Securing permanent residency (PR) in another country can open up many opportunities, including better job prospects, healthcare benefits, and an enhanced quality of life. For Nigerians, emigrating to places like Canada, the USA, or the UK is often seen as a way to achieve long-term stability and success. However, the process of obtaining PR status may seem daunting, especially when navigating the complexities of each country’s immigration policies.

In this guide, I will walk you through the top immigration pathways for Nigerians to obtain permanent residency in these popular destinations. From skill-based programs to family sponsorships, this post will cover the options that can make the process of obtaining PR easier and more achievable.

1. Canada: Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Canada is one of the top destinations for Nigerians seeking permanent residency, thanks to its welcoming immigration policies and high quality of life. Among the most popular pathways to Canadian permanent residency are the Express Entry system and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Express Entry System

The Express Entry system is a points-based system used by Canada to manage applications for permanent residency through its federal economic immigration programs. The system primarily focuses on applicants who are skilled workers and professionals.

Key Programs Under Express Entry:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For individuals with work experience in skilled professions.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For individuals with experience in skilled trades.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals with previous work experience in Canada.

To apply, you’ll need to create an Express Entry profile, which will assign you a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors like your age, education, work experience, language skills, and other factors. The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

If you don’t meet the required criteria for Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) might be a viable option. Each Canadian province has its own immigration streams designed to attract individuals with the skills and experience needed in the local economy. If nominated by a province, you can apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system with a provincial nomination, which gives you an additional 600 points toward your CRS score.

Tip:

Research each province’s specific PNP streams to find the one that best matches your qualifications and career goals.

2. USA: Employment-Based Immigrant Visas

The USA offers several pathways for skilled workers and their families to obtain permanent residency, with the most popular being employment-based immigrant visas. These visas allow individuals with specialized skills to live and work permanently in the United States.

Employment-Based Visas

There are five main employment-based categories, with each offering varying degrees of eligibility for permanent residency:

• EB-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields such as science, art, business, education, or athletics.
• EB-2 Visa: For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional skills in their field.
• EB-3 Visa: For skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
• EB-4 Visa: For certain special immigrants, including religious workers and diplomats.
• EB-5 Visa: For investors who can contribute a significant amount of capital to the U.S. economy through job creation.

To apply, you typically need to be sponsored by a U.S. employer, and the process can involve submitting documents such as proof of work experience, educational qualifications, and a job offer from a U.S. employer. Some categories, like the EB-5, allow you to apply directly if you meet specific investment criteria.

Tip:

If you’re not sure which visa category is most suitable, consider consulting with an immigration lawyer to assess your eligibility.

3. UK: Skilled Worker Visa and Family Immigration

The United Kingdom offers multiple immigration pathways for Nigerians, including the Skilled Worker Visa and Family Immigration routes. These pathways are designed to attract skilled individuals and allow family members to join those already living in the country.

Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa has become one of the most popular pathways to permanent residency in the UK. It is available to individuals who have a job offer from an approved UK employer and meet the required salary threshold. The job must be in a profession listed as eligible for sponsorship under the visa program.

Once you have lived and worked in the UK for five years on a Skilled Worker Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is essentially permanent residency.

Requirements for the Skilled Worker Visa:

• A confirmed job offer from a UK employer.
• The job must be on the list of eligible occupations.
• A minimum salary threshold, which varies based on the job.

Family Immigration

If you have a family member in the UK who is a British citizen or permanent resident, they may be able to sponsor you for a Family Visa. This allows you to live and work in the UK with the option to apply for permanent residency after a few years.

Tip:

If you’re applying through the Skilled Worker Visa, make sure your job meets the skill and salary requirements to avoid delays or rejections.

4. Australia: General Skilled Migration Program (GSM)

Australia offers several pathways for Nigerians to obtain permanent residency, with the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program being one of the most common routes. The GSM program is designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis.

Key Pathways Under GSM:

• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): For skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member.
• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): For skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government.
• Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491): For skilled workers who want to live and work in a regional area of Australia.

To apply for a skilled visa, you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system, detailing your qualifications, skills, and work experience. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll be invited to apply for the relevant visa.

Tip:

The GSM program uses a points-based system, so make sure your application is strong in areas like age, English language proficiency, education, and work experience.

5. New Zealand: Skilled Migrant Category

New Zealand is another popular destination for Nigerians seeking permanent residency. The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is the most common immigration pathway for skilled workers who wish to live and work in New Zealand permanently.

Key Steps:

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): The first step is to submit an EOI, detailing your skills, experience, and qualifications.
• Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your EOI is successful, you will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
• Points-Based System: Your EOI is scored based on factors like your age, work experience, and qualifications. The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an ITA.

