Over the last five, six years, the number of immigrants moving from Nigeria to Canada has tripled and the country is quickly becoming one of the main source countries for immigration in Canada, coming behind countries like India and China.
If you’re reading this, you may be one of the thousands of Nigerians currently considering making the move and starting a new chapter of your life in Canada.
How to Immigrate to Canada from Nigeria
There are many ways to obtain Canadian PR for Nigerian citizens. It could be governed by your skill level and reason for moving.
Let’s have a look at some of the main programs for the most common goals.
Immigrate to Canada as a Worker / Express Entry
Do you have any skills and professional background?
If that is the case, you might want to have a closer look at the programs that are processed under the Express Entry system:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – if you have at least a year of full-time Canadian work experience in the last 3 years;
- Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC) – if you are skilled in a trade listed in the NOC & have at least 2 years of recent full-time Canadian experience in the last 5 years;
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – if you want to settle in a certain province or city;
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) – if none of the above fit to your case.
Check Now If You are Eligible For One of Canada’s Working Programs or Just Book a Free Consultation Call with An Immigration Expert
As for the Express Entry system, we tell more about how it works here.
Immigrate to Canada with Your Family
Looking to immigrate to Canada with your family?
If the answer is yes, you should know that if one of the parents or one partner has received a visa, the rest of the family can come along. That’s why as partners you may want to submit 2 applications as you never know who has better chances of receiving the visa.
Also, a student visa is easier to obtain than a working visa, and if one of the family members managed to achieve one, it can help bring the whole family to Canada.
This is the kind of creative solution a Canadian immigration consultant can help you with. That’s also why the best advice we can give you is to consult with an Immigration expert!
Temporary Immigration for Young Adults (18-35yo): IEC / Student Visa
Do you want to “try on” Canadian life before immigration?
Then you might want to explore International Experience Canada (IEC Canada).
This program is ideal for Nigerian citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 who are looking to test the waters in Canada.
If approved for the program, applicants are permitted to live in Canada for up to two years to work, travel, and experience Canadian life.
This allows the individual to get a feel for what life in Canada would be like without making a full commitment from the start. If they can see themselves living here permanently, they can start the process of moving to Canada from Nigeria.
Immigrate to Canada as a Student
Are you interested in studying in Canada?
Luckily, Canada is very welcoming for those who are looking for higher education.
In Canada, you can obtain a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) following most programs of study. Your PGWP can be valid for the same duration as your study permit, up to three years.
With its reputable educational system and high-ranking universities, Canada is one of the most attractive countries for students from around the world.
To get into a Canadian university, students need to get the student visa.
We described the process of becoming a Canadian student here.
Immigrate to Canada as an Entrepreneur or Investor
Do you want to get citizenship by investing in Canada’s economy?
If so, then you may learn more about the Investor Visa.
Do you have the skills, talent, and funds to build or establish a business in Canada?
Then Start-up visa could be an option for you. You may learn more about it here.
You may also have a look at our guide that covers business immigration.
Family Sponsorship In Canada
Immigration is faster and easier for those who have relatives in Canada. Possibly, you have someone you want to move your family after you immigrate.
If that is the case, Family Sponsorship options could be perfect for you.
This pathway works in one of two ways – inland or outland. The inland sponsorship is when the individual sponsored is already living in Canada, while the outland sponsorship is for someone currently living outside of Canada.
You may learn about Family Sponsorship here.
Why are Nigerians choosing Canada?
The rising number of Nigerians choosing Canada as their preferred destination is due to many factors, the most common ones being:
Economic opportunities
Nigeria’s economy is floundering and job opportunities are limited. Canada has a low unemployment rate, offers better career opportunities, career development and business prospects. This is especially key for young, ambitious Nigerian professionals who are just starting out in their career.
Political Stability and Security
Violence is not uncommon in Nigeria and over half the people leaving Nigeria do so for better security and political stability. Canada is one of the safest countries to live in with an extremely low crime rate. Canada is a democracy and every resident and citizen is free to be who they are, regardless of race, sex, religion or political affiliations.
Families looking for a stability and security, choose Canada.
Education
Canada has one of the best educations in the world and it’s a top choice for Nigerians who want to get an education from abroad. Many Nigerians come here as international students and end up applying for a permanent residency. A Canadian education can open doors that an education from Nigeria cannot always access.
Quality of life
The quality of life between Nigeria and Canada is beyond compare. While some Nigerians enjoy a top-notch life, the economic inequality is extreme and most Nigerians live in poverty. Immigrating to Canada offers Nigerians a shot at a middle-class life, if not more. They have access to stellar education, world-class health care, nice housing, good, clean neighborhoods, and many other benefits. In short, Canada offers a quality of life that cannot readily be found in Nigeria.
Land a job in Canada from Nigeria
Wondering if you can get a job in Canada before stepping foot in the country? The answer is yes! You absolutely can.
The key is knowing where to look and making sure to submit applications to as many jobs as you can.
When foreign nationals begin job hunting, they head online.
Some of the most popular and efficient ways of getting a job are through:
Job Bank
Run by the Canadian government the site has thousands of vacancies. Whatever your education or work experience level, chances are high the Job Bank will have something for you. The site also contains many resources for job seekers.
Networking
Connecting with people is a great way of landing a job. LinkedIn is great for that and allows candidates to directly connect with hiring managers or recruiters. Many people land jobs simply by building a rapport with someone and when opportunities come up, they’ll remember you.
Recruitment agencies
Agencies like Drake International and Excel Personnel Inc. are an excellent solution for individuals who don’t have time to job hunt. The agency will gather all the relevant information and try to match you with the right job and employer. It’s a great way to go if you know which city you’ll settle in.
Ready to get started on the application process? Speak to an RCIC today to figure out which program is the best option for you. Canada has pledged to welcome over 1.2 million newcomers into the country by 2023 so if Canada has been a dream for you, get your application in now.
- UIS Canada is a professional immigration consultancy that upholds a spotless and proven track record of providing the highest quality customer service. They make sure that clients have all the most up-to-date information, thus avoiding any unnecessary delays in their immigration process.
- UIS only works with RCICs and they specialize in permanent residency and temporary visas.
- Great North Visa is a top-tier, solution-driven consulting firm committed to facilitating their clients’ main objective of receiving the Canadian visa they require by providing a wide range of immigration services and settlement solutions designed to simplify your immigration process.
- Great North Visa puts an entire team of selected Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) at your disposal.
Recommended Canada Immigration Consultants for Nigerian Residents
Don’t know where to begin?
Immigration could be challenging. But there are professionals (RCICs) who know everything about available immigration programs and how to come up with a plan that would bring you the desired permanent residency.
The trick is finding the right RCIC or agency for Nigerian residents. Canada2036 has put together a top Recommended Canadian Immigration Consultants list based on extensive research, customer testimonials, and other vetting methods.
Canada is always welcoming to new immigrants. The country’s economic and social growth is heavily dependent on a steady flow of immigrants.
This means your chances of finding a job in Canada and being able to immigrate to the country are excellent!
Go ahead and start your journey to Canada today!
