Relocating to Canada? Imagine a land of diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and endless opportunities. Canada, known for its welcoming nature and high standard of living, has become a sought-after destination for Nigerians looking to start afresh. With its strong economy, excellent healthcare system, and world-class education, it’s no wonder why immigration to Canada from Nigeria has steadily increased over the years.
In this blog post, we will explore the factual benefits of living in Canada, delve into the reasons why Nigerians aspire to immigrate there and discuss the various pathways available for Nigerian citizens seeking to make Canada their new home.
Relocating to Canada from Nigeria is the dream of many Nigerians right now, especially since the Nigeria February 2023 presidential elections that were marred with irregularities, and violence. The hopes of many Nigerians were dashed.
The Allure of Canada: Benefits of Living in the Great White North
Canada offers an abundance of advantages that make it an attractive destination for immigrants worldwide. Here are some key benefits:
Economic Stability and Employment Opportunities
Canada boasts one of the strongest economies globally, providing numerous job prospects across various industries. The country’s low unemployment rate and steady economic growth have made it a haven for individuals seeking financial stability and career advancement.
Healthcare System
Canada takes pride in its publicly funded healthcare system that ensures essential medical services are accessible to all residents. This universal healthcare coverage provides peace of mind for newcomers who prioritize their well-being.
Education System
Renowned for its top-notch education system, Canada offers excellent educational opportunities at all levels. From primary schools to prestigious universities and colleges, students can receive a quality education that sets them up for future success. In Canada, education at the elementary and secondary levels is free.
Multicultural Society
As a nation built on diversity, Canada embraces immigrants from all walks of life. Its inclusive society fosters tolerance and acceptance, creating an environment where individuals can freely express their cultural heritage while integrating into Canadian society.
Why Nigerians Aspire to Immigrate to Canada
Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” has faced significant economic challenges in recent years. The country, with its vast natural resources and vibrant population, has historically been heavily dependent on oil revenues. However, fluctuations in global oil prices and internal factors have greatly impacted Nigeria’s economy.
The recent economic situation in Nigeria can be characterized by a combination of factors such as low oil prices, inflationary pressures, insecurity, and a high unemployment rate.
Furthermore, high unemployment rates remain a persistent challenge for Nigeria’s economy. With an ever-growing population and limited job opportunities, many Nigerians struggle to find sustainable employment. The dissatisfaction among Nigerians about the economic situation of the country has prompted Nigerians to consider leaving their country by migrating to Canada from Nigeria, which is popularly known as “Japa”. Japa is a local slang in Nigeria, which can be interpreted to mean leaving the country in search of greener pastures.
Furthermore, another reason that has increased the number of Nigerians considering relocating to Canada from Nigeria is the just concluded presidential election where the majority of Nigerians felt there were a lot of system irregularities.
Consequently, immigration to Canada from Nigeria is a major option for Nigerians. Nigerians have increasingly been drawn toward Canada as a destination for immigration. Here are some reasons why:
Quality of Life
Canada’s high standard of living, coupled with its commitment to social welfare programs, ensures that residents enjoy a comfortable and secure life. Nigerians seeking better opportunities for themselves and their families find Canada’s quality of life appealing.
Safety and Security
Canada consistently ranks among the safest countries globally, offering a peaceful and secure environment for individuals to thrive. Concerns about personal safety are significantly alleviated in comparison to some regions in Nigeria.
Educational Opportunities
Nigerian parents often prioritize education for their children, and Canada’s exceptional education system provides ample opportunities for intellectual growth. Access to prestigious universities and colleges positions Nigerian students on the path to success. Immigration to Canada from Nigeria provides Nigerian students the opportunity to enjoy quality education.
Employment Prospects
With its strong economy and low unemployment rate, Canada presents an excellent job market for skilled workers from Nigeria. The potential for professional growth and stability is a significant pull factor attracting Nigerians to Canada. The general belief among the vast majority of Nigerians is that immigration to Canada from Nigeria would provide a better opportunity to work and earn a living. In fact, some even prefer to do menial jobs in Canada than remain in Nigeria.
