Six countries offering care worker visas to Nigerians

In recent years, the global demand for care workers has surged, leading several countries to open their doors to foreign professionals, including those from Nigeria.

These opportunities provide Nigerians with the chance to pursue rewarding careers abroad, contributing to healthcare systems in need while also enhancing their own professional growth and economic stability.

This feature article explores the countries that offer care worker visas to Nigerians, detailing the visa programs, requirements, and benefits.

Visa Program: Care Worker Visa

The UK Health and Care Worker Visa allows carers to work in the UK in the adult social care sector.

Eligibility: Sensitivity and understanding. Ability to work well with others. Patience, calmness under stress, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. Physically fit and possibly holding a driving license for shift work.

How to Apply: Applicants can apply via four options.

Estimated Salary: £14,000 (Starter), £25,000 (Experienced).

Visa Program: Skilled Workers Immigration Act

Germany has streamlined its immigration process for skilled workers, including those in the healthcare sector.

How to Apply: There are two main paths to becoming a caregiver in Germany.

Requirements: Proficiency in German (B1-B2 level). Strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Soft skills such as empathy, communication, and problem-solving.

Estimated Salary: €1,800 to €2,500 per month.

Visa Program: Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot

Overview: These pilot programs allow caregivers to come to Canada and gain permanent residency.

Overview: These pilot programs allow caregivers to come to Canada and gain permanent residency.

Eligibility: Applicants need a job offer in Canada and at least one year of post-secondary education. Language proficiency in English or French is also required.

How to Apply: The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot are 5-year pilot programs that let qualified caregivers and their family members come to Canada with the goal of becoming permanent residents.

Estimated Salary: CAD 30,000 to CAD 50,000 per year.

Visa Program: Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)

Australia offers this visa to fill labour shortages in the healthcare sector. With this visa, you can work in Australia for up to 2 to 4 years. You can apply for permanent residency.

How to apply: The care job you are applying for must be on the skilled occupation list. You must get a job offer in Australia before you can apply for the visa.

The care jobs under the skilled occupation list include careers counsellor, childcare centre manager, childcare worker, intensive care ambulance paramedic, intensive care specialist, registered nurse (aged care), registered nurse (critical care and emergency), and residential care officer.

Requirements: Applicant’s chosen occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List. You must show English language proficiency. Skills assessment by the relevant assessing authority. You must have at least two years of relevant work experience.

Estimated Salary: AUD 50,000 to AUD 70,000 per year.

Visa Program: Critical Skills Employment Permit

This permit is designed to attract skilled workers in occupations with shortages, including healthcare.

How to apply: Applicants need a job offer from an Irish employer in an eligible occupation and must meet the salary thresholds.

As soon as the applicant secures a job, apply for the work permit online via the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS).

Requirements: Relevant degree qualification or higher for certain care roles. You must possess the necessary qualifications, skills, and experience. The employer must be registered with the Revenue Commissioners.

Estimated Salary: Minimum of €38,000 to €64,000 annually, depending on the occupation.

Visa Program: EB-3 Visa (Employment-Based Immigration: Third Preference)

The EB-3 visa is for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers, which includes healthcare workers.

Eligibility: Requires a job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor the applicant.

Benefits: Provides a pathway to permanent residency (green card) in the United States. The visa holder can live and work permanently in the U.S. and can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship. Family members (spouse and children under 21) can also be included in the green card application.

Requirements: No specific skills or qualifications required. Applicants must be physically fit and healthy. English proficiency (speaking and reading).

Estimated Salary varies widely depending on the state and employer.