🎯 Free Express Entry Eligibility Assessment
Take this 3-question quiz to evaluate your Canada immigration potential before investing in IELTS registration or consultant fees
1. What is your highest level of education (for WES credential evaluation)?
2. How many years of skilled work experience do you have?
3. What is your current age?
Your Express Entry Outlook
Your personalized assessment...
Introduction: Why Canada Immigration Through Express Entry?
Canada's Express Entry system has become the most popular pathway for Nigerian professionals seeking permanent residency in Canada. Unlike traditional visa applications that can take years, the Express Entry immigration program offers a streamlined process that typically takes 6-12 months from start to finish.
In 2024 alone, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued over 110,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through Express Entry. Nigerian applicants consistently rank among the top nationalities receiving Canada PR visas, making it one of the most accessible immigration pathways for Nigerian professionals.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about immigrating to Canada from Nigeria, including:
- Complete Express Entry application process step-by-step
- All costs including IELTS registration fees and WES credential evaluation
- Whether you need an immigration lawyer or consultant
- How to calculate your CRS score and improve it
- Proof of funds requirements and how to meet them
- Provincial Nominee Program alternatives for lower CRS scores
💰 Complete Canada Immigration Costs Breakdown 2026
Understanding the true cost of immigrating to Canada is crucial before you begin. Many applicants underestimate expenses and face financial challenges mid-application. Here's the comprehensive breakdown of Canada immigration costs for Nigerian applicants:
Government Fees (Mandatory)
| Expense Category | Cost (USD) | Cost (NGN @ ₦1,500) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry Application Fee | $850 | ₦1,275,000 | Non-refundable |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $515 | ₦772,500 | Paid with application |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 | ₦127,500 | Per applicant |
| Medical Examination | $250-400 | ₦375,000-600,000 | IRCC designated panel physician |
| Police Clearance Certificate | $50 | ₦75,000 | Nigerian Police Force |
| TOTAL Government Fees | $1,750-1,900 | ₦2,625,000-2,850,000 | Per principal applicant |
Pre-Application Costs (Mandatory)
| Expense Category | Cost (USD) | Cost (NGN @ ₦1,500) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS General Training Registration | $350 | ₦525,000 | British Council or IDP Nigeria |
| IELTS Preparation Course (Optional) | $100-500 | ₦150,000-750,000 | Online courses recommended |
| WES Educational Credential Assessment | $300 | ₦450,000 | Including courier fees |
| University Transcript Fees | $50-100 | ₦75,000-150,000 | Varies by institution |
| TOTAL Pre-Application | $800-1,250 | ₦1,200,000-1,875,000 |
Optional Professional Services
| Service | Cost Range (USD) | Cost Range (NGN) | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration Lawyer (Full Service) | $3,000-8,000 | ₦4.5M-12M | Complex cases only |
| RCIC Immigration Consultant | $1,500-4,000 | ₦2.25M-6M | Moderate complexity |
| Document Review Only | $300-800 | ₦450K-1.2M | Good value option |
| DIY (Self-Application) | $0 | ₦0 | Simple, straightforward cases |
Proof of Funds Requirements 2026
One of the most critical aspects of your Canada immigration application is demonstrating adequate proof of funds. IRCC requires applicants to show they can financially support themselves upon arrival. Here are the current requirements:
| Family Size | Minimum Funds (CAD) | Equivalent (NGN @ ₦1,100) |
|---|---|---|
| Single applicant | $14,690 CAD | ₦16,159,000 |
| 2 family members | $18,288 CAD | ₦20,116,800 |
| 3 family members | $22,483 CAD | ₦24,731,300 |
| 4 family members | $27,297 CAD | ₦30,026,700 |
| 5 family members | $30,690 CAD | ₦33,759,000 |
| 6 family members | $34,917 CAD | ₦38,408,700 |
| Each additional | +$3,706 CAD | +₦4,076,600 |
- Funds must be available, transferable, and unencumbered (not loans or borrowed money)
- Bank statements from the past 6 months are required
- Fixed deposits, stocks, and property do NOT count
- Funds must be in a Nigerian bank with domiciliary account or foreign account
- IRCC may verify authenticity with your bank
📋 Express Entry Step-by-Step Process
The Express Entry application process involves several distinct phases. Understanding each step helps you plan your timeline and budget effectively.