Immigration to Canada from Nigeria: Pathways to Consider
For Nigerians considering relocating to Canada from Nigeria, there are a number of options to consider. These are the ways to travel to Canada from Nigeria.
Express Entry System
The Express Entry program is one of the most popular pathways for immigration to Canada from Nigeria. It offers three streams: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Through this system, applicants can earn points based on factors such as age, language proficiency, work experience, education level, and more.
How the Express System Works
The Canada Express Entry system is a streamlined and efficient immigration program designed to manage the selection and application process for skilled foreign workers who wish to immigrate to Canada. Launched in 2015, the Express Entry system serves as the primary pathway for economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and certain Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
For those interested in immigrating to Canada from Nigeria, the Express Entry System presents a wonderful opportunity. But you need to know how the process works and determine whether you are eligible to apply. Here’s a brief overview of how the Canada Express Entry system works:
- Determine Eligibility: The first step is to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for one of the economic immigration programs mentioned above. Factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency (English or French), and adaptability are taken into account.
- Create an Express Entry Profile: If you are eligible, you will need to create an online profile in the Express Entry system. You will provide information about your skills, qualifications, work experience, language abilities, and other relevant details.
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): Each profile created in the Express Entry system is assigned a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS considers various factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability. Additional points can be earned through factors like having a job offer from a Canadian employer or provincial nomination.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA): Regularly scheduled draws are conducted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to invite candidates with higher CRS scores to apply for permanent residency. Those who receive an invitation have up to 60 days to submit their complete application.
- Submitting Permanent Residency Application: Once invited, applicants must gather all required documents supporting their eligibility claims and submit their complete electronic application within the given timeframe.
- Application Assessment: IRCC reviews all submitted applications based on the specific program requirements. This includes verifying the authenticity of documents, conducting background checks, and assessing qualifications.
- Medical and Security Checks: All applicants and their accompanying family members must undergo medical examinations to ensure they meet Canada’s health standards. Additionally, security checks are conducted to screen individuals for any criminal or security-related issues.
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR): If the application is approved, successful candidates receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document. This allows them to proceed with formalizing their permanent residency status in Canada.
- Landing in Canada: Upon receiving the COPR, applicants can travel to Canada and officially become permanent residents. At the port of entry, they present their COPR and other required documents to Immigration officials who complete the final processing.
It’s important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an invitation to apply for permanent residency as it depends on factors such as CRS scores and available program quotas. The Express Entry system strives to expedite the immigration process by allowing faster processing times for qualified candidates and ensuring Canada selects skilled immigrants who can contribute positively to its economy.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program allows Canadian provinces or territories to nominate individuals who meet specific criteria set by each province. This route caters specifically to the labor market needs of each region and offers additional immigration options for Nigerians looking to settle in particular provinces or territories.
Family Sponsorship
Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their eligible family members for immigration through various Family Sponsorship programs. This pathway allows Nigerians with close relatives in Canada an opportunity to reunite with their loved ones and build a new life together. See our previous post to learn more about Family Sponsorship, and how to migrate to Canada from Nigeria with your family.
Study Permit
For Nigerian students aspiring to pursue higher education in Canada, obtaining a study permit is a viable pathway. This permit grants temporary residency, allowing students to study at designated learning institutions and potentially transition into permanent residency after completing their studies. Applying for a study permit to Canada can be very daunting and requires careful planning and strategy. See a comprehensive guide on Canada study permit in a previous post. It talks about how to Live and work in Canada from Nigeria.
Start-Up Visa Program
Entrepreneurs from Nigeria with innovative business ideas can explore the Start-Up Visa program. This initiative aims to attract foreign entrepreneurs who can contribute to the Canadian economy by establishing new businesses in the country. Successful applicants receive support from designated organizations and may ultimately obtain permanent residency. So, entrepreneurs who want to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria can consider this program.
