Relocating from Nigeria to Canada has become one of the most sought-after moves for professionals, students, and families alike. With its stable economy, excellent healthcare system, high quality of life, and diverse multicultural society, Canada remains a top destination for Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad.
In 2025, the process of relocating from Nigeria to Canada has evolved, with updated immigration pathways, stricter documentation requirements, and clearer digital systems that make application management more efficient.
This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of every possible route, from permanent residency to study and work options and practical advice to help you prepare, apply, and settle smoothly in Canada.
Understanding Your Pathways to Canada
Before making the move, you need to determine which immigration pathway best suits your goals and qualifications. Canada offers multiple legal routes for Nigerians to relocate, each with specific eligibility criteria.
A. Express Entry System
This is Canada’s most popular immigration route for skilled workers. It uses a points-based system (Comprehensive Ranking System — CRS) that evaluates age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
Programs under Express Entry include:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Basic Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Minimum of one year skilled work experience
- Proof of English or French proficiency (IELTS or TEF)
- Proof of settlement funds
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Average Processing Time: 6 to 12 months
Key Tip: Aim for a CRS score above 480 in 2025 to increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
B. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
If you don’t meet the high CRS cut-off in Express Entry, you can still immigrate through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Each province in Canada, such as Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba runs its own immigration program targeting specific skill shortages.
Steps:
- Apply to a province directly.
- Receive a nomination.
- Submit your PR application via Express Entry or the PNP stream.
Benefits:
- Additional 600 CRS points if nominated through Express Entry.
- Provinces prioritise certain occupations, making selection easier for in-demand professionals like nurses, IT experts, and engineers.
C. Study Route
Many Nigerians choose to study in Canada first, then transition to permanent residency.
Steps:
- Apply to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Obtain a study permit.
- Work part-time while studying (up to 20 hours/week).
- Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after your studies.
- Use Canadian work experience to apply for PR via Express Entry or PNP.
Advantages:
- Easier transition to permanent residence.
- Opportunity to work during and after study.
- Access to Canadian education and healthcare.
Average Tuition: CAD 15,000–30,000 per year (₦17m–₦34m approx.)
D. Work Permit Route
If you receive a job offer from a Canadian employer, you can apply for a temporary work permit.
Types include:
- Employer-specific work permit (requires LMIA).
- Open work permit (for spouses of international students or workers).
Key Tip: Use legitimate job boards such as Job Bank Canada, Indeed Canada, or LinkedIn to find verified employers.
E. Family Sponsorship
If you already have family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, they can sponsor you under the Family Class Program.
Eligible sponsors:
- Spouse or common-law partner
- Dependent children
- Parents and grandparents
Key Documents Required for Relocating from Nigeria to Canada
Regardless of your route, you’ll need these essential documents:
- International passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from WES, IQAS, or ICES
- IELTS or TEF results for language proficiency
- Proof of work experience (reference letters, payslips, appointment letters)
- Proof of funds (bank statements covering 6 months minimum)
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical examination report from an approved panel physician
- Passport photographs (digital and hard copy)
Minimum Proof of Funds (2025) (for Express Entry)
| Family Size | Required Funds (CAD) |
| 1 person | $14,700 |
| 2 persons | $18,300 |
| 3 persons | $22,000 |
| 4 persons | $26,000 |
Estimated Cost of Relocation
Relocating from Nigeria to Canada involves several expenses:
| Category | Estimated Cost (₦ / CAD) |
| IELTS Test | ₦150,000 / CAD 160 |
| ECA (WES) | ₦80,000 / CAD 150 |
| Medicals | ₦90,000 / CAD 170 |
| Police Certificate | ₦10,000 |
| Visa Application (PR) | ₦450,000 / CAD 850 |
| Proof of Funds | ₦17–25 million (depending on family size) |
| Flight Ticket | ₦1.8–3 million (one-way) |
Total Estimated Cost: ₦20–30 million (for one adult applicant).
Step-by-Step Relocation Process
- Check Eligibility: Use the CRS calculator on the IRCC website.
- Take IELTS: Achieve at least CLB 7 (band 7 in each module).
- Get ECA: Verify your foreign degrees via WES or another body.
- Create an Express Entry Profile: Enter your details on the IRCC portal.
- Receive ITA (Invitation to Apply): If you meet the CRS cut-off.
- Submit PR Application: Upload documents, pay fees, and submit biometrics.
- Undergo Medicals and Security Checks.
- Wait for PR Approval: Usually takes 6–12 months.
- Prepare for Landing: Book your ticket, arrange accommodation, and complete pre-departure orientation.
- Arrive and Settle: Register for SIN (Social Insurance Number), open a bank account, and begin your Canadian journey.
Settling in Canada: What to Expect
Once you arrive in Canada, there are a few immediate steps:
- Register for Healthcare: Apply for your provincial health card.
- Get a SIM and bank account.
- Find temporary housing (Airbnb or short-term lease).
- Connect with Nigerian-Canadian communities for support (via Facebook, WhatsApp, or NIDO networks).
- Apply for jobs: Use Indeed, Glassdoor, and Job Bank.
Popular Cities for Nigerians:
- Toronto (Ontario)
- Calgary (Alberta)
- Winnipeg (Manitoba)
- Vancouver (British Columbia)
- Halifax (Nova Scotia)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Relying on unlicensed immigration agents. Always verify consultants via ICCRC.
- Submitting incomplete documents.
- Using fake job offers — Canada’s visa officers cross-check all employer details.
- Ignoring language test validity (IELTS results expire after 2 years).
- Not maintaining sufficient funds in your bank account for at least 6 months.
FAQs on Relocating from Nigeria to Canada
What is the easiest way to relocate from Nigeria to Canada in 2025?
The easiest routes are the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and the study-to-PR pathway, depending on your qualifications and finances.
How much does it cost to relocate from Nigeria to Canada?
On average, relocation costs between ₦20 million and ₦30 million for a single applicant, covering IELTS, ECA, medicals, proof of funds, and flights.
How long does the relocation process take?
Processing time ranges from 6 to 12 months for Express Entry and 12 to 18 months for study or PNP routes, depending on document readiness.
Can I relocate to Canada without a job offer?
Yes. Through Express Entry or a study permit, you can move to Canada without a pre-arranged job offer, though having one improves your chances.
Is IELTS compulsory for relocating from Nigeria to Canada?
Yes. The IELTS (for English) or TEF (for French) is mandatory for most immigration programs to prove language proficiency.
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