Story highlights
- Countries like the UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and the USA offer various care worker visa programs to Nigerians, providing opportunities to work abroad in the healthcare sector.
- These programs typically require job offers, relevant qualifications, and language proficiency, with pathways to permanent residency in many cases.
- Salaries for care workers in these countries range from £14,000 to €64,000 annually, depending on the country and level of experience.
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.
United Kingdom
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.
- College Course: Applicants could take a Level 1 Certificate in Health and Social Care, a Level 2 Diploma in Care, or a T Level in Health.
- The requirement for college courses is the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or its equivalent in Nigeria, the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), including English and maths.
- The second option is doing an adult care worker intermediate apprenticeship or lead adult care advanced apprenticeship.
- The requirement is the GCSEs or its Nigerian equivalent, WASSCE, including English and maths.
- Applicants can apply through volunteering and gain experience through organizations supporting vulnerable people.
- Direct Application is the final option. Applicants can apply directly and train on the job.
Estimated Salary: £14,000 (Starter), £25,000 (Experienced).
Germany
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.
- The Vocational Training path (Ausbildung) takes 3 years. It is a combination of practical experience at a healthcare facility and theoretical education at a trade school.
- The Dual Study Program is the second option, and it is a combination of university education and practical training. Applicants will earn a bachelor’s degree.
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.
Canada
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.
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.
- Apply for a work permit alongside a permanent residence application.
- Get a work permit to work as a caregiver for any employer.
- Gain at least 12 months of qualifying work experience.
Estimated Salary: CAD 30,000 to CAD 50,000 per year.
Australia
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.
Ireland
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.
- Your occupation must be listed on the Critical Skills Occupations List. At least 50% of employees in the firm must be EEA nationals unless it’s a start-up supported by enterprise agencies.
Estimated Salary: Minimum of €38,000 to €64,000 annually, depending on the occupation.
United States of America
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.
- The employer must obtain a labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor, demonstrating that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position.
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.