Let’s look at the requirements for a startup visa
Eligibility Requirements for Startup Visa
To be eligible for the Canada Startup Visa program, aspiring entrepreneurs must meet specific criteria. The program aims to attract innovative business ideas and facilitate their implementation in Canada. Here are the eligibility requirements:
- Qualifying Business: The business venture proposed by the entrepreneur must be considered innovative, scalable, and able to create significant economic benefits for Canada. It should fall under one of the following categories:
- Product or service with high potential for commercialization
- Technological advancement or intellectual property-driven business
- The business model has the potential to generate employment opportunities
- Letter of Support: As part of the application process, entrepreneurs must secure a commitment from a designated organization recognized by the Canadian government. These organizations include angel investor groups, venture capital funds, and business incubators/accelerators.
- The designated organization must provide a Letter of Support detailing their commitment to support the entrepreneur’s business idea.
- This letter serves as proof that the entrepreneur’s business idea has been deemed viable by a recognized entity.
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French through approved language tests (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF). The minimum language requirement is CLB 5 (Canadian Language Benchmark) in all four language abilities – speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- Sufficient Settlement Funds: Entrepreneurs applying for the Startup Visa program need to show they have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their dependents after arriving in Canada. The required amount varies depending on family size.
- Education Requirement: While not mandatory, having completed at least one year of post-secondary education can enhance an applicant’s profile and increase their chances of being accepted into the program.
It’s important to note that each designated organization may have its own additional criteria when considering an entrepreneur for support under the Startup Visa program. Therefore, applicants should thoroughly research and connect with suitable organizations that align with their business idea.
Meeting these eligibility requirements allows entrepreneurs to apply for the Startup Visa program. If successful, they will receive a letter of introduction from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and be able to apply for a work permit. Once in Canada, entrepreneurs can launch and develop their business ventures with the support of designated organizations.
It is advisable to consult official government sources or seek professional guidance when applying for the Canada Startup Visa program to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.
Moving to Canada from Nigeria: Key Considerations for Canada Immigration Process
These are the key things to consider for Canada immigration process when relocating from Nigeria to Canada:
Language Proficiency
Proficiency in English or French is crucial for moving to Canada from Nigeria. As an official language, proficiency in one or both languages significantly enhance an applicant’s chances of securing employment and settling well within Canadian society. Nigeria is an English-speaking country, so in terms of communication adaptability, moving to Canada from Nigeria is a plus for Nigerians as the vast majority of Nigerians can speak English fluently.
Educational Credentials
Validating educational credentials is an essential step in the immigration process. Nigerians must have their educational certificates assessed by designated organizations to determine their equivalency in Canada. This evaluation helps employers and educational institutions understand the value of an individual’s qualifications.
Financial Preparation
Immigrating to Canada requires proper financial planning. Prospective immigrants should consider expenses such as application fees, travel costs, temporary accommodation, settlement funds, and other essential needs during the initial stages of relocation. For example, immigrating to Canada through the Express Entry System requires that you meet certain financial obligations in terms of settlement funds, this is usually referred to as proof of funds.
Professional Networking
Building professional connections before arriving in Canada can be advantageous for finding employment opportunities. Utilizing online platforms, attending networking events, and engaging with relevant professional associations can help Nigerian immigrants connect with potential employers or mentors who can provide guidance on navigating the job market.
Cultural Adaptation
Adapting to a new culture can be challenging but ultimately rewarding. Understanding Canadian values, norms, and traditions beforehand helps immigrants integrate more effectively into society while also preserving their unique cultural heritage.
Conclusion
Canada’s allure as a land of opportunities shines brightly for Nigerians seeking to immigrate and start afresh. With its economic stability, high quality of life, and welcoming society, it’s no surprise that more Nigerians are considering relocating to Canada. By exploring the various pathways available and understanding the key considerations involved in the immigration process, Nigerian citizens can pave their way toward a successful future in the Great White North.
So if you’re dreaming of a new beginning filled with possibilities, consider embarking on your journey to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria.