Canada is one of the places considered a great destination for Nigerians looking to relocate. It offers a great opportunity for those seeking to immigrate through the study route, work, or other means. As easy as it may seem, and with a large and thriving Nigerian community, there are still some important tips if you need to Japa to Canada.
Whether you are in the planning stages of securing a visa or are already advanced, these tips are vital in guiding you until you are fully settled in Canada.
Here are the most important tips before you start preparing to relocate from Nigeria to Canada
1. Understand your immigration options and the pathways available
The most important tip to relocate to Canada is to understand that there are various options and pathways available to you. Here are some:
- Study Visa (available for students). After this, you can find work and be able to get permanent residency in the country.
- Express Entry or the Federal Skilled Worker Program for skilled professionals
- Family sponsorship if you have a spouse or close relative in Canada.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Each province selects immigrants based on its labor market needs.
2. Ensure you have all your credentials available and assessed
Having understood and selected the best pathway to leave the country, the next tip is to have all your credentials available and assessed using approved agencies. There are general documents that will be available for any pathway you choose.
3. Language tests are critical
If you have the dream of ever going to Canada, one thing you may want to start doing is to take a language test, especially the IELTS, early enough. Getting CLB 9 or higher (IELTS: Listening 8.0, Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0, Speaking 7.0) will boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for Express Entry.
4. Have your proof of funds
You need to show you can support yourself financially when you get to Canada and during your stay. For 1 person, you may need as much as CAD 14,000, which will be readily available and in your name. If you have sudden deposits that may raise questions. Hence, you will need to provide a bank history of up to 6 months.
5. As a young person, target the study visa first
If you are a young person wanting to relocate to Canada, before considering other options, the first thing to consider is studies. This can afford you a year or two for studies, and after this, it becomes easy to secure a work permit, and then permanent residency. If you can secure a scholarship, it is always better, as the budget may be as high as CAD 20,000 –$35,000/year.
6. Include Your Family (If Any)
If you have a spouse and children, there is no reason why you should not include them in your application if you have the means. Your spouse can also take IELTS – their score helps your CRS. More so, your spouse may be allowed to work whether you are coming as a worker or a student.
Education at the primary and secondary levels is free for kids in public schools in Canada, so your kids can also benefit from this.
7. Ensure to choose the right province
It is easy for people who want to relocate to Canada to opt for places like Ontario and British Columbia, but such places may not be the best because while they have popular jobs, they are very competitive and can be very expensive. Hence, as a newcomer, your best bet may be to find smaller cities such as Alberta and Saskatchewan, where life may be easier, although the job demand may also be low.
SEE ALSO: 7 Easiest Countries to Migrate to From Nigeria in 2025
8. Start your application process early
One tip that most people do not get early enough is the need to start your preparation process early, as visa applications may take a while to process. When you start early, it helps to be organized, and you have enough time for eventualities.
9. Avoid immigration scams
Because many people want to emigrate from the country, there are many scam immigration agents and agencies. Ensure that you use authorized immigration consultants and an immigration lawyer. Also, make sure to use the IRCC’s official website throughout the process.
10. Join Nigerian communities in Canada
Even while you are still preparing to relocate, you can still join and connect with Nigerian communities in Canada on Facebook, WhatsApp, and other social media platforms. Such communities are critical when it comes to helping you find accommodation, hunting for jobs, and finally settling down when you move.
11. You will need some time to adjust both socially and culturally
After moving to Canada, you may find things a little difficult since you are not accustomed to their way of life. However, with time, things will get better. Before then, you will need to adjust both socially and culturally in things such as punctuality and professionalism, understanding the meaning of private spaces and respecting them, and also trying to adjust to the weather, which can be harsh most especially in winter.
