Why Nigerian nurses are in hot demand now
• Post-pandemic exodus: UK lost 68 000 nurses in 2024; Canada projects 117 600 gap by 2030.
• Ageing workforce: 40 % of Australia’s RNs retire within a decade.
• Fast-track visas: New “Critical Skills” routes slash processing to 4–12 weeks.
• Naira hedge: Starting pay abroad is ₦15 m–₦38 m/year—even before shift bonuses.
Pair a nursing license with English-test hacks from our upcoming IELTS vs Duolingo guide 🔗 and you’ll cut both cost and prep time.
Top 8 Countries Hungry for Nigerian Nurses in 2025
| # | Country & Visa | Shortage List Code | Avg. Salary (₦) | Processing Time | Main Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UK – Health & Care Worker Visa | Standard Occupation Code 2231 | ₦23 m/yr | 4–8 wks | CBT + OSCE |
| 2 | Republic of Ireland – Critical Skills Permit | IS Critical Occupation | ₦31 m | 8–10 wks | Adaptation or RCSI |
| 3 | Germany – “Pflegefachkraft” Blue Card | ISCO 2221 | ₦26 m | 12 wks | B2 German + Kenntnisprüfung |
| 4 | Canada – Express Entry & AIP | NOC 31301 | ₦28 m | 6–8 mo* | NCLEX-RN |
| 5 | Australia – Subclass 482/186 | ANZSCO 2544 | ₦38 m | 4–6 mo | OBA (NCAS + OSCE) |
| 6 | New Zealand – Green List Straight-to-Residency | ANZSCO 2544 | ₦29 m | 6–10 wks | OET/IELTS + CAP |
| 7 | Saudi Arabia – MOH Direct Hire | MOH Tier-1 | ₦20 m + acc. | 6 wks | Prometric |
| 8 | UAE – DHA / HAAD License | ISCO 2221 | ₦22 m + housing | 8–12 wks | MOH / DHA CBT |
*Express-Entry time after Provincial Nomination. Salary converted at ₦1 530/$ (June 2025).
Step-by-Step Pathways for Each Destination
1. United Kingdom – Health & Care Worker Visa
- Step 1: Pass IELTS/OET (IELTS 7/7/7/6.5 | OET B).
- Step 2: CBT (Pearson VUE Lagos) – ₦83 000.
- Step 3: Get NHS or care-home COS (Certificate of Sponsorship).
- Step 4: Apply for visa; no proof-of-funds if employer covers.
- Step 5: Fly to UK; sit OSCE within 12 weeks.
Fast tip: COS grants visa fee waiver + expedited processing (4 weeks).
2. Canada – Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Create Express Entry profile CRS ≥ 350 (see PNP blueprint 🔗).
- Secure job offer from Atlantic province health authority.
- NCLEX-RN can be written in Lagos Pearson center since 2024.
- Proof-of-funds: Family 1 = CAD 13 757. Use math in our funds guide 🔗.
3. Germany – Ausbildung & Blue Card Route
- B1 German in Nigeria (Goethe Lagos).
- Secure Ausbildung contract (3-yr paid training; €1 200/month).
- After registration exam, convert to professional license + Blue Card.
- Extra: study B2 German free on arrival; tuition-free as per Germany guide 🔗.
4. Australia – OBA Fast Track (Subclass 482)
- English: IELTS 7 each or OET B overall.
- APC Portfolio → NCAS online test (A$170) + OSCE (Adelaide).
- 482 visa streamlines to PR Subclass 186 after 2 yrs—see pathway math in our Australia blueprint 🔗.
Exam & Language Cheatsheet (2025 Fees)
- IELTS Academic UKVI: ₦212 000 – valid UK, Ireland.
- OET Nursing: ₦230 000 – accepted Australia/NZ/UK/Ireland.
- NCLEX-RN: $200 exam + ₦66 000 NMCN verification.
- Prometric (Saudi/QA): $90.
- DHA/HAAD CBT: $110.
Proof-of-Funds Hacks (Bank Statements + Remote Income)
Show six-month GTBank domiciliary statement + booked flight to cut required balance for UK & Ireland.
Layer a USD freelance gig (see remote-jobs guide 🔗) to impress visa officers and cover relatives’ doubts.
Success Stories: Nigerian Nurses Abroad 2024–25
Joy U. — Passed OET B, got NHS COS, landed in Manchester in 7 weeks; now earns £34 k base + £8 k OT (₦35 m).
Bassey K. — Took NCLEX in Lagos, AIP job offer in New Brunswick; PR approved 8 months later.
Hadiza M. — German Ausbildung in Bavaria; salary €1 200 rising to €3 400 post-license.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I relocate as an HND nurse?
- Yes. UK & Australia accept RN/HND diplomas; Canada demands BSc or bridging.
- Is age a barrier?
- UK: none; Australia PR: points dip after 45; Germany Ausbildung ≤35 ideal.
- Do I need funds if employer pays airfare?
- UK & Saudi waive funds; Canada & Australia still need settlement proof.
- Which exam is easiest?
- OET for English speakers; NCLEX pass-rate for Nigerians was 68 % in 2024.
- Can I switch from UK to Canada later?
- Yes—use UK payslips and IELTS GT 7+ to boost CRS.
Related Reads to Win Your Relocation
Final Thoughts: 6-Month Relocation Sprint
Months 1–2: Pick country & pass English/OET.
Month 3: Sit licensing exam (NCLEX/CBT).
Month 4: Land employer offer or Ausbildung contract.
Month 5: File visa; prep proof-of-funds.
Month 6: Fly out; start registrant orientation.
Share the list: Know a nurse yearning to “japa”? Send her this shortage map and cut her research time by 90 %.