Easy Guide to Relocating to Canada from Nigeria – 5 Pathways

Last updated on February 18th, 2023

How would you feel if you had to move to another country without knowing anyone or knowing where to start? Unfortunately, this is precisely what thousands of Nigerians face every year. The good news is that relocating to Canada from Nigeria is easier than ever. If you want to move to Canada, consider these five pathways.

Canada offers a wide range of opportunities for Nigerians. Whether you are interested in working, studying, starting a family, or simply exploring new places, Canada has something for everyone.

Around 1.45 million immigrants are expected to arrive in Canada by 2025. So if you’re considering moving from Nigeria, this easy guide will outline ten pathways to help you relocate. With a bit of planning and some research, you can make your transition to Canada a smooth one.

History of Nigerian immigration to Canada

Nigerian immigrants have been arriving in Canada in small numbers since the late 1800s. The majority of these early immigrants were students or professionals who came to Canada to study or work at universities or hospitals. However, during the 1967-1970 Nigerian Civil War, a greater number of Nigerians relocated to Canada in the 1960s and 1970s (Biafra War).

Nigerians were not separately counted in immigration statistics until 1973. As a result, from 1973 to 1991, 3,919 landed immigrants of Nigerian origin arrived in Canada.

Nigerians are concentrated throughout the Greater Toronto Area, particularly in Brampton and Etobicoke. In the 2016 Census, 51,800 persons were identified as Nigerians, with more than half residing in Ontario.

Many more Nigerians in Canada identified themselves by tribe rather than country, with 9,600 identifying as Yoruba, 5,600 as Igbo, and 1,900 as Edo. The number of Nigerians living in western Canadian cities such as Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg has also steadily increased.

Why Relocating to Canada from Nigeria?

There are many reasons why Nigerians want to relocate from Nigeria to Canada. Here are just a few of the reasons why Canada might be a great place to call home:

• One reason is that Canada is a developed country with a strong economy. This can provide opportunities for Nigerians who are looking for work.
• Additionally, Canada has a high standard of living, which can be appealing to those who are used to living in Nigeria.
• Another reason to relocate to Canada from Nigeria is that it is a safe country with low crime rates. This can be especially appealing to families who want to provide a good environment for their children.
• Canada is home to some of the best universities in the world. If you’re looking for a place to get a great education, Canada is a perfect choice.
• Finally, Canada is a culturally diverse country. This means that immigrants from Nigeria will not feel out of place or isolated in their new homes.

5 Pathways to Relocating to Canada from Nigeria

Without much ado, there are many immigration options available to you if you would like to relocate to Canada from Nigeria. Here are five of the most common routes for Nigerians to come to Canada:

• Express Entry System.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
• Canada Student Visa.
• Family Sponsorship.
• Other Federal Economic Programs.

#1. Express Entry System

Without a doubt, Express Entry is the easiest and most popular pathway for Nigerians looking to start a new life in Canada. In fact, Express Entry organizes and processes applications for those seeking to immigrate to Canada and obtain permanent residence in Canada.

Candidates with university or college degrees, skilled work experience, and a moderate command of English and/or French are desired. As a result, Nigerian skilled/professionals fare well in the Express Entry pool.

Candidates who meet the requirements for the following programs are also eligible to apply for the Express Entry program:

• Federal Skilled Worker
• Federal Skilled Trades
• Canadian Experience Class

Essentially, the Express Entry system manages Canadian immigration for Nigerians via the three immigration programs listed above, with eligible candidates receiving a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on their job experience, education, age, and official language ability.

Candidates with the best scores are asked to apply for Canadian immigration through Express Entry drawings, which occur every two weeks on average.

Steps to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria through Express Entry

The first significant step is ensuring you meet the Express Entry eligibility criteria. In addition, you’ll need a valid Nigerian passport, at least one year of work experience, and a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark level 7 in either English or French.

Once you’ve determined your eligibility, you’ll need to create an online profile via the Express Entry system. You’ll be asked about your age, education, work experience, language skills, etc.

After you’ve completed your profile, you’ll be added to the Express Entry pool of candidates. Following that, you will be assigned a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

#2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Another route to relocate to Canada from Nigeria is through the Provincial Nominee Programs or PNPs. Every one of Canada’s thirteen provinces and territories has its own immigration program.

Because each province has a different population and economy, each province’s immigration plans are unique and designed to meet its economic and demographic demands.

PNPs are popular because they might provide the quickest path to Canadian permanent residence.

Nigerians who are nominated through a PNP (which is linked to Express Entry) will gain 600 more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.

This means they are almost certainly going to get an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the upcoming Express Entry draw.

