Work in Canada
Migration pathway for Nigerian healthcare professionals
Processing Time
12 to 36 months
Estimated Cost
N6M to N20M
Primary Exam
NAC OSCE / NCLEX-RN
Visa
Work Permit / Express Entry PR
Overview
Canada offers excellent quality of life and a welcoming immigration system through Express Entry. Doctors face the challenge of securing a residency position through CaRMS, while nurses have a more direct pathway through NNAS assessment and NCLEX-RN.
Step-by-Step Pathway
Choose your cadre to see the specific pathway.
English language test (IELTS Academic or CELPIP)
IELTS Academic with minimum 7.0 overall or CELPIP General with CLB 7+. Required for both medical licensing and immigration (Express Entry).
Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part 1 (MCCQE1)
Computer-based exam testing medical knowledge and clinical decision-making. Can be taken at Prometric centres worldwide. Equivalent to USMLE Step 2 CK in breadth.
National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Examination
OSCE-style exam with 12 clinical stations. Tests ability to manage clinical encounters in a Canadian context. Can only be taken in Canada.
CaRMS Match (Canadian Resident Matching Service)
Apply for residency positions through CaRMS. IMGs compete in the second iteration of the match. Only about 30 to 40% of IMG applicants match. Canadian clinical experience is very beneficial.
MCCQE Part 2 and provincial licensing
Complete MCCQE Part 2 during residency. After residency completion, apply for independent practice licence from your provincial college of physicians.
Work permit / Permanent residency
Most residents enter on a work permit. After residency, physicians can apply for permanent residency through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), or employer-sponsored routes.
Cost Breakdown
All costs shown in both foreign currency and Nigerian Naira (2026 estimates).
| Item | Cost (Foreign) | Cost (Naira) |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | CAD 320 | N352,000 |
| MCCQE Part 1 | CAD 1,600 | N1,760,000 |
| NAC OSCE | CAD 2,500 | N2,750,000 |
| CaRMS Application | CAD 500+ | N550,000+ |
| NNAS Assessment (Nurses) | CAD 650 | N715,000 |
| NCLEX-RN (Nurses) | CAD 500 | N550,000 |
| Express Entry processing | CAD 1,365 | N1,500,000 |
| Flights (Lagos to Toronto) | CAD 1,200+ | N1,320,000+ |
| Settlement funds (required) | CAD 13,757 | N15,130,000 |
Exams Required
MCCQE Part 1
Available in NigeriaComputer-based exam with two components: multiple-choice questions and clinical decision-making cases. Tests medical knowledge in a Canadian healthcare context.
NAC OSCE
Not available in Nigeria12 clinical stations testing history-taking, physical examination, communication, and clinical reasoning in a Canadian healthcare setting.
NCLEX-RN (Nurses)
Not available in NigeriaComputer-adaptive nursing exam. Same exam used in the US. Tests clinical judgement and nursing competency.
Key Requirements
- ✓Medical degree from a recognised institution (World Directory listed)
- ✓Full MDCN or NMCN registration
- ✓IELTS Academic 7.0+ or CELPIP CLB 7+ (for Express Entry and licensing)
- ✓Proof of settlement funds (CAD 13,757 for single applicant)
- ✓Canadian clinical experience highly recommended for CaRMS
- ✓Police clearance certificate from Nigeria
- ✓Medical examination by panel physician
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from WES or equivalent
Visa: Work Permit / Express Entry PR
Canada uses a points-based Express Entry system for permanent residency. Healthcare professionals score well due to in-demand occupation lists. The Federal Skilled Worker program, Canadian Experience Class, and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) are the main pathways. Some provinces have specific healthcare worker streams. Work permits can be obtained through LMIA-supported job offers.
Tips for Nigerian Professionals
- ◆The CaRMS match rate for IMGs is very competitive. Consider doing observerships or research in Canada to strengthen your application.
- ◆WES credential evaluation is required for Express Entry. Start this process 3 to 6 months before you plan to apply.
- ◆Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) in Atlantic provinces, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are often more accessible for healthcare workers.
- ◆The minimum settlement funds requirement is strictly enforced. You must show the funds in your bank account.
- ◆For nurses, provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have the highest demand. Atlantic provinces offer faster immigration processing.
- ◆Canada accepts Nigerian qualifications more readily than many other countries. Your MBBS is generally well-regarded.
- ◆Join the Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists of Canada for networking and mentorship.
- ◆Consider starting in a smaller city or rural area where demand is highest and immigration processing can be faster.
Verify before you act
Exam fees, visa costs, and requirements change frequently. The information on this page was last reviewed in April 2026. Always confirm fees and requirements directly with the official body before making payments or decisions.
Exchange rates are approximate and fluctuate daily.
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