West Africa
Immigration to Canada & Australia from Nigeria
Nigeria is a fast-growing source of skilled applicants, particularly in IT, healthcare, and engineering, with English as an official language. Below are the main permanent-residency and study pathways for Nigerian applicants — and how ImmiPace helps you choose and prepare the right one.
Canada
AustraliaCanada from Nigeria
Express Entry & PNP
Enter the Express Entry pool (FSW/CEC) and pursue a Provincial Nominee Program for a 600-point boost. You'll need an ECA for your education and a qualifying language test. We optimise your CRS and prepare a document-ready profile. See our CRS guide and Express Entry vs PNP.
Australia from Nigeria
Skilled migration (189/190/491)
Get a positive skills assessment for your occupation, then lodge a points-tested EOI. State nomination (190) or regional (491) can lift your points. See 189 vs 190 vs 491 and skills assessment.
In-demand occupations for Nigerian applicants
Common occupations among applicants from Nigeria include IT & software professionals, healthcare workers, engineers, accountants & academics. Check your exact occupation, ANZSCO/NOC code, and assessing authority in our skilled-occupations directory.
Police certificate
What Canada asks for from Nigeria
- Document
- Police Character Certificate
- Issued by
- Nigeria Police Force: the Central Criminal Registry (Force C.I.D. Annex) in person, or the Commissioner of Police by mail
- If you live elsewhere
- Apply by mail with fingerprints certified by a recognised police authority or a Nigerian embassy or consulate, a copy of your passport photo page, a prepaid return courier envelope and an international money order
A Nigerian embassy or consulate can certify the certificate for a fee.
Source: IRCC police certificate instructions for Nigeria (page dated 27 October 2020), checked 20 October 2026. Australia asks for police certificates from the same authorities.
Engineering degrees
Washington Accord status
The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) is a provisional Washington Accord member. Provisional status brings no recognition of degrees, so engineers with degrees from Nigeria normally prove their competency to Engineers Australia with a CDR.
CDR writing and review for Engineers Australia
Source: International Engineering Alliance, Washington Accord signatories, checked 20 October 2026.
English is official in Nigeria, but you still need a test
Express Entry requires approved language test results from every candidate, and Australia treats only passport holders of the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland as having competent English without a test. An English-medium degree does not replace the test for points in either system.
Free assessment on WhatsApp
Applying from Nigeria? Check your options.
WhatsApp opens with a message already written for this page. Add a few details, tap send, and a consultant replies during office hours (Mon-Sat, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM PKT).
Immigration from Nigeria — FAQs
How can I immigrate to Canada from Nigeria?
Most skilled applicants from Nigeria use Canada's Express Entry system (Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class) and may target a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for extra points. You'll need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and a qualifying English (or French) test. ImmiPace assesses your CRS and builds a document-ready profile.
Can Nigerian applicants get Australian PR?
Yes. Nigeria applicants pursue Australian skilled migration through subclass 189 (Independent), 190 (State Nominated), and 491 (Regional). You'll need a positive skills assessment for your occupation and a points-tested profile. Superior English and state nomination can significantly boost your points.
What are the most in-demand occupations for applicants from Nigeria?
Common occupations among applicants from Nigeria include IT & software professionals, healthcare workers, engineers, accountants & academics. Explore our skilled-occupations directory to check your ANZSCO/NOC classification, assessing authority, and pathway.
Which police certificate does Canada need from Nigeria?
IRCC asks for the Police Character Certificate. It is issued by Nigeria Police Force: the Central Criminal Registry (Force C.I.D. Annex) in person, or the Commissioner of Police by mail. If you live elsewhere: apply by mail with fingerprints certified by a recognised police authority or a Nigerian embassy or consulate, a copy of your passport photo page, a prepaid return courier envelope and an international money order. A Nigerian embassy or consulate can certify the certificate for a fee.
Do engineers from Nigeria need a CDR for Australia?
The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) is a provisional Washington Accord member. Provisional status brings no recognition of degrees, so engineers with degrees from Nigeria normally prove their competency to Engineers Australia with a CDR.
Does ImmiPace work with clients in Nigeria?
Yes — ImmiPace works with clients worldwide through online consultation and secure follow-up. We assess your profile, prepare your documents and skills assessment, and guide you from first assessment to filing.