job offer.
Enter the Nigeria Express Entry Raffle
You can apply for permanent residence in Canada from Nigeria through the popular Express Entry system, designed for skilled foreign workers. The Express Entry system selects eligible applicants from an online pool of candidates. It is aptly called Express Entry because the system processes permanent residence applications in a record six months.
Applicants in the Express Entry pool are scored using a points-based system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Each candidate is assigned a score based on eligibility criteria such as age, professional experience, level of education, and spouse’s qualifications. The highest-scoring applicants receive invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence in the form of bimonthly draws. If you receive an ITA, you can apply to immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident.
Who is Considered a Skilled Foreign Worker?
Skilled Work Experience for Express Entry
| Skilled Work Experience for Express Entry | |
|---|---|
| Skill level/type | Example jobs |
| Skill type 0 | Management jobs; human resource managers, etc |
| Skill level A | Technical jobs and skilled trades: plumbers, event planners, etc |
| Skill Level B | Technical jobs and skilled trades: plumber, event planners, etc |
By following these steps, you can successfully work in Canada from Nigeria and pave the way for a permanent future in this vibrant country.
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