Phase 1: IELTS Preparation and Test (2-3 Months)
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is mandatory for Express Entry. You need the IELTS General Training version, not Academic. Your IELTS scores directly impact your CRS score, so proper preparation is essential.
Target IELTS Scores for Competitive CRS:
- Listening: 8.0 or higher (CLB 9 = maximum points)
- Reading: 7.0 or higher
- Writing: 7.0 or higher
- Speaking: 7.5 or higher
IELTS Registration in Nigeria:
You can register for IELTS through:
- British Council Nigeria - Test centers in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan
- IDP Education Nigeria - Alternative provider with similar locations
IELTS Preparation Resources:
- Cambridge IELTS Practice Tests (Books 15-18 recommended)
- IELTS Liz YouTube Channel (free comprehensive tutorials)
- Magoosh IELTS Prep (affordable online course)
- British Council Free IELTS Preparation
📖 Read: Complete IELTS Preparation Guide - Score 7.0+ →
Phase 2: WES Educational Credential Assessment (1-2 Months)
The WES (World Education Services) Educational Credential Assessment is required to verify your Nigerian qualifications meet Canadian standards. This is crucial for your Express Entry points calculation.
WES Application Process:
- Create WES Account: Register at wes.org/ca (use Canadian WES, not US version)
- Request Transcripts: Contact your Nigerian university's registrar office
- Send Documents: University sends transcripts directly to WES in sealed envelope
- Pay Evaluation Fee: $220 CAD for evaluation + $85 CAD for courier
- Receive ECA Report: Usually 4-8 weeks after documents received
WES Accepted Documents from Nigeria:
- Degree certificate/statement of results
- Official academic transcripts (from institution directly)
- NYSC discharge/exemption certificate (if applicable)
Phase 3: Create Express Entry Profile (1-2 Weeks)
Once you have your IELTS scores and WES ECA report, you can create your Express Entry profile on the IRCC website. This is a free process.
Information Required for Profile:
- Personal details (name, date of birth, passport information)
- Education history with WES reference number
- Work experience (detailed descriptions matching NOC codes)
- IELTS test report form number and scores
- Language proficiency (English and/or French)
- Spouse information (if applicable)
- Connection to Canada (family, previous work/study)
NOC (National Occupational Classification) Codes:
Your work experience must match specific NOC codes. Common NOC codes for Nigerian professionals include:
- NOC 21231 - Software engineers and designers
- NOC 21234 - Web developers and programmers
- NOC 11201 - Financial analysts
- NOC 41200 - University professors and lecturers
- NOC 31301 - Registered nurses
- NOC 21301 - Civil engineers
Phase 4: Wait for Invitation to Apply (2-6 Months)
After creating your profile, you enter the Express Entry pool. IRCC conducts draws approximately every 2 weeks, inviting candidates with the highest CRS scores.
Types of Express Entry Draws:
- General draws: All program candidates (highest cutoffs, typically 470-520)
- Category-based draws: Specific occupations (lower cutoffs, 400-450)
- PNP draws: Provincial nominees only (typically 750+ due to 600-point bonus)
- French proficiency draws: French speakers (lower cutoffs)
Phase 5: Submit Permanent Residence Application (60 Days)
If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you have exactly 60 days to submit your complete PR application. Missing this deadline means your ITA expires and you must re-enter the pool.
Documents Required for PR Application:
- Valid international passport
- IELTS test report (original or verified copy)
- WES ECA report
- Employer reference letters (detailed, on company letterhead)
- Nigerian Police Clearance Certificate
- Immigration Medical Examination results
- Proof of funds (bank statements, investment statements)
- Digital passport-size photographs
- Marriage certificate and spouse documents (if applicable)
- Children's birth certificates (if applicable)
Phase 6: Processing and Decision (2-6 Months)
After submission, IRCC processes your application. During this time, they may request additional documents or schedule an interview (rare for straightforward cases).
What Happens During Processing:
- Background checks and security screening
- Document verification
- Medical admissibility confirmation
- Final eligibility assessment
📊 CRS Score Calculator and Improvement Strategies
Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score determines your ranking in the Express Entry pool. Understanding how to calculate and improve your score is crucial for receiving an ITA.
- Age: Up to 110 points (maximum at 20-29 years old)
- Education: Up to 150 points (PhD receives maximum)
- Language (First): Up to 136 points (CLB 10 across all skills)
- Language (Second): Up to 24 points (French as second language)
- Canadian Work Experience: Up to 80 points
- Education + