Nursing Abroad for Nigerians 2026

Complete guide to registration, licensing, visa routes, and salary expectations for Nigerian nurses in the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia

Overview: Nigerian-trained nurses are among the most recruited healthcare professionals worldwide. The UK alone recruited over 10,000 Nigerian nurses between 2021-2024, making nursing one of the most reliable pathways for Nigerians to work and settle abroad permanently.

Nursing Salary Comparison by Country

CountryEntry SalaryExperienced (5+ yrs)Specialist/SeniorTax-Free?
United Kingdom (NHS)GBP 28,407/yr (Band 5)GBP 35,392/yr (Band 6)GBP 43,742/yr (Band 7)No
United States$60,000-75,000/yr$80,000-100,000/yr$90,000-130,000/yrNo
CanadaCAD 60,000-70,000/yrCAD 75,000-90,000/yrCAD 85,000-110,000/yrNo
AustraliaAUD 65,000-75,000/yrAUD 80,000-95,000/yrAUD 90,000-120,000/yrNo
Saudi ArabiaSAR 7,000-10,000/moSAR 10,000-15,000/moSAR 15,000-22,000/moYes
UAEAED 8,000-12,000/moAED 12,000-18,000/moAED 18,000-25,000/moYes
Nigeria (comparison)NGN 80,000-150,000/moNGN 200,000-400,000/moNGN 400,000-800,000/moNo

Salaries are approximate and vary by region, hospital type, and specialisation. UK NHS figures based on Agenda for Change pay scales.

UK Path - NMC Registration for Nigerian Nurses

The UK is the most popular destination for Nigerian nurses. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration process involves several steps:

Step 1NMC Online Application

Create an NMC online account and submit your application with proof of nursing qualification, English language test results, and identity documents. Application fee: GBP 140.

Step 2IELTS Academic (Band 7.0)

You need IELTS Academic with a minimum of 7.0 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) OR 7.0 overall with no band below 6.5 (combined in two sittings within 6 months). OET (B grade in each component) is also accepted. See our IELTS guide.

Step 3CBT (Computer-Based Test)

Take the NMC CBT at a Pearson VUE test centre in Nigeria (Lagos, Abuja). The test covers adult nursing, mental health, children's, and learning disability nursing. Cost: approximately NGN 70,000. Pass mark: around 60%.

Step 4Find UK Employer (Sponsorship)

Secure a job offer from an NMC-approved employer who holds a Home Office sponsor licence. NHS Trusts and many private care organisations actively recruit from Nigeria. Your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 5Health and Care Worker Visa

Apply for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa (reduced fees for healthcare workers). Visa fee: GBP 247 (up to 3 years). No Immigration Health Surcharge required for this route.

Step 6OSCE (Practical Exam in UK)

Once in the UK, you must pass the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) within your first few months. The OSCE tests clinical skills across several stations. Most employers provide OSCE preparation support. Cost: GBP 794.

Timeline: The entire NMC process from initial application to working in the UK typically takes 6-12 months. Start the IELTS and CBT preparation before finding an employer to save time.

USA Path - NCLEX for Nigerian Nurses

The United States offers the highest nursing salaries but has a more complex immigration process.

  1. CGFNS Credential Evaluation: Submit your Nigerian nursing transcripts and certificates to CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) for evaluation. Cost: $350-450. Processing: 8-16 weeks.
  2. State Board Application: Apply to the Board of Nursing in your target US state. Each state has different requirements. Popular states for Nigerian nurses: New York, Texas, California, Maryland.
  3. NCLEX-RN Exam: Register for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. You can take it at Pearson VUE centres outside the US (London, Ghana, India). Cost: $200 + registration fees. The exam uses adaptive testing with 75-145 questions.
  4. VisaScreen Certificate: Obtain a VisaScreen certificate from CGFNS (required for US healthcare visas). This verifies your credentials, education, and English proficiency. Cost: $540.
  5. Find Employer: Secure a job offer from a US employer willing to sponsor an H-1B or EB-3 immigrant visa. Many hospitals and staffing agencies actively recruit Nigerian nurses.
  6. Immigration Visa: Most Nigerian nurses enter on an EB-3 immigrant visa (green card) through employer sponsorship. Processing can take 2-4 years due to backlogs.

