Migrating to Canada from Nigeria is a dream for many families seeking a better life, quality education, and improved career opportunities. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the three sure ways to migrate to Canada from Nigeria, ensuring that your journey is smooth and successful.
Before we discuss the 3 best immigrations streams for Nigerians who want to relocate to Canada, we will discuss some topics everyone ponders. Know that some of the information you will get in this article will depend on the stream you choose eventually.
I have gone through this process myself and I became a Permanent Resident (PR) of Canada. I also have friends who have gone before me who are now Citizens in Canada, and I have guided others through the process. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to drop a comment.
Table of Contents
Is Relocating to Canada from Nigeria Worth It?
Before delving into how to migrate to Canada from Nigeria, it’s crucial to understand the benefits. Canada is known for its high standard of living, inclusive society, and diverse culture. It offers excellent healthcare, education, and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. For Nigerians, this move can mean access to better resources, a safer environment, and a promising future for their children.
Why Canada is a Top Destination for Nigerians
- Quality Education: Canada’s education system is among the best in the world, providing excellent opportunities for children and adults alike.
- Economic Opportunities: With its robust economy, Canada offers a wide range of job opportunities in various sectors.
- Healthcare System: Universal healthcare is one of Canada’s proudest achievements, offering accessible and high-quality medical care to all residents.
- Safety and Quality of Life: Canada consistently ranks high in global quality of life and safety indices, making it an ideal place to raise a family.
Watch the video of when I landed in Canada as a PR
Moving to Canada from Nigeria: Requirements
Understanding the requirements is essential when planning to migrate to Canada from Nigeria. The requirements you will need to provide will ultimately depend on the immigration stream you choose. However, there are several common requirements you must have. Here are the key ones:
- Passport and Travel Documents: A valid Nigerian passport is mandatory.
- Educational and Professional Credentials: Having your educational and professional documents assessed as per Canadian standards.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or French is required, usually proven through tests like IELTS or TEF.
- Financial Proof: Proof of sufficient funds to support your family after moving to Canada.
If you are choosing the Canada Immigration Trade routes to relocate to Canada, other requirements will come into play. Your circumstances will also determine the documents you need to provide. For example, if you apply through the Skilled Worker stream, you will need to provide proof of employment. These documents could include proof of payments such as pay stubs and letter from your previous employers indicating your roles and job descriptions.
When I applied to relocate to Canada from Nigeria, I did as an entrepreneur. To prove this employment, I had to provide business registration documents from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Tax documents from the FIRS, bank statements showing payment clients made to my business, sample invoices and receipts my business issued to customers.
The most common stream for Nigerians relocating to Canada is the Federal Express Entry. We will discuss it briefly in this article. If you need more information, you should, you should read our step-by-step article linked above.
Express Entry Canada
The Express Entry system is a popular way to migrate to Canada from Nigeria. It’s an online immigration application system that manages applications for permanent residence under certain economic immigration programs. The key programs under Express Entry include the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
How to Qualify for Express Entry
- Meet the Eligibility Criteria: Each program under Express Entry has specific requirements based on age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
- Create an Express Entry Profile: Submit your profile and get ranked in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): High-ranking candidates in the pool receive an ITA for permanent residence.
ALSO SEE: How To Relocated via Canada Express Entry from Nigeria.
How to Travel to Canada from Nigeria for Free
While migrating to Canada from Nigeria for free is challenging, there are certain programs and scholarships that can help:
- Scholarships for Students: Numerous scholarships are available for Nigerian students to study in Canada, which often cover tuition, living expenses, and travel.
- Sponsorship Programs: Some Canadian employers offer sponsorship programs that cover travel expenses for skilled workers.
Live and Work in Canada from Nigeria
To live and work in Canada from Nigeria, one must secure a job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer may need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire a foreign worker. While possible, it is not an easy and common way to migrate to Canada from Nigeria.
Steps to Secure a Job in Canada
- Job Search: Utilize online job portals and networking to find job opportunities in Canada. One example is the government’s job bank: jobbank.gc.ca/findajob
- Apply for a Work Permit: Once you have a job offer, apply for a work permit. In some cases, this can lead to permanent residence.
Popular Job Sectors for Nigerians in Canada
- Healthcare: There’s a high demand for healthcare professionals in Canada.
- Technology: The tech sector in Canada is booming, offering opportunities for IT professionals.
- Engineering: Engineers are highly sought after in various industries across Canada.
Migrating to Canada from Nigeria can be a life-changing decision. By understanding the requirements, exploring the Express Entry system, seeking opportunities for free travel, and securing employment, Nigerian families can successfully start their new life in Canada. With its welcoming communities, economic opportunities, and high standard of living, Canada continues to be an attractive destination for families seeking a better future.
