Express Entry: 5 Simple Steps to Immigrate from Nigeria to Canada

re you considering moving from Nigeria to Canada’s vibrant and diverse landscapes? You’re not alone. Each year, thousands seek to immigrate from Nigeria to Canada, attracted by the country’s reputation for a high quality of life, strong economy, and inclusive society.

One of the most efficient routes for this immigration journey is through the Express Entry system. This blog post will guide you through the five simple steps to make your dream of moving to Canada a reality using the Express Entry system.

Step 1: Find Out if You’re Eligible for Canada Express Entry

Before diving into the application process, it’s crucial to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for Express Entry. Express Entry is not a visa but a system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residency under three main federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.

You can use a tool available on the Canadian government’s website to check your eligibility. This tool assesses your qualifications based on age, education, work experience, and language proficiency in English or French, among other factors. To avoid complications in your application in the future, your self-assessment must be honest and accurate.

More on this in step 2 below.

Step 2: Check Your CRS Score

After confirming your eligibility, the next step is to calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The CRS is a points-based system the Canadian government uses to assess and rank your profile in the Express Entry pool. Factors like skills, education, language ability, work experience, and others contribute to your CRS score.

You can calculate your CRS score using the CRS tool on the Canadian government’s website. Achieving a high CRS score is vital as it increases your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Click here to calculate your CRS score. If you have not written the IELTS, assume scores of 7 in Speaking, 8 in Listening, 7 in Reading, and 7 in Writing. I will explain why later in this article.

After checking your score, you can go to the Express Entry rounds of invitations announcement page to benchmark it. On that page, you will find historical cut-off points for past draws. You will see where you stand by comparing your score to recent cut-off points. If your score is significantly below recent cut-off points, do not despair. From time to time, IRCC springs up other streams that you may qualify for. Additionally, one of several provinces may nominate you to apply to work and live in Canada, which gives you additional 600 points. They will be like your sponsor to immigrate from Nigeria to Canada.

Watch this video to see how to check your score.

The table below outlines the various factors contributing to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This score is a crucial element in determining eligibility for Express Entry. The table will break down each factor and the points they contribute to the overall score.

Maximum points per factor for Express Entry candidates

Read more about where you can maximize CRS points on the breakdown of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) page. The article details how factors such as your age, level of education, etc., play a role in determining your score.

The table above shows the score you get for each factor that makes up your CRS score. Knowing there are opportunities to earn additional points for some of these factors is essential. For example, if you max out your IELTS score, you get an extra 3 points per language ability. I will explain it in detail in the next paragraph. 

When you ask people what you should score in your IELTS to get all the points allotted for the first official language, they will tell you CLB 9. CLB stands for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), and CLB 9 means that you must score 7 in Speaking, 8 in Listening, 7 in Reading, and 7 in Writing.

Don’t be mistaken; that will only get you 124 points out of the 136 allotted to the first official language. If you max out each language ability to CLB 10–7 in Speaking, 8 in Listening, 7 in Reading, and 7 in Writing–you get an extra 3 points per ability ((3×4)+124=136).

Also, know that if you get a provincial nomination, you get a whopping 600 points, which resolves any points issue you may have. Other possible sources of extra points are a job offer from a Canadian Employer (200 points) and a sibling who is a permanent resident or a citizen of Canada (15 points). Another point source is writing a French test as a language.

Step 3: Get Your Documents Ready

Preparing your documents is a critical step in the Express Entry process. You will need various documents to prove your eligibility and CRS scores, such as language test results, educational credential assessments, work experience letters, and more.

For the Canada Express Entry application, a range of documents is essential to establish eligibility and enhance the chances of selection. Here’s a comprehensive list:

1. Passport or Travel Document: A valid passport is mandatory for identity verification.
2. Language Test Results: Proof of language proficiency in English or French, like IELTS or TEF, is required. More about this in the following paragraphs.
3. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Report: If you were educated outside Canada, an ECA verifies that your education is equivalent to Canadian standards. More about this in the following paragraphs.
4. Work Experience Documents: This includes reference letters, employment contracts, pay stubs, and, for self-employed individuals, business registration documents and client contracts. More about this in the following paragraphs.
5. Provincial Nomination (if applicable): If you have a nomination from a Canadian province, include the nomination certificate.
6. Canadian Job Offer (if applicable): A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can boost your application. If you have one, you get extra 200 points.
7. Police Certificates: These are required to prove you have no criminal record.
8. Medical Exams: Proof of good health through medical exams is required.
9. Proof of Funds: You must demonstrate you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada.
10. Photographs: Recent photos according to the specified format.
11. Marriage or Divorce Certificate: If applicable, for marital status verification.
12. Dependent Children’s Birth Certificates: If applicable, for dependents accompanying you.
13. Other Supporting Documents: This can include additional identification documents, personal reference letters, or any other document requested by IRCC.

