How to Immigrate to Canada from Nigeria? 

Canada is one of the best countries for Nigerian immigration. The country has a stable political system, excellent educational institutions, and a top-tier healthcare system. Additionally, Nigerians are one of the largest immigration populations in Canada. In fact, in 2021 around  15,000 Nigerian nationals have immigrated to the country. The Immigration Levels Plan of  Canada aims to bring 465,000 new permanent residents. All this makes Canada a desirable destination for immigration. Therefore, in this blog, we have discussed 5 most common ways to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria. 

Express Entry

Express Entry is one of the most common ways to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria. The ideal candidates for express entry are people with moderate English proficiency or French Language proficiency with skilled work experience. Applications for express entry can be submitted under 3 categories. They are 

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) is an excellent way to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria. Nigerian skilled workers who have foreign work experience, language skills, education, and meet other human capital requirements are eligible for the program. Those who meet the FSW eligibility criteria must check their CRS or the Comprehensive Ranking System score.

Watch the video below to check if you are eligible for Canada express entry

Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

The Federal Skills Trades (FST) is available to applicants with skills trades work experience, job offer or certification of qualifications, and language skills. This is another swift way to immigrate to canada from Nigeria.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is available to Nigerian nationals with Canadian skilled work experience and language skills. A Skilled worker refers to a person who has worked in 1 or more of the NOC training, education, experience and responsibilities (TEER) categories. 

Learn about the Canada work permit in detail 

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Canada has a total of 13 provinces, each of which has its own immigration programs. These immigration programs are called Provincial Nominee Programs or PNPs. This immigration program has been developed to cater to the needs of the economic and demographic needs of each province. Applicants who are nominated through a PNP that is aligned with Express Entry will receive an additional 600 CRS points (Comprehensive Ranking System). Those nominated by a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) are guaranteed to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the Express Entry draw the next time.

Watch the video below to learn the difference between PNP and express entry

Family Sponsorship

Canadian nationals can sponsor their family for Canadian immigration. This is because family reunification is important for the country. Nigerians who are family members of permanent residents of Canada can consider family sponsorship to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria. To sponsor a family member under the family class sponsorship program, the following eligibility criteria must be met: 

• The applicant must be a permanent resident or a citizen of Canada 
• Must have reached the age of 18 years 
• As a permanent resident, the applicant must reside in Canada. On the other hand, the Canadian citizens can live outside the country and sponsor a family member
• Must have finances to support the sponsored person for the duration of stay
• Additionally, the sponsor must agree to the additional requirements. For example, agreeing not to remove social assistance except for disability, and meeting financial obligations such as having a clean criminal record. 

Find out the popular jobs in Canada you can get with a work permit 

Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program

The Canada Start-Up Visa Program is available to Nigerian entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. Canada is seeking talented entrepreneurs who are interested in the betterment of the Canadian economy and creating employment opportunities for residents. Those who are qualified can obtain a work permit. After establishing their business, they can obtain a Canada visa. 

Learn about the Canada student visa 

Other Federal Economic Programs

Another way to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria is to obtain an offer letter to work in Canada in an in-demand field or a rural or Atlantic region of Canada. Under this circumstance, the applicant can become eligible for a PR through a federal economic program. The Canadian government has introduced several economic pilot programs to fill the demographic gaps in certain regions of Canada. For example, the International Mobility Program (IMP), and  Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). 

Cost of Immigrate to Canada from Nigeria 

The cost of PR depends on the immigration route selected by the Nigerian national. Moreover, the cost depends on several factors such as age, and the number of dependents, among others. Generally, the applicant has the following costs:

• Funds to support themselves during their stay in Canada. 
• Settlement funds or around $13,000 CAN dollars per person
• Permanent Residence Card cost of $50
• Permanent Residence Travel Documents cost of $50
• Application processing fee. For example, the express entry fee of $850 per applicant 
• Additionally, the applicant must pay for translating documentation, biometrics fees, compliance application fees, legal representative fees, language proficiency test fees, employer compliance application fees, etc

Watch the video below to learn about the relocation expenses to Canada from Nigeria

Important Documents to Immigrate to Canada from Nigeria 

The documents required depend on the application type. Nevertheless, we have provided the general documentation that an applicant must submit to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria. 

• Passport/travel document or a photograph 
• Filled in the application form 
• Proof of finances
• Medical examination 
• Adoption certificate or birth certification 
• Proof of common law relationship or a marriage certificate
• Divorce certificate or death certificate of the spouse if applicable 
• Representative form (those who have hired an immigration lawyer)
• Criminal record check

Canada Processing Time for PR

The Canada permanent residency processing time is 6 months. However, the application for a PR can take longer depending on the applicant’s circumstances. For example, in some cases, a person might have to make alterations to their application or attend an interview to clarify the circumstances. Therefore, it is essential to make sure that you have sufficient time between submission of the application form and the relocation. 

Easiest Countries to Immigrate to From Nigeria

These are the 10  countries a Nigerian can easily immigrate to 

• Canada
• Australia
• Mexico
• Belgium
• Belize
• Ecuador
• Costa Rica
• Paraguay
• Austria
• Panama

FAQs

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