Canada Path - NNAS for Nigerian Nurses

Canada uses the NNAS (National Nursing Assessment Service) as the first step for internationally educated nurses.

  1. NNAS Application: Apply to NNAS with your nursing qualification documents, transcripts, and reference letters. NNAS produces an advisory report for provincial regulators. Cost: CAD 650. Processing: 3-6 months.
  2. Provincial Registration: Apply to the nursing regulator in your target province (e.g., CNO for Ontario, BCCNM for British Columbia). They may require bridging education.
  3. NCLEX-RN: Canada also uses the NCLEX-RN as its registration exam. Pass this exam to become a Registered Nurse in Canada.
  4. Language Test: IELTS General (CLB 7: L7.5, R6.5, W6.5, S6.5 minimum) or CELBAN for English proof.
  5. Express Entry / PNP: Nurses qualify for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker category and most Provincial Nominee Programs. Nursing is on nearly every province's in-demand occupation list.

Australia Path - AHPRA for Nigerian Nurses

Australia uses AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and ANMAC for nurse registration.

  1. ANMAC Skills Assessment: Apply to ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council) for a skills assessment. Cost: AUD 500-800. Processing: 8-12 weeks.
  2. English Requirement: IELTS Academic with 7.0 in each component or OET B grade in each component. No combined sittings allowed.
  3. AHPRA Registration: Apply for registration with AHPRA/NMBA once ANMAC assessment is complete.
  4. Skilled Visa (Subclass 482/494/189): Apply through employer sponsorship (482) or skilled migration (189/190). Nursing is on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List).
  5. Pathway to PR: Employer-sponsored nurses can apply for permanent residency after 2-3 years.

Nigerian Nursing Qualifications Recognition

Nigerian QualificationInternational EquivalenceRecognised By
RN (Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria)Generally accepted for assessmentUK NMC, CGFNS, NNAS, ANMAC
BNSc (Bachelor of Nursing Science)Equivalent to international bachelor degreeAll major destination countries
RM (Registered Midwife)Assessed separately from nursingNMC (UK), ANMAC (Australia)
Diploma in Nursing (School of Nursing)May require bridging/top-up educationSome countries require additional education

BNSc holders generally have a smoother registration process than diploma-trained nurses. Some countries may require diploma holders to complete a bridging programme.

FAQ

The UK is the fastest route. With IELTS in hand, the process from CBT to arriving in the UK can take as little as 4-6 months. Many NHS Trusts and agencies handle visa sponsorship, flights, and initial accommodation. The USA takes the longest (2-4 years for EB-3 visa processing).

No. The NMC requires either IELTS Academic (7.0 in each component or combined sittings) or OET (B grade in each). There is no exemption for Nigerian nurses despite Nigeria being English-speaking. However, the combined sitting option (achieving the required scores across two sittings within 6 months) makes it more achievable.

Many UK employers (particularly NHS Trusts and large care companies) cover part or all of the costs including: visa sponsorship fees, flights, initial accommodation, NMC registration fees, and OSCE preparation. Always clarify what is covered before accepting a job offer. Some employers deduct these costs from your salary over time.

Yes. The UK Health and Care Worker Visa allows dependants (spouse and children under 18). Canada Express Entry grants PR to the whole family. Australia skilled visas also include provisions for dependants. Your dependants can work, study, and access healthcare in most destination countries.

Quick Comparison

  • Fastest: UK (6-12 months)
  • Highest Pay: USA ($60K-130K)
  • Best PR Path: Canada (Express Entry)
  • Tax-Free: Saudi Arabia / UAE
  • Best Lifestyle: Australia / NZ

Key Requirements

  • Valid Nigerian nursing licence (NMCN)
  • IELTS Academic 7.0 (UK/Australia)
  • Verified transcripts from nursing school
  • Valid international passport
  • Police clearance certificate
  • Medical fitness certificate

Related Guides

IELTS Guide Healthcare Jobs Abroad Credential Recognition Working Abroad Emigration Checklist