1. Why Relocate to Canada from Nigeria?
Canada is one of the top destinations for Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad, thanks to its thriving economy, excellent quality of life, and welcoming immigration policies. Moving to Canada offers several advantages:
- Quality of life: Canada consistently ranks high for its healthcare, education, and overall quality of life.
- Employment opportunities: Canada’s strong economy creates demand for skilled workers in fields like technology, engineering, and healthcare.
- Permanent residency pathway: Canada offers several visa options that lead to permanent residency (PR), allowing you to live and work in the country long-term.
- Multicultural society: Canada is home to a diverse population, with a large Nigerian community in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary.
2. Visa Options for Relocating to Canada from Nigeria
Before moving to Canada, you need to apply for the appropriate visa. Canada offers a variety of immigration programs that cater to different needs, including work, study, and family reunification. Here are the most popular visa options for Nigerians relocating to Canada:
1. Express Entry
The Express Entry system is the fastest and most popular route for skilled workers relocating to Canada. It’s a points-based system used to manage applications for three federal programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Eligibility Requirements:
- Work experience: At least one year of skilled work experience in the last 10 years.
- Education: A minimum of a high school diploma, but higher education gives you more points.
- Language proficiency: English or French proficiency (usually IELTS or TEF scores).
- Age: Applicants between 18 and 35 receive more points.
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): You must score highly on the CRS, which assesses factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Each Canadian province operates its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), designed to meet local labor market needs. Under PNP, provinces select candidates who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the local economy.
Eligibility:
- You must have a job offer or skills that are in demand in the province.
- You must be nominated by the province, after which you can apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system or directly through the PNP stream.
3. Study Permit
If you want to study in Canada, you can apply for a Study Permit. Canada is home to several world-class universities, and studying in Canada also provides a pathway to Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP) and permanent residency.
Eligibility:
- You must be accepted into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Provide proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
- Demonstrate language proficiency in English or French.
4. Family Sponsorship
If you have family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, they can sponsor you for permanent residency through the Family Sponsorship Program.
Eligibility:
- Your relative in Canada must be able to support you financially during the initial years of your stay.
- You must be related as a spouse, dependent child, or parent.
3. Eligibility Requirements for Moving to Canada from Nigeria
No matter which visa option you choose, there are general eligibility requirements you must meet to relocate to Canada from Nigeria:
1. Educational Credentials
To maximize your chances of success, it is essential to have your educational qualifications assessed by an authorized organization like World Education Services (WES). This step is required for immigration programs like Express Entry.
2. Language Proficiency
Proving your language proficiency in English or French is critical. Most visa programs require you to take an approved language test:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for English.
- TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français) for French.
High language test scores significantly improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
3. Proof of Funds
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family during your stay in Canada. For example, under the Express Entry system, the minimum required funds for a single applicant are around CAD $13,757 (2024), with additional funds needed for each family member.
4. Medical and Police Clearance
You will need to undergo a medical examination and submit a police clearance certificate to prove that you are in good health and have no serious criminal record.
4. How to Apply for a Canadian Visa from Nigeria
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Canadian visa from Nigeria:
Step 1: Choose Your Visa Program
Based on your skills, qualifications, and goals, select the visa category that best suits you (e.g., Express Entry, PNP, or Study Permit).
Step 2: Take a Language Test
Take an approved English (IELTS) or French (TEF) test and obtain the required minimum scores to be eligible for your visa program.
Step 3: Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Have your Nigerian educational qualifications assessed by WES or another authorized credential assessment body to determine their Canadian equivalency.
Step 4: Create Your Express Entry Profile
For the Express Entry program, create an online profile and submit all required documents, including your ECA, language test results, and work experience details. Once your profile is created, you will be placed in a pool of candidates based on your CRS score.
Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If you qualify, you will receive an ITA to apply for permanent residency. You will need to submit all supporting documents and pay the visa application fees.
Step 6: Complete the Application and Attend Biometrics
Submit your completed visa application and schedule a biometrics appointment at a designated visa application center in Nigeria.
Step 7: Wait for a Decision
The processing time for most visa applications, including Express Entry, can range from 6 to 12 months. Once approved, you will receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), allowing you to move to Canada.
5. Cost of Moving to Canada from Nigeria
Moving to Canada from Nigeria involves several costs. Here’s a breakdown of the major expenses:
1. Visa Application Fees
- Express Entry application fee: CAD $1,365 for the principal applicant.
- Study Permit: CAD $150.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) fees vary by province.
2. Language Test Fees
The cost of the IELTS exam in Nigeria is approximately NGN 90,000 to 100,000.
3. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
The fee for WES assessment is around CAD $220, excluding delivery fees.
4. Proof of Funds
As part of your visa application, you must show proof of sufficient funds to support your initial stay in Canada. This amount varies depending on the number of family members accompanying you.
5. Travel Costs
Airfare from Nigeria to Canada can range from NGN 400,000 to 800,000, depending on the season and destination.
6. Settling in Canada: Key Tips for Nigerian Expats
Once your visa is approved and you’ve made the move, here are some essential tips to help you settle into life in Canada:
1. Find Housing
Look for temporary accommodation before your arrival, then explore long-term options such as rental properties or purchasing a home. Websites like Kijiji, Realtor.ca, and Rentals.ca are helpful resources.
2. Open a Bank Account
Opening a Canadian bank account is essential for managing your finances. Major banks like RBC, TD, and Scotiabank offer services tailored to new immigrants.
3. Register for Healthcare
Once you’re a permanent resident, register for Canada’s public healthcare system in your province. You may also want to consider private health insurance for additional coverage.
4. Employment
Start job hunting before or after your arrival in Canada. Websites like Indeed, Monster, and the Government of Canada Job Bank are great places to search for employment.
Conclusion
Relocating to Canada from Nigeria offers numerous opportunities for those seeking better career prospects, quality of life, and education. By choosing the right visa option, preparing your application thoroughly, and planning for costs, you can make your move to Canada a smooth and successful experience. Whether you’re moving as a skilled worker, student, or through family sponsorship, Canada’s immigration system provides a clear path to settling in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.