Introduction
Are you looking for a better quality of life, more opportunities, and a brighter future? If so, you may want to consider immigrating to Canada from Nigeria.
Canada is one of the most popular destinations for Nigerians who want to start a new life abroad. In 2022, over 20,000 Nigerians gained Canadian permanent residence, making it the fourth largest source country of immigrants to Canada.
But what are the benefits of immigrating to Canada as a Nigerian? And what are the requirements to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria? In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about how to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria in 2023.
This is how you can immigrate to Canada from Nigeria in 2023, without having to go through the hassle of applying for a visa, finding a job, or taking an English test.
We take the hassle off you by:
-
Preparing & submitting your application and supporting documents, preparing you for your Visa interview, and following up on the status of your application and resolving any issues.
-
Putting into Considering your circumstances, We will choose the best immigration program or pathway that doesn’t require an employment offer or finding a job before you come into Canada.
-
We are in partnership with Universities and Colleges in Canada that does not require you to submit an IELTS score before you are admitted into your program of choice.
Why Immigrate from Nigeria to Canada?
Canada is a land of opportunities and possibilities for Nigerians who want to improve their quality of life and achieve their dreams. Here are some of the main reasons why you should consider moving to Canada from Nigeria.
Better Education
Canada has a world-class education system that offers high-quality and affordable education for all levels, from kindergarten to post-secondary. Canada is home to some of the top universities and colleges in the world, such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia.
As a permanent resident of Canada, you can access the same education opportunities as Canadian citizens, and pay lower tuition fees than international students. You can also apply for scholarships, grants, and loans to help you finance your studies.
Moreover, Canada recognizes foreign credentials and offers various programs to help newcomers upgrade their skills and qualifications.
Better Healthcare
Canada has a universal health care system that provides free or low-cost medical services to all residents, regardless of their income or immigration status. As a permanent resident of Canada, you can enjoy the same health benefits as Canadian citizens, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, dental care, and mental health support.
You can also access specialized services such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and vision care at subsidized rates. Canada also has a high standard of health care delivery, with modern facilities, equipment, and technology.
Canada ranks among the top countries in the world for life expectancy, infant mortality, and overall health outcomes.
Better Job Opportunities
Canada has a thriving economy that offers diverse and rewarding job opportunities for skilled workers in various sectors. Canada is especially known for its strength in industries such as oil and gas, information and communication technology (ICT), health and other science and engineering related fields.
These are some of the sectors that are typically coveted by Nigerian professionals who have relevant work experience and qualifications. Canada also has a high demand for workers in occupations such as tradespeople, caregivers, teachers, and nurses.
As a permanent resident of Canada, you can work in any occupation you choose, without needing a work permit or an employer sponsorship. You can also benefit from Canada’s labour laws that protect your rights and interests as a worker.
How to Immigrate to Canada from Nigeria
There are many immigration programs that can help you immigrate to Canada from Nigeria, depending on your skills, education, work experience, language ability, and other factors. Some of the most popular options are:
-
- Express Entry: This is the fastest and most common pathway for newcomers seeking a new life in Canada. Express Entry manages three federal economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). You need to create an online profile and enter a pool of candidates who are ranked based on a point system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). You may receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence if you meet the minimum points requirement or have a provincial nomination.
-
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Each of Canada’s thirteen provinces and territories operates its own immigration programs, called Provincial Nominee Programs or PNPs. These programs allow provinces and territories to nominate candidates who meet their specific labour market needs and regional priorities. You can apply directly to a PNP stream that matches your profile or enter the Express Entry pool and be invited by a province or territory that selects candidates from there.
-
- Family Sponsorship: If you have a close relative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada, they may be able to sponsor you for permanent residence under the Family Class category. This includes spouses or common-law partners, dependent children, parents or grandparents, and some other relatives.
-
- Start-Up Visa Program: If you are an entrepreneur with an innovative business idea that can create jobs and compete globally, you may be eligible for the Start-Up Visa Program. This program allows you to immigrate to Canada with your business partners if you have the support of a designated organization such as an angel investor group, venture capital fund or business incubator.
These are just some of the ways you can immigrate to Canada from Nigeria. There are also other federal economic programs, Quebec immigration programs, and business immigration programs that may suit your situation.
To find out the best option for you, you can take a free Canadian immigration assessment on Canadavisa.com, a website that provides comprehensive information and guidance on Canada immigration.
Canada is a land of opportunities and possibilities for Nigerians who want to improve their quality of life and achieve their dreams. If you are interested in immigrating to Canada from Nigeria, don’t hesitate to explore your options and start your journey today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about immigrating to Canada from Nigeria.
Who can immigrate to Canada from Nigeria?
Thousands of people from Nigeria immigrate to Canada each year as permanent residents. In general, you can immigrate to Canada from Nigeria if you are:
-
- A skilled foreign worker who qualifies for one of the economic immigration programs
-
- An entrepreneur who will start an approved business in Canada
-
- An international student who is accepted to a Canadian educational institution
-
- A refugee who is approved for immigration to Canada
-
- An asylum-seeker who is approved to live in Canada long-term
-
- A temporary foreign worker with a valid Canadian work permit
-
- A family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
How much does it cost to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria?
The cost of immigrating to Canada from Nigeria depends on various factors, such as the immigration program you choose, the number of family members you include in your application, and the fees you pay for language tests, medical exams, biometrics, and other services.