Ensure that all your documents are up-to-date and accurately reflect your qualifications. Delays or inaccuracies in documentation can lead to setbacks in the application process. You only have to submit these documents when you get an invitation to apply (ITA).

IELTS Test Result required to Immigrate from Nigeria to Canada

Aspiring immigrants looking to immigrate from Nigeria to Canada must meet specific language proficiency levels to qualify. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a key benchmark for assessing English language skills, essential for Canada’s Express Entry. Make sure you write the General Training test, not the Academic IELTS used for applying for college admission in Canada. Read more about the distinctions here.

Candidates should aim for a high IELTS score to enhance their Express Entry profile. A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 score is typically required. This translates to at least 6.0 in each IELTS test component: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Your IELTS score significantly influences your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score within the Express Entry pool. Higher language proficiency can lead to a more favorable CRS score, increasing the chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency.

To optimize your Express Entry application, prepare diligently for the IELTS. High IELTS scores not only fulfill the language requirement but also open doors to a successful future in Canada.

You will submit a copy of your IELTS result as proof of language proficiency. Make sure you get the document ready before you get ITA.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Nigerian applicants eyeing the Canada Express Entry program must understand the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) requirement. An ECA is crucial for those who completed their education outside Canada. It evaluates non-Canadian education and equates it to Canadian standards. You will typically need to assess only your highest level of education.

The ECA is a key step in the Express Entry application for Immigrating from Nigeria to Canada. It verifies that their educational qualifications are valid and comparable to Canadian credentials. This process is vital for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, one of the three programs under Express Entry.

Applicants must choose from designated organizations like the World Education Service (WES) for their ECA. The assessment typically takes a few months, so planning is essential. 

Securing an ECA is fundamental for Nigerian applicants to validate their education and enhance their Canada Express Entry system prospects. WES will give you a reference number for your evaluation and send a copy of your assessment to the IRCC.

Work Experience Documents

For the Canada Express Entry application, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires specific work experience documents. These vary for employed and self-employed applicants.

Employed Applicants:

1. Reference Letters: These should be on company letterhead, signed by a supervisor or HR, and include the applicant’s job title, duties, employment dates, and hours per week.
2. Payslips: Regular pay slips confirm ongoing employment.
3. Work Contracts: Contracts detail the terms of employment, including job responsibilities and duration.
4. Tax Documents: These may serve as additional proof of employment.

Self-Employed Applicants:

1. Business Registration: Proof of business ownership and registration is essential. The certificate of incorporation from the Corporate Affairs Commission will suffice here.
2. Contracts with Clients: Contracts demonstrate professional engagements and the nature of work performed. You can also use invoices you issued if you don’t have contract documents.
3. Financial Statements: These provide a record of income from self-employment. You can include documents such as receipts issued to customers and bank statements showing deposits customers made into your account.
4. Client Testimonials: Letters from clients can verify the work done and the applicant’s role.
5. Tax Documents: These may also serve as additional proof of employment. A tax ID or certificate from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) or state tax body like Lagos’ LIRS will suffice.

Both employed and self-employed applicants should ensure their documents clearly outline their work experience relevant to their NOC code. Authentic and detailed records play a crucial role in successfully processing the Canada Express Entry application.

Step 4: Fill Out Your Express Entry Profile

Once you have your documents in order, the next step is to create and fill out your Express Entry profile. This online profile is where you input your personal information, background, skills, work experience, and other relevant details. It’s your formal expression of interest in immigrating to Canada.

Your profile will be assessed, and if you meet the criteria, you’ll be entered into the Express Entry pool. Remember, your profile should be completed carefully and accurately to reflect your true potential as a candidate for immigration to Canada.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: You don’t need to have all the documents listed earlier in this article before you create an Express Entry profile and “enter the pool.” Of course, you should take the IELTS so that you have a score to enter. So, that may be the most important document you have to get first.

You can start an application here.

Step 5: Get an Invitation and Apply (ITA)

The final step is the most exciting – receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. The IRCC issues ITAs to candidates in the Express Entry pool who have a high enough CRS score. Once you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residency.

This application is comprehensive and requires attention to detail. You must provide all requested documentation and information accurately. After submission, your application will be reviewed, and if successful, you will be granted permanent residency in Canada.

Conclusion on Immigrate from Nigeria to Canada

The journey to immigrate from Nigeria to Canada through the Express Entry system can be straightforward if you understand and meticulously follow these five steps. From checking your eligibility to receiving an ITA, each step is vital in paving your path to a new life in Canada.

We hope this guide has been informative and helpful. If you have any questions or experiences to share about your journey through the Express Entry system, please feel free to comment below. Your insights could be invaluable to others embarking on the same journey.

Don’t forget to check other Canada immigration streams to relocate from Nigeria to Canada.