How to Immigrate to Canada from Nigeria

 

Relocating to Canada is the dream of many young Nigerians – they have such a quest because they believe there are greener pastures in the American country of Canada. Well, truth be told, Canada is one of the best countries to visit as a Nigerian.

Whether you’re going there to work, school, or live with your family, Canada is among the best promising countries for immigrant Nigerians. The country practically has the lowest unemployment rate, and the citizens are friendly to cohabit and deal with, regardless of race.

If you’re looking for a complete guide on how to relocate to Canada from Nigeria, this article provides all the details you seek. There are about four different ways you can legally gain access to Canada as a Nigerian – of course. This is not about lottery!

How to Immigrate to Canada from Nigeria

In 2021 alone, over 15,000 Nigerians moved to Canada for different reasons. Some popular cities to find Nigerians in Canada include Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec. Canada is a destination of choice for engineers, medics, and IT-brilliant Nigerians seeking better-paying job opportunities and stability. Hereunder are the various ways you can move to Canada from Nigeria.

1. Express Entry Opportunities

Just as it sounds, “Express Entry” opportunities, are the most typical and fastest means of moving to Canada from Nigeria. Express Entry opportunities are open to graduates, and skilled workers who are looking for better employment opportunities in a more civilized clime – to settle down and probably acquire permanent residency.

There are a couple of programs that fall under the Express Entry opportunities; you have to look out for the most appropriate one and apply. If you qualify for any of these programs, you can submit an application and wait to be reverted to. The three available programs are Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW): This Express Entry program is open to foreign workers who are skilled in particular areas. You must have work experience and no previous connections to Canada to qualify for this opportunity.

Federal Skilled Trades (FST): This program is for highly skilled individuals. Express Entry FST program uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank registered candidates and indicate the most competitive ones that qualify for Canadian permanent residence.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This program is for people who are already in Canada and has had recent Canadian work experience(s). The CEC program fast-tracks qualified candidates to get Canadian permanent residence.

2. Provincial Nominee Program

Here is another handy opportunity for Nigerians looking to relocate to Canada. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) puts you in the face of provincial authorities, so you can be seen and invited to work and live in the province. Canada has about ten provinces and three territories, most of which are in the PNP.

Well, you have to be a skilled worker to increase your chances of being selected after you have registered for the PNP. There are other criteria to be submitted during your signup. More about the Canadian PNP immigration opportunity can be read here. Also, you can look up the available PNP opportunities you may qualify for using this PNP Finder tool.

Many immigrants – not only Nigerians – go through the PNP path because it is the fastest pathway to Canadian permanent residence. If you get selected through a PNP aligned with Express Entry, you will receive up to 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, which boosts your chances of getting permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw.

3. Startup Visa Program

As the name implies, this immigration opportunity is open to entrepreneurs and startup founders – basically, anyone with an innovative business idea can benefit from this program. Canada, as a county, is looking out for innovative and talented entrepreneurs interested in launching their companies or startups in Canada – to improve the country’s economy while, at the same time creating more job opportunities for foreign residents and citizens. Entrepreneurs that qualify for this program would come to Canada on a work permit and then get Canadian permanent residence after they have set up their business/startup.

4. Family Sponsorship

Family sponsorship is one of the easiest ways to come to Canada from Nigeria – if your family is already in Canada, it’s easy for you to move there too. Canada offers immigration programs allowing Canadians to sponsor/bring their family to Canada. However, before that could be possible, the sponsor (the family member who’s already in Canada) must fulfill some certain requirements:

·       Be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada aged at least 18 years.

·       Reside in Canada (if they are a permanent resident). Indigenous citizens can sponsor a family member even when there are not currently living in the country.

·       Must have sufficient resources to cater for the financial needs and support of the sponsored for a mandated duration.

There may be other requirements the sponsor must comply with before the process is successful, including having a clean criminal record.

How Much Does It Cost To Immigrate To Canada from Nigeria?

This is one of the most important questions to ask if you’re planning to move to Canada from Nigeria. The total cost of moving to Canada as a single individual is about CAD 2,300 ($1,730.79) and CAD 4,500 (USD 3,386.33) if you’re going as a couple. It is important to note that these prices are not standard – you could pay more or less – and do not include “settlement funds” for candidates required to show such reports.

Is IELTS Compulsory for Canada Immigration from Nigeria?

One of the requirements for most immigrants is a pass in one of Canada’s official language exams, IELTS or CELPIP. This is because virtually all Canadian immigration programs would have you submit French or English language test results from authorized organizations. Well, the good thing is, the Canadian government doesn’t have a preferred language test you must take; you choose the one you want – the one that is acceptable in the program you’re applying through.