However, some of the main costs you can expect are:
-
- The application fee for permanent residence: $825 CAD per adult and $225 CAD per child
-
- The right of permanent residence fee: $500 CAD per adult (refundable if your application is rejected or withdrawn)
-
- The biometrics fee: $85 CAD per person or $170 CAD per family
-
- The language test fee: around $300 CAD per test
-
- The medical exam fee: varies depending on the doctor and country
-
- The police certificate fee: varies depending on the country and authority
-
- The education credential assessment fee: around $200 CAD per report
You may also need to pay for other expenses such as travel costs, settlement funds, translation services, legal advice, and more.
What are the benefits of immigrating to Canada from Nigeria?
Canada is a land of opportunities and possibilities for Nigerians who want to improve their quality of life and achieve their dreams. Some of the benefits of immigrating to Canada from Nigeria are:
-
- Access to a world-class education system that offers high-quality and affordable education for all levels
-
- Enjoyment of a universal health care system that provides free or low-cost medical services to all residents
-
- Availability of diverse and rewarding job opportunities for skilled workers in various sectors
-
- Protection by Canada’s labour laws that safeguard your rights and interests as a worker
-
- Participation in a multicultural and tolerant society that respects your culture and values
-
- Possibility of becoming a Canadian citizen after living in Canada for at least three years
What is the process for immigrating to Canada from Nigeria?
The process for immigrating to Canada from Nigeria is complex, but it can be simplified into smaller steps. Most people who immigrate to Canada from Nigeria do so through Canadian immigration programs for skilled foreign workers. This process generally involves the following steps:
-
- Find out which Canadian immigration program you qualify for
-
- Pass an exam to evaluate your English or French language skills
-
- Get an Education Credential Assessment if applying for the FSWP
-
- Collect the documents needed to confirm your eligibility
-
- File an Express Entry profile with the Canadian immigration agency
-
- Apply for jobs in Canada (important for living in Canada/immigration points)
-
- Receive an Invitation to Apply for Canadian permanent residency
-
- Each family member in the visa application has a medical exam
-
- File the Application for Canadian Permanent Residency and pay fees
-
- You receive a decision about Express Entry to Canada within 6 months
What are the best options for immigrating to Canada from Nigeria?
There are many immigration programs that can help you immigrate to Canada from Nigeria, depending on your skills, education, work experience, language ability, and other factors. Some of the best options are:
-
- Express Entry: This is the fastest and most common pathway for newcomers seeking a new life in Canada. Express Entry manages three federal economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
-
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Each of Canada’s thirteen provinces and territories operates its own immigration programs, called Provincial Nominee Programs or PNPs. These programs allow provinces and territories to nominate candidates who meet their specific labour market needs and regional priorities.
-
- Family Sponsorship: If you have a close relative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada, they may be able to sponsor you for permanent residence under the Family Class category.
-
- Start-Up Visa Program: If you are an entrepreneur with an innovative business idea that can create jobs and compete globally, you may be eligible for the Start-Up Visa Program.
To find out the best option for you, you can take a free Canadian immigration assessment on Canadavisa.com, a website that provides comprehensive information and guidance on Canada immigration.
What are the challenges of immigrating to Canada from Nigeria?
Immigrating to Canada from Nigeria is not without its challenges. Some of the common difficulties that Nigerian immigrants may face are:
-
- Adapting to a different culture, climate, and lifestyle
-
- Finding employment that matches your skills and qualifications
-
- Facing discrimination or racism from some Canadians
-
- Missing your family and friends back home
-
- Dealing with immigration paperwork and procedures
However, these challenges can be overcome with proper preparation, support, and perseverance. Canada offers many resources and services to help newcomers settle and integrate into their new country. You can also find a supportive community of fellow Nigerians and other immigrants who can share their experiences and advice with you.
How long does it take to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria?
The time it takes to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria depends on various factors, such as the immigration program you choose, the processing time of your application, and the availability of visas.
However, some of the fastest ways to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria are:
-
- Express Entry: This is the fastest and most common pathway for newcomers seeking a new life in Canada. Express Entry manages three federal economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The processing time for Express Entry applications is usually six months or less.
-
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Each of Canada’s thirteen provinces and territories operates its own immigration programs, called Provincial Nominee Programs or PNPs. These programs allow provinces and territories to nominate candidates who meet their specific labour market needs and regional priorities. The processing time for PNP applications varies depending on the province or territory, but it can be as fast as two months in some cases.
-
- Family Sponsorship: If you have a close relative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada, they may be able to sponsor you for permanent residence under the Family Class category. The processing time for Family Sponsorship applications depends on the type of relationship and the country of origin, but it can range from 12 months to 36 months.
For more information on the processing times for different immigration programs, visit this page.
What are some success stories of Nigerians who immigrated to Canada?
There are many success stories of Nigerians who immigrated to Canada and achieved their personal and professional goals. Here are some examples of inspiring Nigerian immigrants who made a positive impact in Canada:
-
- Dr. Adeola Olubamiji: She is the first black person to obtain a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan. She is also an entrepreneur, a motivational speaker, and a mentor for young girls in STEM fields.
-
- Kaycee Madu: He is the first African-born provincial minister in Canadian history. He is currently serving as Alberta’s Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. He is also a lawyer, a community leader, and an advocate for human rights.
-
- Uchechi Ezurike-Bosse: She is a bestselling author, a speaker, a business coach, and a TV host. She helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses and achieve their dreams. She is also the founder of My Empowered Living, a platform that provides resources and inspiration for personal growth.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this FAQ section is for general guidance only and may change over time. It is not intended to be legal advice or a substitute for professional consultation. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on immigrating to Canada from Nigeria, please visit the official website of the Government of Canada or consult with a qualified immigration consultant or lawyer.
Thank you for this article,it answered some of my questions.