Immigration Guide · Nigeria → Canada
How to Relocate to Canada from Nigeria in 2026
A complete, up-to-date guide covering every pathway to move from Nigeria to Canada — Express Entry, Provincial Nominee, study permits, and family sponsorship. Walz Travels guides you through the full process.
Can Nigerians Relocate to Canada?
Yes. Nigerians are among the most successful applicants for Canadian permanent residence. Canada accepts over 400,000 new permanent residents each year under its multi-stream immigration system, and Nigerian applicants with strong English language scores and professional qualifications have a realistic pathway to PR.
The key is choosing the right pathway for your profile and preparing a strong application. Walz Travels advises clients on every step — from initial profile assessment to departure flights to Toronto, Calgary, or Vancouver.
Main Pathways to Relocate to Canada from Nigeria
1. Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
6–12 months (after ITA)The most common route for skilled Nigerian professionals. You need a minimum CLB 7 English score (IELTS 6.0), at least 1 year of skilled work experience, and a completed secondary or post-secondary education. Higher CRS scores (from IELTS 7.5+, Canadian job offer, or PNP nomination) lead to faster invitations.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
12–18 monthsMost Canadian provinces run PNPs that target workers in specific occupations. Ontario, BC, Alberta, and Manitoba are popular with Nigerian applicants. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an Express Entry ITA. Some PNPs also offer streams outside Express Entry (paper-based).
3. Study Permit → Post-Graduate Work Permit → PR
3–5 years totalStudy at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, graduate, work in Canada on a PGWP, then apply through Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This builds Canadian credentials, work experience, and language scores — all of which boost your CRS score for Express Entry.
4. Family Sponsorship
12–24 monthsIf you have a Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse, common-law partner, or parent who can sponsor you, this is an established pathway. Your sponsor must meet minimum income requirements and commit to supporting you financially for 3 years after your PR is granted.
5. Temporary Resident Visa (first step)
8–12 weeks from NigeriaBefore applying for permanent routes, many Nigerians first obtain a Canadian visitor visa to attend in-person job interviews, visit a sponsored family member, or attend a Canadian Language Benchmark test. Walz Travels processes Canadian visitor visas for Nigerians end-to-end.
Cost to Relocate from Nigeria to Canada
These are the main government fees and preparation costs for a single applicant via Express Entry. Family costs are proportionally higher.
All figures as at 2026. Government fees are subject to change. Walz Travels provides a personalised cost breakdown during consultation.
Step-by-Step: How to Start Your Move to Canada
Check your eligibility
Use the IRCC Come to Canada tool to check which pathways you qualify for. Key factors: education, work experience, age, and English language scores.
Take the IELTS or CELPIP
Most Express Entry pathways require a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of at least 7. Aim for CLB 9+ (IELTS 7.5+) to maximise your CRS score and increase your chances of receiving an ITA.
Get your credentials assessed
Have your Nigerian educational credentials assessed by a Designated Organization (WES is the most widely accepted). This is mandatory for Express Entry FSW.
Create your Express Entry profile
Submit your profile on the IRCC portal with your language scores, work experience, education, and other CRS-boosting factors. Profiles are ranked against other candidates in the pool.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
IRCC runs regular Express Entry draws. The lowest accepted CRS score fluctuates — typically 480–550 for general draws. Scores drop in category-based selection draws targeting specific occupations.
Submit PR application within 60 days
Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete PR application with police certificates, medical results, and reference letters. Walz Travels supports clients through this final critical stage.
Book your flight to Canada
Once you receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), book your Lagos to Toronto/Vancouver/Montreal flight. You must land in Canada before your COPR expiry date to activate your PR status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Nigerian move to Canada permanently?
Yes. Nigerians are among the largest groups of successful Canadian permanent resident applicants each year. The main pathways are Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and the study-to-PR route. Each pathway has specific eligibility criteria around work experience, language scores, and education.
What is Express Entry and how does it work for Nigerians?
Express Entry is Canada's points-based immigration system for skilled workers. You create an Express Entry profile, receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and IRCC invites the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence. Nigerians with strong English scores (IELTS 7+), a Canadian job offer, or a provincial nomination score highest. Most Invitation to Apply (ITA) recipients receive PR within 6 months of applying.
How long does it take to relocate from Nigeria to Canada?
Timelines vary by pathway. Express Entry PR (after receiving an ITA) takes approximately 6 months. Provincial Nominee Programs take 12–18 months. Study permits typically take 4–8 weeks. A Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) for initial travel takes 8–12 weeks from Nigeria. Walz Travels helps you choose the fastest route for your profile.
How much does it cost to relocate from Nigeria to Canada?
Key costs include: IRCC application fees (CAD $1,365 for Express Entry PR including right of permanent residence fee), IELTS test (approx £200), credential assessment (CAD $200–$300), biometrics (CAD $85), and settlement funds (CAD $13,310 for a single applicant, more for families). Total out-of-pocket costs before arrival typically range from CAD $15,000–$20,000. Walz Travels advises on all fees as part of our consultation.
What English test score do I need for Canadian immigration?
For Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker, you need a minimum CLB 7 (approximately IELTS 6.0 in each skill). To maximise your CRS score, aim for IELTS 7.0–8.0. Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 9 or above (IELTS 7.5–8.0) adds significant CRS points and improves your chances of receiving an ITA.
Can I relocate to Canada from Nigeria on a student visa?
Yes. The study-to-PR route is increasingly popular for Nigerians. Study in Canada for 1–2 years, gain Canadian work experience on a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), and then apply through Canadian Experience Class (CEC) in Express Entry. This route takes 3–5 years total but produces strong PR applications with Canadian credentials and work experience.
Which Canadian province is easiest for Nigerians to immigrate to?
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba actively recruit skilled workers. Ontario Human Capital Priorities stream and British Columbia Skills Immigration are popular choices for Nigerians with Canadian work experience. Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia have lower CRS thresholds for some streams. The best province depends on your occupation and skills.
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Related Guides
Immigration information is sourced from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) and updated regularly. Immigration decisions are made solely by IRCC. Walz Travels provides application support and is not an immigration law firm.