How to Relocate to Canada From Nigeria in 2024

Express Entry is the cheapest and most straightforward route for Nigerians relocating to Canada, though this route can be highly competitive.

Other immigration pathways include provincial nominee programs and family sponsorship. Interested in how to relocate to Canada from Nigeria? Then, read on.

Research Immigration Pathways:

Nigerian immigrants can immigrate to Canada via various paths. Employment- and family sponsorship-based immigration are two popular strategies; however, other possibilities also exist.

Many Nigerians come to Canada in search of higher education, career advancement and a fresh start. This is particularly the case among middle-class individuals whose lack of economic prospects in Nigeria combined with rising unemployment rates may prompt them to seek greener pastures like Canada.

Nigerians tend to qualify well for immigration programs in the U.S. due to their superior English skills, advanced degrees, and relevant work experience. Therefore, they can often gain entry through federal economic class pathways like Express Entry.

Nigerians not eligible through Express Entry can still gain permanent residency through Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Under this program, provinces and territories select immigration candidates based on local labour market needs; candidates who receive provincial nomination gain 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System points – giving them a boost towards an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence when the government holds an Express Entry draw.

Start-Up Visa programs provide business owners and entrepreneurs a fast track to Canadian citizenship. Established Nigerian businesses may wish to explore Intra Company Transfer (ICT), which allows them to relocate key employees temporarily into Canada.

Evaluate Eligibility Criteria

Nigerians stand to benefit greatly from immigrating to Canada, thanks to the country’s robust economy, business opportunities, political stability and globally recognized education and healthcare systems.

Nigerians are one of the primary sources of new permanent residents to Canada. Many arrive under Express Entry’s requirement of university education and work experience in specific occupations; it also awards points for language proficiency – making the program especially appealing to Nigerians with strong command of both English and French.

Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada For International Students

Family Sponsorship and the Federal Skilled Trades program are two additional Express Entry pathways open to Nigerians; both require a job offer and proof of funds, but differ regarding eligibility requirements.

Federal Skilled Trades only considers applicants with experience in specialized trade fields; this typically means positions classified as falling into TEER Group 82 which includes supervisory and technical roles within natural resources, agriculture and related industries. Alternatively, under their owner-operator rules the government can verify a job offer that allows applicants to move temporarily on a work permit but then transition over to permanent residency; to do this they must demonstrate they will invest significant time and money in Canadian business ventures.

Language Proficiency Test

Many Nigerians choose Canada due to its esteemed education system, quality of life and vibrant economy. If you wish to relocate in order to pursue higher-level studies there, it is crucial that you know how best to navigate this process. First step should be identifying which Canadian immigration programs best suit you – this process may involve looking through various Canadian immigration programs until finding one which suits you the best.

Most programs require participants to demonstrate their ability to speak and read both English and French by taking an approved language proficiency exam such as IELTS or CELPIP. Make sure your test takes place in an authorized location by the Canadian government.

If you have both a university degree and work experience, and the Express Entry system might be right for you, IRCC could invite those with the highest rankings to apply for permanent residency through its Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada program (IRCC). Entrepreneurs or self-employed can also immigrate through economic immigration programs like Agri-Food Pilot, Entrepreneur Visa or Caregiver Program to enter Canada legally.

Educational Credential Assessment

Nigerians come to Canada for various reasons, and Nigerians in particular. Some may wish to escape violence and poverty in their home country while others wish to find somewhere that will offer more financial rewards in return for hard work. Whatever the motivation may be, it’s essential that any immigration path be thoroughly researched and planned out prior to taking the leap.

Express Entry is an increasingly popular route for Nigerians hoping to emigrate to Canada, using a points-based system where your work experience and personal circumstances are assessed and ranked against other applicants for permanent residency consideration. Top candidates in each field are then invited to apply through this pathway; it’s best suited for skilled workers with college degrees and work experience in their field.

One option for Canadian immigration is through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Canada’s 13 provinces and territories each operate their own immigration programs that cater specifically to their economic demographics, making these fast track permanent residency routes the fastest way. Some use Express Entry systems while others may need proof of funds or language proficiency prior to selection as candidates.

