Canada is one of the best places in the world to visit and live in because of the country’s welcoming environment and quality of life.
Many people, especially from Nigeria and other countries where the quality of life in their country can’t be measured by what Canada offers, in terms of industrial development, education, health care transportation system, etc dream of relocating to this country for a better life experience.
How to migrate to Canada remains a big question that demands urgent answers.
That is why this article provides useful information that answers all the questions about the 7 best ways:
how to migrate to Canada from Nigeria in 2024. This includes easy step-by-step guides, requirements, and benefits.
Overview: Why migrate to Canada from Nigeria in 2024?
Canada has approximately 70,000 Canadians of Nigerian descent and the number is expected to keep increasing every year.
In 2022, Nigeria was Canada’s top choice immigration source country, according to reports 22,085 Nigerian immigrants entered Canada.
Migrating to Canada from Nigeria is easy when you follow all the requirements as per Canadian immigration laws.
7 Steps you must follow to migrate to Canada are as follows:
1. Federal skilled worker program
As a Nigerian immigration candidate, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) will be the best option.
This program FSWP permits candidates with no work experience and connection to Canada or work offers to apply for permanent residence.
Skilled workers who can use foreign work experience, education, language skills, etc to become established in Canada
this class of candidates must meet the following requirements:
Required language ability is equivalent to Canada language benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French across both (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
One year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in the past 10 years in any skilled occupational classification (NOC) TEER category 0,1,2, or 3
Canadians education credential (certificate, diploma, or degree) or foreign credential and educational credential assessment (ECA) report
FSWP applicants must get at least 67 points on IRCC’s 6 immigration selection sectors.
Show that you have a sufficient amount of money for you and your family to settle in Canada. (canadavisa.com)
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):
Tailoring Immigration to Provincial Needs
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow provinces and territories to nominate individuals who meet their specific economic and labor market needs. Follow these steps to start your PNP process:
Research PNP Streams: Each province or territory in Canada has its own PNP streams with unique eligibility criteria. Research and identify a stream aligned with your skills and experience.
Apply for Provincial Nomination: If you meet the requirements of a specific PNP stream, you can apply for nomination. A successful nomination will significantly boost your CRS score in the Express Entry system.
Express Entry and PNP Combination: A few provinces have enhanced streams linked to the Express Entry system. Applying through both Express Entry and a PNP may increase your chances of receiving an ITA for permanent residency.
Connection to the Province: showing a genuine intention to live and work in the nominating province is crucial. Having a job offer or prior work experience in the province can strengthen your application.
3. Study Permit: Combining Education and Immigration Goals
Studying in Canada not only provides a world-class education but also serves as the easiest way to get permanent residency.
Follow this guide to understand how to migrate to Canada from Nigeria through the study permit route:
Designated Institution (DLI): make sure you choose a Canadian educational institution designated by the government to host international students. These are the steps to follow for obtaining a study permit.
Receive an Acceptance Letter: Once accepted by a DLI, you will receive an acceptance letter required for the study permit application.
Apply for a Study Permit: Submit a study permit application to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Ensure that you meet the financial requirements and provide the necessary documentation.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): After completing your studies, you may be eligible for a PGWP, allowing you to work in Canada. Gaining Canadian work experience can contribute to your eligibility for permanent residency.
Express Entry and Provincial Nomination: Utilize the Canadian work experience gained through the PGWP to enhance your Express Entry profile or qualify for a provincial nomination.
4. Family Sponsorship: Reuniting with Loved Ones
If you have family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, you may be eligible for family sponsorship. These simple steps help you:
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for family sponsorship, you must have a spouse, common-law partner, parent, grandparent, child, or another eligible relative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident willing to sponsor you.
Income Requirements: Sponsors must prove his or her financial ability to support their sponsored relatives. Meeting the minimum income requirements is important for a successful sponsorship application.
Application Process: Both the sponsor and the sponsored individual must submit applications to IRCC. The process may vary based on the type of family sponsorship, such as spousal, parent, or grandparent sponsorship.
Processing Times: Family sponsorship applications are processed in two stages. First, the sponsor’s eligibility is assessed, followed by the assessment of the sponsored individual’s eligibility. Be prepared for varying processing times depending on the relationship category.
Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents: If you wish to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada temporarily, the Super Visa allows them to stay for extended periods, providing an alternative to permanent residency.
5. Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
Transitioning from Temporary to permanent Residency
If you have gained work experience in Canada temporarily, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a favorable route to permanent residency.
Here is the guide:
Eligibility Requirements: To qualify for CEC, you must have at least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.
Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking an approved language test. Language skills are a crucial factor in the CEC application process.
Express Entry Profile: Create an Express Entry profile and indicate your interest in the CEC stream. Your work experience, combined with language proficiency and other factors, will contribute to your CRS score.
ITA and Permanent Residency: If you receive an ITA through the CEC stream, you can apply for permanent residency. Canadian work experience is highly valued in this process, as it reflects your ability to integrate into the Canadian labor market.
Transition from Temporary Work Permits: If you are in Canada on a temporary work permit, ensure that your occupation falls under the NOC (National Occupational Classification) skill levels 0, A, or B for eligibility under the CEC.
6. Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP):
Targeting Atlantic Provinces
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) is a collaborative effort by the Atlantic provinces to attract skilled workers and graduates. The program can be accessed through the below:
Employer Designation: To apply through AIP, you must have a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces. The employer will need to obtain a designation from the provincial government.
Endorsement by a Province: After receiving a job offer, you will be endorsed by the respective Atlantic province. This endorsement is a crucial step in the AIP application process.
Application for Permanent Residency: With the job offer and provincial endorsement, you can apply for permanent residency through the AIP. This program aims to address labor market needs in the Atlantic provinces.
Job Offer Requirements: The job offer must be from a designated employer, full-time, non-seasonal, and meet the skill level requirements set by the NOC.
7. Caregiver Programs: Nurturing a Path to Permanent Residency
Canada recognizes the valuable contributions of caregivers and provides easy ways for them to obtain permanent residency.
Caring for Children or the Elderly: Caregivers can apply for permanent residency through the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or the Home.
If you can follow and meet up with the above-mentioned laydown requirement, then migrating to Canada from Nigeria will be an easy and fulfilled dream for you.