LMIA FinderCan Cooks from Nigeria Immigrate to Canada?
Yes — here are the immigration pathways, active jobs, and salary data for cooks from Nigeria looking to move to Canada.
Processing Times from Nigeria
Estimated IRCC processing times for applications from Nigeria. Times may vary.
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Super Visa | 33 days |
| Work Permits | 10 weeks |
| Study Permits | 11 weeks |
| Visitor Visa | 103 days |
| Family Sponsorship - Dependent Child | No processing time available |
| Family Sponsorship - Adopted Child | Not enough data |
| Government-Assisted Refugees | Not enough data |
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Immigration Pathways for Nigeria Citizens
Express Entry
Permanent ResidenceCitizens of Nigeria can apply through Express Entry (FSW, CEC, or FST) based on CRS score.
Employer-Sponsored LMIA
Temporary WorkA Canadian employer can sponsor a worker from Nigeria through the LMIA process for a work permit.
Key Requirements for Nigeria Citizens
Work Experience
You usually need at least one to two years of continuous paid work experience as a cooks or in a closely related role.
Language Tests
You must prove your English or French skills by taking an approved language test. IELTS General Training or CELPIP are accepted for English; TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. A CLB 7 or higher in all abilities is recommended for Express Entry.
Education Assessment
You will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization like WES, IQAS, or ICAS to verify that your diploma or degree from Nigeria is equivalent to a Canadian credential.
Job Offer
While a valid job offer no longer adds CRS points (removed March 2025), it remains an eligibility requirement for some Express Entry programs and is needed for employer-sponsored work permits. There are currently 3629 active cooks openings on Job Bank.
Proof of Funds
You must show you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada. The current minimum is $15,263 for a single applicant and $28,362 for a family of 4. This requirement is waived if you have a valid Canadian job offer.
| Family Size | Minimum Funds (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 (Single) | $15,263 |
| 2 (Couple) | $19,001 |
| 3 | $23,360 |
| 4 | $28,362 |
| 5 | $32,168 |
| 6 | $36,280 |
| 7 | $40,392 |
| Each additional member | +$4,112 |
Recent Express Entry Draws
| Draw | Date | Category | CRS Cutoff | ITAs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #453 | 2026-10-28 | Transport | 477 | 150 |
| #452 | 2026-10-27 | French | 407 | 5,000 |
| #451 | 2026-10-26 | PNP | 761 | 792 |
| #450 | 2026-10-16 | French | 435 | 5,000 |
| #449 | 2026-10-15 | CEC | 519 | 2,500 |
Eligible Programs for Cooks
Express Entry (FSW)
High MatchFederal Skilled Worker program for qualified professionals with work experience.
Provincial Nominee Program
Medium MatchProvinces nominate workers with in-demand skills. Adds 600 CRS points.
Temporary Work Permit (LMIA)
High MatchEmployer-sponsored LMIA work permit — gain Canadian experience, then transition to PR.
Atlantic Immigration Program
Medium MatchEmployer-driven program for Atlantic Canada with faster processing.
International Experience Canada
Medium MatchWorking holiday or young professional visa for eligible countries.
Cooks Salaries in Canada
Provincial wage data for cooks — useful for salary expectations when immigrating from Nigeria. Source: ESDC.
| Province | Median | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $18.00/hr | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Alberta | $17.83/hr | $15.14 | $23.45 |
| British Columbia | $19.68/hr | $17.87 | $25.39 |
| Manitoba | $17.06/hr | $16.00 | $21.35 |
| New Brunswick | $16.51/hr | $15.65 | $21.92 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $17.12/hr | $16.00 | $28.25 |
| Northwest Territories | $20.00/hr | $15.20 | $34.34 |
| Nova Scotia | $16.85/hr | $16.50 | $22.33 |
| Nunavut | $25.00/hr | $19.00 | $35.00 |
| Ontario | $18.15/hr | $17.60 | $23.94 |
| Prince Edward Island | $16.00/hr | $15.00 | $24.47 |
| Quebec | $18.47/hr | $16.10 | $24.95 |
| Saskatchewan | $17.06/hr | $15.35 | $22.81 |
| Yukon | $17.13/hr | $13.50 | $29.88 |
Top Provinces Hiring Cooks
Current Cooks Openings
Cook
$20.90 to $22.00 hourly (to be negotiated)Hungry Herbies Drive-In · Cache Creek, British Columbia
Line Cook
$19.00 hourlyEarls Penticton · Penticton, British Columbia
Restaurant Cook
$20.00 to $25.00 hourly (to be negotiated)Sunshine Restaurant and Bakeshop · Carmacks, Yukon
Line Cook
$18.25 hourlyThe Jammery · Kelowna, British Columbia
Line Cook
$30.00 hourlyThe Lunar Rogue Pub · Fredericton, New Brunswick
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