Create an Express Entry Profile

Once you’ve determined your eligibility, the next step is creating an Express Entry profile. When this has been accomplished, you will be added to an IRCC Express Entry pool and ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates with higher CRS scores may be invited to apply for permanent residence in subsequent draws.

Express Entry Canada is designed specifically for skilled workers and is the fastest route for immigration into Canada from Nigeria. Individuals possessing a university degree, demonstrated work experience and moderate English or French proficiency are ideal candidates.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) online assessment tool will assist in determining if you meet criteria for Canadian immigration pathways. You can also use it to explore potential Canadian immigration solutions.

Applying for Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is also an attractive option, providing each province and territory with their own economic needs and population demographics to tailor immigration pathways in their jurisdictions. Nominees of the PNP receive 600 points added to their CRS score upon nomination through it, nearly guaranteeing them permanent residency through Express Entry draw in future draws. It can especially prove advantageous to Nigerian nationals looking to fill labor shortages in Nigeria’s expanding agri-food sector.

Submit Application and Required Documents

Canadian government authorities are accepting applications from Nigeria for all categories of visas, such as work permits. Processing times have increased due to coronavirus pandemic. Individuals seeking permanent residency should prepare by collecting supporting documents and having them signed by their sponsor.

Federal skilled trade program is an attractive pathway for Nigerian immigrants looking to immigrate to Canada. Candidates enter an Express Entry pool, are assessed against human capital factors like age, education level, skillsets and work experience as well as official language abilities – this route does not require a college degree for eligibility!

Nigerians looking to obtain permanent residency in Canada can also avail themselves of the Provincial Nominee Program as another avenue. It is particularly suitable for those lacking the qualifications for the federal skilled worker program or those not wanting to wait for Express Entry processing service timeframe. Applicants should submit an Expression of Interest as well as a detailed resume outlining their background and experience within their chosen occupation.

Prepare for Arrival

Canada has earned itself a well-earned reputation as an accommodating and safe destination for Nigerian immigrants, thanks to its stable sociopolitical climate, vibrant economy and world-class education system. These factors have motivated thousands of Nigerians to leave their home country for better opportunities abroad.

Nigerians looking to relocate to Canada typically pursue Express Entry. This program, intended for skilled workers and professionals, provides an effective route towards permanent residency. Eligibility for this fast track program is determined using a points system; factors like education, work experience, English language proficiency and having Canadian connections all count towards eligibility.

Provincial Immigration Programs, or PNPs, offer another popular pathway. Run by individual provinces and territories and tailored specifically to their economic needs, like Express Entry PNPs also use a points system to select candidates for permanent residency sponsorship; eligibility depends upon factors like age, work experience, education level and language proficiency as well as many others.

Preparing to relocate to Canada also involves making sure you have enough funds set aside to support yourself and your family upon arrival, along with all of the required documents and completed forms ready for submission.

How does Express Entry work?

Nigerians seeking immigration to Canada may do so through various routes, such as employment and family class sponsorship or refugee admission programs.

Nigerians looking to immigrate to Canada often select Express Entry, an immigration pathway designed to streamline the application process for permanent residency in Canada. With Express Entry, Nigerians compete against other skilled migrants for a chance to become permanent residents in Canada.

Canada is well known as an economic haven, making it an attractive option for immigrants from Nigeria, and especially Nigerians, one of its primary immigration sources. Migrates will find stable economies, high-quality healthcare and internationally recognized educational systems; low taxes and living costs that allow them to live comfortably while pursuing their goals; yet before making the leap from Nigeria it is important to remember there are certain things they should keep in mind before deciding to relocate there.

What is the Provincial Nominee Program

All Canadian immigration programs requiring candidates to pass an English or French language examination require candidates to successfully complete an approved English/French test, such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program and Entrepreneur Work Permit programs.

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces and territories to nominate qualified workers who can contribute significantly to their economy and culture, offering immigrants an alternative pathway for applying directly through a provincial stream instead of Express Entry.

Nigerians may be drawn to Canada through the PNP if their occupation aligns with provincial needs. For instance, the Agri-Food Pilot program offers an avenue towards Canadian permanent residency for applicants with qualifications in agriculture or food processing – and if selected they would receive 600 additional points on the Canadian Residency System and effectively become guaranteed an invitation to apply for permanent residency – click here to discover if you’re eligible!