The provinces listed below have a Provincial Nominee Program. They are as follows:

• Alberta – Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
• British Columbia – British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP).
• Manitoba – Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).
• New Brunswick – New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP).
• Nova Scotia – Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP).
• Newfoundland and Labrador – Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP).
• Ontario – Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
• Prince Edward Island – Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP).
• Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).

#3. Canada Student Visa

The Canada Student Visa is another quick way to relocate to Canada from Nigeria. Although, studying in Canada on a student visa from Nigeria does not automatically grant you permanent resident status. However, it is an important step that can considerably improve your prospects of obtaining permanent residency after graduation.

It is worth noting that getting a Canadian certification such as a certificate, diploma, or degree provides you with good opportunities because they count as Canadian qualifications on your immigration application status.

Furthermore, studying in Canada for more than eight months qualifies you for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. You can live and work anywhere in Canada with this work permit.

It allows you to obtain job experience in order to pursue a larger contract after finishing school. As a result of your education and Canadian job experience, you have a good probability of obtaining permanent residency.

The process of obtaining a student visa for Canada can be daunting, but it is worth it in the end. Once you have your visa, you will be able to enjoy all that Canada has to offer, from its stunning natural scenery to its vibrant cities. So if you’re thinking about relocating to Canada from Nigeria, there you have it! Check out a Complete list of Canada Visa Requirements for Nigerian Students!

#4. Family Sponsorship

For those interested in relocating to Canada from Nigeria, the family sponsorship program may be the best option. Surprisingly, Canada is always eager to see families reunited. This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain relatives for permanent residence in Canada. But the sponsor of the program must meet certain requirements, which include the following:

• You must be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• As permanent residents must reside in Canada, Canadian citizens may sponsor family members who are not in the country.
• Can comfortably meet the family member’s daily and health demands for the specified time period.
• A clean criminal record is required.

Furthermore, the family class sponsorship can sponsor the following family members:

• Spouse
• Common-Law partner
• Conjugal partner
• Dependent children
• Parents
• Grandparents
• Orphaned brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, granddaughters and grandsons who are under the age of 18 and are not married or in a common-law relationship
• Another relative of any age or kinship, but only under certain circumstances
• accompanying relatives of the aforementioned (for example, spouse, partner, and dependent children).

Thus, if you have a family member in Canada, who is already a Citizen or permanent resident, this pathway could be the best option for you. The process can be lengthy, but it is worth it if you are looking to provide your loved ones with a better life. Therefore, if you are considering this option, you should research the requirements and begin the application process as soon as possible.

#5. Other Federal Economic Programs

There are over 100 immigration pathways for Nigerians to immigrate to Canada. Impressively, the Canadian government provides many federal economic programs to assist in bringing foreign individuals into the country to cover vocational and population gaps.

For example, if you have a work offer in a high-demand industry in or near Canada’s rural or Atlantic regions (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island), you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through any of the federal economic programs.

If you are unable to make it through this route, you can look into the provincial streams that are specialized to each province in addition to the Provincial Nominee Program.

Wrapping Up!

In conclusion, there are many pathways that Nigerian citizens can take to relocate to Canada. These include applying for an Express Entry, Study permit, or the Provincial Nominee Program. Each of these options has its own requirements, but all are possible for those willing to put in the effort. With a bit of research and perseverance, anyone can make their dream of living in Canada a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section is a must-have for anyone considering a move to Canada from Nigeria. It covers all of the frequently asked questions and provides clear and concise answers.

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

A single applicant’s expense to migrate to Canada from Nigeria is typically around $2,300. A couple should expect to spend approximately $4500. The amount, however, is not certain because different programs have different requirements, which may significantly alter the cost.

Furthermore, this does not include confirmation of settlement funds, which is required before you may settle in Canada. However, a single applicant must have up to $13,000 in their account.

Is the IELTS required to come to Canada from Nigeria?

If you intend to move to Canada from Nigeria, you must take one of the country’s official language examinations, such as IELTS, CELPIP English, and TEF or TCF French. Furthermore, practically all Canadian immigration programs require candidates to present French or English language results from a recognized agency.

There are surely various venues in Nigeria where you can take these tests. Furthermore, the Canadian government has no favored test. As a result, you can always select what is ideal for you.

What is the Process of Canadian Immigration?

Some of the more than 100 visa and immigration choices are based on points, and Canada chooses the highest-scoring applicants for permanent residency. Other choices are employer-driven, which means you must be employed before applying for immigration to Canada from Nigeria.

Why are Nigerians doing so well in Canada?

Several causes could be at work here. Some of them are their strong interest in school, fluency in English, and hardworking disposition. You can also find out if you can immigrate to Canada and which programs you qualify for.