Once you are granted a visa, you can live and work in New Zealand and apply for permanent residency after two years.

Tip:

Stay updated on New Zealand’s immigration policies, as the points system and eligibility requirements may change from time to time.

4 Quickest Ways to Apply and Get Approved for Permanent Residency

Applying for permanent residency (PR) can be a lengthy and complex process, especially if you’re unfamiliar with immigration procedures. However, there are a few strategies that can help you fast-track your permanent residency application and increase your chances of approval. If you’re looking to secure PR quickly, this guide will take you through 4 of the quickest ways to apply and get approved for permanent residency, whether you’re aiming for Canada, the USA, the UK, or other popular destinations.

1. Use Express Entry for Canada

Canada offers one of the most efficient immigration systems through the Express Entry program. This system is a fast, points-based system designed for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents. By applying through Express Entry, you can significantly shorten the time it takes to secure PR, with processing times as fast as 6 months in some cases.

Why It’s Quick:

• Fast processing: Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you can submit your application for permanent residency, and the process typically takes six months or less.
• Streamlined selection process: Express Entry selects candidates based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which is an efficient way to evaluate your qualifications, experience, and skills.

How to Speed Up the Process:

• Submit a complete application: Ensure all documents are submitted accurately and on time. Missing documents can delay the process.
• Improve your CRS score: Enhance your score by improving language proficiency (IELTS or CELPIP), gaining additional work experience, or securing a job offer in Canada.

Express Entry is ideal for skilled professionals with work experience, making it one of the quickest ways to apply for Canadian PR.

2. Apply Through the Skilled Worker Visa for the UK

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is one of the fastest ways to get permanent residency, especially if you have a confirmed job offer from a recognized UK employer. The visa allows skilled workers to live and work in the UK for up to five years, after which they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), a form of permanent residency.

Why It’s Quick:

• Fast application process: Once you have a job offer, your visa application can be processed within a few weeks.
• Clear criteria: The UK has a straightforward system for assessing skilled workers, and having a sponsorship from an employer speeds up the process.

How to Speed Up the Process:

• Secure a job offer in advance: Applying for the Skilled Worker Visa is faster if you already have a job offer from a UK employer. Make sure the job is on the official list of eligible occupations.
• Meet salary requirements: Ensure the salary offered meets the required threshold for your profession to avoid delays.

Once you’ve completed five years on the Skilled Worker Visa, you can apply for ILR and achieve permanent residency quickly.

3. Leverage the Employer-Sponsored Green Card for the USA

The USA offers a quicker path to permanent residency for skilled workers through employer-sponsored Green Cards. Employment-based visas like the EB-2 and EB-3 are popular options for individuals seeking PR status.

Why It’s Quick:

• Direct sponsorship: Your employer sponsors you, which simplifies the process and expedites the approval timeline.
• Priority processing: The EB-2 category (for professionals with advanced degrees) is processed faster than the EB-3 (for skilled workers).

How to Speed Up the Process:

• Employer involvement: Work closely with your employer to ensure all necessary documents are submitted on time, including labor certification and proof of the job offer.
• File for premium processing: If eligible, use premium processing to expedite the processing of your petition. This service ensures a decision within 15 calendar days.

For qualified workers, applying through an employer-sponsored Green Card is one of the quickest ways to get approved for US permanent residency.

4. Apply Through the Australia Skilled Migration Program

Australia’s Skilled Migration Program is designed to attract skilled workers to fill labor shortages in the country. The application process can be streamlined by applying through the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190).

Why It’s Quick:

• Points-based system: The points system used by Australia allows you to quickly understand your eligibility. Candidates who score high on points can be invited to apply for permanent residency.
• Faster processing for skilled workers: Australia’s focus on skilled workers means that processing times are faster for those who meet the criteria.

How to Speed Up the Process:

• Increase your points score: You can improve your points by improving your English language proficiency (IELTS, PTE), gaining more work experience, or obtaining additional qualifications.
• Apply through state or territory nomination: The subclass 190 visa is a state-nominated program that can give you priority processing.

Australia’s Skilled Migration Program provides a faster and more predictable route for skilled workers looking for permanent residency.

Conclusion

Securing permanent residency abroad is an achievable goal for Nigerians if you choose the right immigration pathway. Whether you’re applying for a skilled worker visa, a family sponsorship program, or a provincial nomination, it’s crucial to understand the requirements and take the necessary steps to strengthen your application.

Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand all offer excellent opportunities for skilled workers and their families to achieve permanent residency. By following the right immigration pathway, gathering the necessary documentation, and seeking professional guidance if needed, you can make the process smoother and increase your chances of success.