Photos from my First Days in Canada
A Step-by-Step Guide to Migrate to Canada from Nigeria
Assess Your Eligibility:
Evaluate your qualifications against the Canadian immigration requirements. Before starting the migration process, it’s crucial to understand if you meet the eligibility criteria set by Canadian immigration authorities. This involves:
- Understanding the Different Categories: Familiarize yourself with various categories like skilled workers, business immigration, family sponsorship, etc.
- Age, Education, Work Experience, and Language Skills: Assess how your age, education, work experience, and language proficiency (English or French) align with the requirements of the Canadian immigration system.
- Health and Security Clearances: Be aware that Canada requires medical exams and police clearances as part of the immigration process.
Gather Necessary Documents:
Prepare your passport, educational and professional credentials, language proficiency test results, and financial proofs. Compiling the right documents is a critical step in the process to migrate to Canada from Nigeria:
- Passport and Identification: Ensure your passport is valid and gather any other identification documents.
- Educational and Professional Credentials: Get your degrees, diplomas, certificates, and professional qualifications ready. You might need to get these assessed by Canadian standards.
- Language Proficiency: Prepare your IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF test results to prove your proficiency in English or French.
- Financial Documents: Collect documents that prove your financial stability, like bank statements, to show you can support yourself and your family after moving to Canada.
Choose the Right Immigration Program:
Decide between Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, or other specific immigration streams. Selecting the right immigration pathway is essential in your quest to migrate from Nigeria to Canada:
- Express Entry: This system is used for three federal immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. It is the most common route Nigerians use to migrate to Canada from Nigeria.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Each Canadian province and territory has its own PNP with criteria tailored to its specific needs.
- Family Sponsorship or Business Immigration: These are other pathways depending on your situation (e.g., if you have family in Canada or plan to start a business there).
- Nigerian Student Express Stream: According to IRCC on Twitter, the Nigeria Student Express is a pilot initiative at their visa office (VO) in Lagos aimed at improving processing times for study permit applicants in Nigeria who are planning to study at the university level in Canada. One can ultimately apply for a PR after studying in Canada.
Apply for the Chosen Program:
Complete and submit your application with all required documentation. This stage involves:
- Filling out Applications Accurately: Ensure that all the information provided in your application is accurate and complete.
- Supporting Documents: Attach all the necessary documents as per the checklist provided by the immigration program.
- Application Fee: Pay the required processing fees for your application.
Wait for Approval:
This can vary in time depending on the immigration program and your individual circumstances. The office reviewing your application will also determine how long you have to wait before you get approval to migrate to Canada from Nigeria.
- Application Processing Times: Check the estimated processing times for the program you’ve applied for.
- Stay Informed: Keep track of your application status online and respond promptly to any additional requests from Canadian immigration officials.
Prepare for Departure:
Once approved, organize your travel, accommodation, and other logistics for your move and migrate to Canada from Nigeria permanently with your family.
- Travel Arrangements: Book your flights to Canada considering the start date on your visa.
- Accommodation: Research and arrange for temporary or permanent accommodation in Canada.
- Health Insurance: Consider obtaining private health insurance to cover the initial period of your stay in Canada.
- Pack Accordingly: Be mindful of the Canadian climate and pack suitable clothing and essentials.
- Familiarize with Canadian Culture and Laws: Understanding Canadian social norms, laws, and lifestyle beforehand can ease your transition.
By following these steps diligently, you can effectively navigate the process of migrating to Canada from Nigeria, paving the way for a new life full of opportunities for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to migrate to Canada from Nigeria?
The processing time varies depending on the immigration program and individual cases. Express Entry can take six months or less, while other programs may take longer.
Can I migrate to Canada from Nigeria without a job offer?
Yes, programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program under Express Entry do not require a job offer.
What is the cost of migrating to Canada from Nigeria?
Costs include application fees, language test fees, credential assessment fees, and proof of financial support, among others. These can vary widely based on family size and specific circumstances. The table below shows the current (January 2024) proof of funds requirement by the Canadian Government.
Is IELTS mandatory for migrating to Canada from Nigeria?
Yes, IELTS or equivalent tests are generally required to prove English language proficiency.
Can I bring my family when I migrate to Canada from Nigeria?
Yes, most Canadian immigration programs allow you to include your spouse and dependent children in your application.
Final Thoughts
The decision and process to migrate to Canada from Nigeria are critical and require careful planning and preparation. With the right information and approach, Nigerian families can navigate the process smoothly. Canada’s welcoming environment, combined with its diverse culture and numerous opportunities, makes it an ideal destination for those looking to start a new chapter in life.
Remember, it’s essential to stay updated with the latest Canadian immigration policies and seek guidance from reliable sources or authorized immigration consultants. With determination and the right guidance, the dream of migrating to Canada from Nigeria can become a reality for many families.