How to Immigrate (Relocate) to Canada from Nigeria

Do you know that approximately, 12,595 Nigerians obtained Canadian permanent residence, and about 11,985 obtained their education in Canada. This has increased significantly from the 4,090 who came to Canada in 2015. There were about 42,430 Nigerians residing in Canada in 2016, according to official Canada Statistics.

Every Nigerians who wish to immigrate to Canada have over One-hundred (100) economic-class pathways to choose from. The best immigration program for each person will depend on their individual goals and circumstances.

Below is an overview of some of the immigration pathways that Nigerians can pursue to get Canadian permanent residence. This will be of help to you or anyone planning to migrate to Canada.

#1. Express Entry system

Canada normally invites interested candidates to file for permanent residence. The most direct route to get invited to apply for immigration is to lodge a profile to the Express Entry system.

The Express Entry system manages applications for three main Canadian immigration programs: Federal Skilled Trades Program, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Canadian Experience Class.

Eligible candidates are awarded a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on their work experience, education, age, and official language proficiency.

Candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply for Canadian immigration through Express Entry draws which normally takes place every two weeks.

Candidates do not need to have a job offer to be nominated from an Express Entry draw.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada is still conducting Express Entry draws. The past two draws have been among the biggest that the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has ever held.

IRCC is also giving candidates extra time to submit their documents that they are not able to get due to COVID-19 restrictions, closures, and service disruptions.

The Canadian government aims to process applications for immigration candidates in six (6) months. If an individual profile stays in the Express Entry pool for more than one year, the individual can simply lodge their profile again to re-enter the pool.

If a Nigerian candidate is not qualified for Express Entry they can also be able to immigrate to Canada via one of the Provincial Nominee Programs.

#2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Provincial nominee programs allow Canadian provinces and territories to select economic-class immigration candidates who support their labor market needs. Nigerian candidates who wish to work and settle in a specific province or territories can key into these programs.

Most Canadian provinces and territories have at least one provincial nomination program that is aligned to Express Entry.

When a PNP is linked or aligned with the Express Entry system they are known as “enhanced streams.” Candidates who obtain provincial nominations through enhanced streams receive an extra 600 CRS points, which practically assures that a candidate will be invited in a future Express Entry draw.

Depending on the stream or program, an “enhanced stream” may roll out invitations based on either provincial expression of interest (EOI) scores or the CRS points.

The other type of provincial nominee programs is called a “base” stream, which means it is not linked to the federal Express Entry system. These streams support the provinces’ individual objective, and may or may not use a scoring system to nominate candidates.

Candidates who may not be eligible for the Express Entry pool, but who fit the required skills needed in a particular province may be qualified for a provincial nomination through a base stream.

Nigerians who want to immigrate to Quebec province must go through their economic immigration program. Skilled worker may go through Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program which operates under an expression of interest system.

#3. Family Sponsorship

Remarkably, Canada is always willing to see families reunite and so, it offers a family class sponsorship program that enables a permanent resident or citizen of Canada the opportunity to sponsor the family members to Canada. But the sponsor of the program must fulfil certain requirements which include:

Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and must be at least 18 years

As permanent residents must reside in Canada and as Canadian citizens may sponsor their family members even when they are not in Canada.

Can comfortably provide for the family member’s daily and health needs for the mandated duration.

Must have a clean criminal record.

Below is the list of family members that can be sponsored by the family class sponsorship.

Spouse

Common-Law partner

Conjugal partner

Dependent children

Parents

Grandparents

Brothers or sisters, nephews or nieces, granddaughters or grandsons who are orphaned, under 18 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship

Another relative of any age or relationship but only under specific conditions

Accompanying relatives of the above (for example, spouse, partner and dependent children).

#4. Study in Canada to Qualify for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

Studying in Canada with a student visa does not directly offer a permanent resident status to you. However, it’s a valuable step that can greatly enhance your chances of getting a permanent residency upon your graduation.

It is noteworthy that obtaining a Canadian qualification like a certificate, diploma, or degree offers great chances for you as they count as Canadian credentials on your immigration application status.

What is more, studying a program that takes longer than eight months, in Canada, offers you eligibility for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. This work permit provides the opportunity for you to live and work anywhere in Canada.

With it, you can gain work experience to pursue a bigger deal after your studies. Consequently, with your education and Canadian work experience, you stand the chance of applying for your permanent residency status.

#5. Canadian Start-up Visa Program

This program is specifically for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. The Canadian government established this program to ensure only talented entrepreneurs who are interested in starting businesses that can help in boosting the economy of the country and also create job opportunities for residents can apply.

If you are eligible for this program, you can come on a Canadian work permit, while being offered permanent resident status once you establish your business.

#6. Other Federal Economic Programs

There are over 60 pathways to immigrate to Canada. Impressively, the government of Canada offers several federal economic programs to help in bringing different foreign nationals to fill the occupational and population gaps in the country.

For instance, if you have a job offer in an in-demand field (Medical specialties) in or in a rural or Atlantic region of Canada (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island), you may qualify to apply for permanent residence any of the federal economic programs.

If you could not make it through this means, you can check out the provincial streams that are specific to each province apart from the Provincial Nominee Program.

What Are Canada’s Province Immigration Programs?

The immigration program in the provinces of Canada include:

Ontario Immigration

Quebec Immigration

Alberta Immigration

British Columbia Immigration

Manitoba Immigration

New Brunswick Immigration

Newfoundland Immigration

Nova Scotia Immigration

Saskatchewan Immigration

Prince Edward Island Immigration

How much does it cost to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria?

To immigrate to Canada from Nigeria generally costs about $2,300 for a single applicant. A couple can primarily spend around $4500. However, the amount is not guaranteed, owing to the fact that different programs have their specific demands which may affect the cost too.

Additionally, this excludes proof of settlement funds that you must show before you can be allowed to settle in Canada. But for a single applicant, you must have up to $13,000 in your account.

Do I need the IELTS to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria?

If you are planning to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria, you must take one of Canada’s official language exams, including IELTS, CELPIP English language and TEF or TCF for French. Almost all Canadian immigration programs require candidates to provide French or English language results from an authorized organization.

These tests undoubtedly have several locations in Nigeria where you can take them. Moreover, there is no preferred test by the Canadian government. Hence, you can always choose what is best for you.

Can I Transition from Temporary to Permanent Residence?

Many immigrants to Canada who are temporary residents are transitioning to permanent residents. This is a popular route for those who do not immediately qualify for Canadian permanent residency when they applied from Nigeria. Also, Canada keeps accepting temporary workers to fill emergency gaps in the country and that makes it possible for them to immigrate to the country.

They equally receive work permits through the Temporary Worker Program, International Mobility Program and International Experience Canada Program. After they have spent a particular period in Canada, they can transition as permanent residents.

How does Canadian Immigration Work?

Some of the over 100 visas and immigration options are based on points and Canada selects the highest-scoring individuals for permanent residency in the country. Other options are employer-driven, meaning you must receive employment before can apply for immigration to Canada from Nigeria.

Why are Nigerians so successful in moving to Canada?

Several factors may be playing out. Some of them include their great zeal for education, proficiency in English and hard-working nature. You can find out if you can immigrate to Canada, and for which program you qualify.

Conclusion

To immigrate to Canada from Nigeria is one of the dreams of every average Nigerian, as Canada is one of the best countries with great economy, cultural diversity and people. Expectantly, you will be among those immigrating to Canada soon if you Choose and follow any of the pathways on this article. We are eager to hear the good news. Best wishes.