Can an agent in Lagos sell me an LMIA?

No. Buying or selling LMIAs is prohibited. The employer must apply for and pay for the LMIA. If someone asks you to pay for one, walk away.

Can my spouse come with me?

Often, yes. The Lagos checklist lets a spouse apply for an open work permit or a visitor visa, and children for study permits or visitor visas, in the same package.

How recent must my employer letter be?

Dated within two months of your application, with occupation, duties, position, salary, allowances, years of employment and approved leave dates.

Canada work permit from Nigeria

Most Nigerians need an employer-backed work permit, usually with an LMIA, before they can work in Canada. The Lagos visa office checklist asks for a Nigerian police certificate and detailed employment proof. Fake job offers are common, so check the offer before you pay anyone.

Written by NextMovePath editorial teamLast updated: September 28, 2026

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At a glance

IRCC processing time from Nigeria	10 weeks (Work permit (applying from outside Canada))IRCC's current estimate, as of September 28, 2026. Source: IRCC processing times
Police certificate (Lagos work permit checklist)	Original police clearance from C.I.D. Headquarters for you and each accompanying family member over 18Source: IRCC Lagos visa office: Additional document checklist, work permit (IMM 5914)
Where Nigeria issues police certificates	Central Criminal Registry, Force C.I.D. Annex, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, LagosSource: IRCC: How to get a police certificate, Nigeria
Fees	CAN$155 work permit plus CAN$85 biometricsSource: IRCC: Fee list
Medical exam	Required for work over six months and some jobs; do not book until the office tells youSource: IRCC Lagos visa office: Additional document checklist, work permit (IMM 5914)

What documents does the Lagos office want for a work permit?

Beyond IRCC forms, the Lagos checklist asks for your CV, a current employer letter and last three months of pay slips, the Canadian job offer on company letterhead with title, duties, salary and dates, proof you meet the job requirements, and original police certificates. Self-employed applicants add business registration and tax clearance.

How do I get a Nigerian police certificate for Canada?

Apply to the Central Criminal Registry at Force C.I.D. Annex, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos. In person you bring your passport, two passport photos and the fee. From abroad you apply by mail with fingerprints certified by a recognized police authority or a Nigerian embassy, plus a return courier envelope.

How can I tell if a Canadian job offer is fake?

A Canadian employer pays for the LMIA, and employers may not charge you to get or keep a job or recover their recruitment costs from you. You pay only your work permit, medical exam and biometrics fees. Anyone promising a guaranteed job or visa in exchange for money is running a scam.

Offers sent from free email accounts with no verifiable company address
Salaries far above what the job normally pays
Requests to pay into a personal account or through a money transfer service

Do nurses and doctors from Nigeria need anything extra?

Yes. The Lagos checklist asks health professionals for a letter from the regulatory body in the destination province confirming eligibility for interim licensing or registration, such as the College of Registered Nurses. They also need an original police certificate issued in the past 12 months and a medical exam.

Why applications from Nigeria get refused

These are the grounds IRCC officers most often write in refusal letters for this kind of application. They are typical grounds, not statistics. Fix them before you apply, not after.

The officer was not satisfied you can perform the job described in the offer.
The job offer or LMIA could not be verified or was not genuine.
The officer was not satisfied you will leave Canada when the permit ends.
Required police certificates or employment evidence were missing.

Not satisfied you will leave Canada Purpose of visit Family ties in Canada and at home

Already refused? Read what your refusal letter means

Work permit from Nigeria: FAQ

: No. Buying or selling LMIAs is prohibited. The employer must apply for and pay for the LMIA. If someone asks you to pay for one, walk away.
: Often, yes. The Lagos checklist lets a spouse apply for an open work permit or a visitor visa, and children for study permits or visitor visas, in the same package.
: Dated within two months of your application, with occupation, duties, position, salary, allowances, years of employment and approved leave dates.

Official sources

Get your work permit file checked before you apply

Tell us where you are in the process. A member of our team will tell you what is missing or weak in your Nigeria application, before IRCC does.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, fees and document lists change often. Confirm current requirements on canada.ca or with a licensed Canadian immigration representative (RCIC or lawyer) before you apply.