Canada Work Visa for Nigerians: Applying for an Employer-Sponsored Work Permit (Step-by-Step Guide)

Many Nigerian professionals aspire to work in Canada, drawn by strong job prospects and economic opportunities. To do so legally, a Nigerian applicant must obtain a Canadian work permit (often called a “work visa” in everyday terms) and, in most cases, be sponsored by a Canadian employer.

This guide explains each stage of the Canadian work permit process for Nigerians, from finding a visa-sponsoring job to receiving your work permit. We cover key terms (like work permit, LMIA, employer-specific permit, etc.), outline the required documentation, and highlight tips and challenges specific to Nigerian applicants. By following this step-by-step guide, you can navigate the process with confidence and avoid common pitfalls.

What Is a Canadian Work Visa (Work Permit)?

A Canadian work visa (officially called a work permit) is an authorization that allows a foreign national to work in Canada temporarily. Most foreign nationals – including Nigerians – need a work permit to accept a job offer in Canada.

It’s important to note the terminology: in official Canadian immigration rules, the document authorizing work is a “work permit.” In practice, Nigerians often refer to it as a “work visa,” but the permit is the core document. When you receive approval, you may also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization to enter Canada. Nigerian passport holders do require a TRV to travel to Canada, and this is usually processed along with the work permit application.

In short, the work permit lets you legally work in Canada, while a visa (TRV) lets you enter the country.

Key points about work permits:

• A work permit is specific to your job and employer (see below), and it is valid for the duration specified on the permit.
• It is distinct from permanent residency; a work permit is temporary. (However, a valid work permit and job offer can help your future Canadian immigration applications.)
• You should not make travel plans before the permit is approved. Once approved, you’ll get a letter of introduction from IRCC; at the Canadian border, an officer will issue the actual permit.

Types of Canadian Work Permits

Canada issues two main types of work permits: employer-specific and open.

1. Employer-Specific Work Permit
This is the most common category for skilled foreign workers. An employer-specific permit means you are authorized to work for one particular employer at a specific job, location, and time frame. It contains conditions such as the employer’s name, the job title, and work duration.

To obtain one, your Canadian employer must first obtain permission (via an LMIA or other process) and then support your permit application. An employer-specific permit requires that your employer provides you with two key documents before you apply:

1. A copy of your employment contract.
2. Either a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an offer-of-employment number (for certain LMIA-exempt cases).

2. Open Work Permit
This permit allows you to work for any eligible employer in Canada (subject to a few restrictions). Open permits are limited to specific situations (for example, certain spouse/partner categories, young people under international experience programs, or other special streams). Nigerians normally cannot obtain an open permit unless they qualify under one of those special cases.

In practice, most Nigerian applicants pursue the employer-specific route with a sponsoring employer. This means a Canadian company must make a job offer to you and sponsor your permit application. In effect, the employer agrees to support your application by providing needed documents (like an LMIA) and sometimes paying fees.

How Sponsorship Works (LMIA and Employer Obligations)

In Canada’s system, a “sponsoring” employer hires a foreign worker by first proving that no qualified Canadian (citizen or permanent resident) is available for the job. The key tool for this is the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

An LMIA is a formal document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that allows the employer to hire a foreign worker in a specific position. The LMIA serves as proof that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is ready, willing, and able to fill the position, so the employer may hire you.

Steps for Employers to Obtain an LMIA:

1. Advertise the job in Canada – Most employers must post the position on Canadian job boards and possibly in newspapers for at least four weeks, trying to recruit Canadian candidates first.
2. Apply for an LMIA – The employer applies (and fee) to ESDC with evidence of their recruitment efforts and a detailed justification.
3. Receive a positive LMIA – If approved, the employer gets a positive LMIA or “confirmation.”

Once the employer has a positive LMIA, the foreign worker (you) can apply for a work permit. The LMIA-backed job offer makes your application much stronger: it demonstrates a genuine job offer and that the employer met Canada’s requirements for hiring a foreign worker.

An approved LMIA job offer can even boost your long-term immigration prospects – it usually adds 50 points to an Express Entry score toward permanent residency.

Note: Some jobs are LMIA-exempt (e.g., under international agreements or transfer programs), but these are less common for Nigerians. Most Nigerian applicants should plan to work with an employer willing to obtain an LMIA in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

How Nigerians Can Find LMIA-Approved Jobs

The first and most crucial step is securing a job offer from a Canadian employer who will sponsor you. Here’s how:

1. Use official job portals – The Canadian government’s Job Bank has a section for temporary foreign worker jobs.
2. Search general Canadian job sites – Look for postings that mention “LMIA” or “visa sponsorship.”
3. Target industries with high demand – IT, engineering, healthcare, and hospitality often hire foreign workers.
4. Network and referrals – Connect with Nigerians already in Canada or attend job fairs.
5. Check Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Some provinces have job offer streams that may help.

Full Visa Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Once you have a job offer and LMIA, follow these steps:

1. Gather required documents (passport, job offer, LMIA, proof of qualifications, medical exam if needed).
2. Complete the application forms (IMM 1295).
3. Pay fees (work permit, biometrics, TRV).
4. Submit biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nigeria.
5. Wait for processing (check IRCC for current wait times).
6. Receive approval letter and travel to Canada.
7. Get your work permit at the Canadian border.

Common Challenges & Solutions

• Scams – Beware of fake job offers or agents charging high fees.
• Employer reluctance – Many prefer local hires; target high-demand industries.
• Credential recognition – Some professions require Canadian accreditation.
• Processing delays – Apply early and ensure documents are complete.

Final Advice

• Be patient and thorough with paperwork.
• Use official government resources for job searches.
• Avoid shortcuts or fraudulent offers.
• A work permit can be a stepping stone to permanent residency.

With careful planning, many Nigerians successfully move to Canada for work. Follow the steps, stay informed, and good luck!