How to Move From Nigeria To Canada
Nigerian immigration to Canada has become increasingly popular in recent years. In fact, Nigeria is one of the main source countries of Canada’s immigrant population; over 15,000 Nigerians immigrated to Canada in 2021.
Canada’s appeal as a land of opportunities is no secret to Nigerians pursuing a brighter future. With a thriving economy, stable politics, top-tier healthcare, and a renowned education system, it’s no wonder that more Nigerians are choosing Canada as their new home. In this article, we delve into the factors fueling this migration, explore business prospects, and five of the most popular ways to immigrate from Nigeria to Canada. Offering a glimpse into the flourishing Nigerian community in the Great White North.
Nigeria’s Path to Canada
Nigerians are drawn to Canada by the promise of a better life. Boasting sectors like oil and gas, information and communication technology (ICT), health, and various engineering fields, Canada has become a magnet for Nigerian professionals. With an established Nigerian diaspora of 70,000 and growing, the country continues to attract skilled workers under the economic class. As Canada increases its immigration levels, the Nigerian community’s presence is set to grow even further.
A Rising Nigerian Influence
Nigeria’s economic contributions to Canada are noteworthy. Industries such as oil and gas, maritime management, automotive, tech, and healthcare have benefited from Nigerian businesses. Canada eagerly embraces the expertise and experience brought by Nigerian professionals in the oil and gas sector, with the potential for innovative collaborations. Moreover, the maritime management sector, where Nigeria excels globally, aligns with Canada’s dominance in maritime trade, promising more growth and opportunities.
Thriving Trade Relations
Nigeria and Canada have nurtured strong trade relations, with Nigeria ranking as Canada’s second-largest bilateral merchandise trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2021, imports from Nigeria reached CAD$2.1 billion, highlighting the significance of mineral fuels, oils, and cocoa in this flourishing partnership. Both nations eagerly anticipate the ratification of a Foreign Investment Protection Agreement, which will further solidify their economic ties.
Top places of birth of recent Immigrants to Canada, 2016 Vs 2021
Five Most Popular Ways to Immigrate from Nigeria to Canada
1. Express Entry
Express Entry is the fastest and most popular pathway for newcomers seeking a new life in Canada. Express Entry organizes and processes applications for people who wish to immigrate to Canada and acquire Canadian permanent residence.
Candidates with university or college degrees with skilled work experience and moderate proficiency in English and/or French are ideal candidates. For this reason, Nigerian professionals tend to do well in the Express Entry pool.
Candidates who qualify for the following programs are also eligible to submit an application under the Express Entry program:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The easiest way to find out if you are eligible is to use our free online assessment tool.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Each of Canada’s thirteen provinces and territories operates its own immigration programs, called Provincial Nominee Programs, or PNPs. As the provinces have different populations and economies, their immigration programs are unique and built to fit their economic and demographic needs.
PNPs are a popular option because they can be the fastest pathway to Canadian permanent residence.
If you are nominated through a PNP which is aligned with Express Entry, you will receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. This means you are essentially guaranteed to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw.
Don’t know what your CRS score is? Find out now using our CRS Score Calculator!
3. Family Sponsorship
Family reunification is a top priority for Canadian immigration. Canada offers a number of immigration programs that give Canadians the opportunity to sponsor their family members to Canada.
To sponsor a family member as a permanent resident under family class sponsorship, the sponsor must fulfill the following conditions:
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada aged at least 18 years.
- Reside in Canada, if they are a permanent resident. Canadian citizens can sponsor a family member even when living outside the country. However, he or she must reside in Canada when the sponsored family member becomes a permanent resident of Canada.
- Have adequate resources to provide financial support to the sponsored person for the mandated duration.
Further, the sponsor must comply with additional requirements like not receiving social assistance (except for reason of disability), meeting financial obligations including support for sponsored family members on time, a clean criminal record, etc.
4. Canada's Start-Up Visa Program
If you are an entrepreneur with an innovative business idea, you may be eligible to immigrate to Canada through the start-up visa program.
Canada is looking for talented entrepreneurs that are interested in starting businesses that will stimulate the Canadian economy while creating employment opportunities for its residents.
Qualified candidates can come to Canada on a work permit and will be granted Canadian permanent residence once they have established their business.
5. Other federal economic programs
If you have a job offer in an in-demand field, or in a rural or Atlantic region of Canada, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through another federal economic program. The Canadian government offers various economic pilot programs to fill labour or demographic gaps in certain regions or sectors across Canada.
If you have a job offer in Canada, contact us to learn more about your immigration options.
Which option is right for me?
The Canadim Law Firm is a full-service Canadian immigration law firm. The options mentioned above are only a small sample of the types of applications we handle. Our firm and dedicated team is your Canadian Immigration solution. We handle everything from work permits, criminal inadmissibility, student visas and all applications for Canadian Permanent Residence.
Get in touch with us today and fill out a free online assessment to start your Canadian Immigration journey on the right foot.
Help me find the best pathway for me!FAQ when Moving to Canada From Nigeria
How much does it cost to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria?
The cost of immigrating to Canada from Nigeria is generally about $2,300 CAD for a single applicant, or about $4,500 CAD for a couple. This amount will also vary depending on which program you are applying through.
Keep in mind that this total does not include the settlement funds that most candidates must show to be eligible for Canadian immigration; this amount will vary by family size, starting at around $13,000 CAD for a single applicant.
Do I need the IELTS to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria?
If you want to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria, you will almost certainly need to take one of Canada’s official language exams. Almost all Canadian immigration programs require candidates to provide French or English language results from an authorized organization.
To demonstrate your English language ability, you can take either the IELTS or CELPIP test. Both CELPIP and IELTS have testing locations in Nigeria.
The Canadian government does not have a preferred test, you can choose whichever one is most convenient for you.
Supportive Resources for Nigerian Immigrants
Canada warmly welcomes Nigerian immigrants, offering numerous resources to aid their transition:
- Nigerian Canadian Association: This nonprofit organization provides comprehensive support, including housing, education, health, social services, cultural services, economic assistance, and more, tailored to the needs of Nigerian Canadians and other immigrants.
- Igbo Union of Canada: Celebrating indigenous culture, this organization is a haven for Igbo-speaking communities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
- Nigeria High Commission: Located in Ottawa, this institution offers consular and visa services to Nigerian citizens and visitors.
- Nigerian Canadian Business Network: Serving as the voice of the Nigerian business community in Canada, this networking group facilitates personal and professional development.
- Foreign Path: For aspiring international students, Emmanuel Ilondior’s inspiring film recounts his journey as an international student in Canada, offering valuable insights into life abroad.
As the Nigerian community in Canada continues to thrive and contribute to the nation’s growth, the allure of the Great White North remains irresistible. Canada’s promise of economic prosperity, political stability, and a rich cultural tapestry has transformed it into a land of abundant opportunities, where the Nigerian dream finds fertile ground to flourish. For those considering the journey, Canada beckons with open arms, ready to embrace and empower individuals seeking a brighter tomorrow.
Ready to embark on your Canadian dream? Begin your journey today by filling out our online assessment to discover your immigration options tailored to your profile!
Fill my Free Online assessment!Discover your Canadian immigration options. Get your free assessment now!