Introduction
Many Nigerians believe that working abroad legally is only possible with a university degree. But in 2025, that’s no longer the full story.
Several countries facing serious labor shortages are actively recruiting foreign workers from Nigeria — even those without higher education. These governments and employers are offering visa sponsorships for jobs in caregiving, logistics, construction, agriculture, cleaning, and hospitality.
If you have hands-on experience, basic training, or a good work ethic, you could be eligible to migrate legally through one of these pathways.
Here are the top 7 countries now accepting Nigerians for visa sponsorship jobs without a degree, along with the job sectors, eligibility, and how to apply.
1. Canada
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Sectors hiring: Agriculture, food processing, caregiving, cleaning, long-haul trucking, construction
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Pathway/Visa: Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), Home Support Worker Pilot
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Eligibility: Basic work experience, age 18+, good health, job offer from a Canadian employer
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Language requirement: IELTS General (CLB 4 minimum) for caregiving; not required for all roles
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Application steps:
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Apply through Canada Job Bank or with a licensed recruiter
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Secure job offer
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Employer applies for LMIA
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Submit visa application
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2. Germany
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Sectors hiring: Elderly care, cleaning, warehouse, plumbing, hospitality
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Pathway/Visa: Pflege visa (caregiver), skilled labor work visa for non-degree roles
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Eligibility: WAEC certificate or vocational training, caregiver certification (for care roles), A2–B1 German
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Language requirement: German A2 or B1 depending on the state and sector
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Application steps:
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Train locally (caregiver or trade course)
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Learn German
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Apply via Make it in Germany or directly to employers
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Secure job and submit visa through German embassy
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3. United Kingdom
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Sectors hiring: Caregiving, cleaning, warehouse, delivery, construction
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Pathway/Visa: Health and Care Worker Visa, Skilled Worker Visa
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Eligibility: Relevant job experience or short training, age 18+, basic English
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Language requirement: IELTS UKVI (band 4–5), not required for some roles under exemption
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Application steps:
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Apply to UK care agencies or licensed sponsors
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Attend interview
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Receive Certificate of Sponsorship
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Submit visa application
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4. Australia
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Sectors hiring: Farm work, warehouse, hospitality, aged care, cleaning
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Pathway/Visa: Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482), DAMA agreements
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Eligibility: Job experience, physical fitness, training certificate (where applicable)
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Language requirement: IELTS or equivalent (often waived for certain DAMA regions)
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Application steps:
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Apply through employer or regional program
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Receive job offer
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Employer sponsors visa
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Complete health and background checks
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5. Portugal
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Sectors hiring: Agriculture, construction, cleaning, restaurants, elderly care
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Pathway/Visa: Work visa through Job Seeker or Temporary Work Permit
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Eligibility: No degree required, but proof of employment or job-seeking plans
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Language requirement: Portuguese not mandatory initially, but useful
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Application steps:
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Apply for job directly to employer
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Employer applies for residence permit on your behalf
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Apply for visa at Portuguese consulate
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6. Poland
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Sectors hiring: Manufacturing, warehouse, agriculture, transport
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Pathway/Visa: National visa (Type D) with employer sponsorship
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Eligibility: Basic skills, fitness for physical work, job offer from Polish company
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Language requirement: None required, English or Polish is an advantage
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Application steps:
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Apply through verified Polish job portals or agencies
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Sign contract and obtain work permit
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Apply for visa with supporting documents
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7. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
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Sectors hiring: Security, cleaning, hotel services, transport, caregiving
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Pathway/Visa: Employer-sponsored work visa
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Eligibility: Basic education (WAEC or equivalent), age 21+, job offer from UAE employer
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Language requirement: English or Arabic (basic), varies by role
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Application steps:
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Apply through official UAE job portals or employers
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Receive offer and entry permit
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Complete medical exam and begin work under employer’s visa sponsorship
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Why Some Employers Prefer Skilled Workers Without Degrees
Many employers today focus more on skills, reliability, and readiness to work than on formal education. Roles in caregiving, agriculture, and logistics require hands-on ability and commitment, not a university background.
In fact, for physical or service roles, workers without degrees often train faster, adapt quickly, and stay longer.
Low-Barrier Qualifications That Help
Even without a degree, having basic certifications can increase your chances. Here are a few that help:
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Basic caregiver training certificate (3–6 months)
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Valid driver’s license or forklift license
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Warehouse or logistics training
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Food safety or hospitality certification
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First aid or CPR training
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Vocational plumbing or electrical certificates
These can be obtained in Nigeria through training centers, NGOs, or online programs before applying abroad.
Conclusion
You don’t need a university degree to build a future abroad. With growing labor shortages around the world, several countries are offering legal visa sponsorship to Nigerians based on skills, not diplomas.
The door is open—but only for those who are prepared. Focus on gaining experience, completing short training, and applying through verified platforms. You can move, work, and earn legally—even if you never went to university.
The opportunity is real. Now it’s your turn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for visa sponsorship without a WAEC or university degree?
Yes. Many countries accept candidates with basic education or vocational training, especially for caregiving, agriculture, and hospitality roles.
Do I need experience for these jobs?
Yes. Most employers expect at least 6 months to 1 year of practical experience or training in the job field.
How long does the visa process take?
It depends on the country. Typically, 3 to 9 months from application to relocation.
Do I need to speak English or another language?
Yes, for most countries. Some require basic English (IELTS), while others like Germany require A2 or B1 German for care roles.
Can I migrate with my spouse or children under these programs?
In many cases, yes. Countries like Canada, UK, Germany, and Australia allow you to bring dependents, though extra documentation and proof of income may be required.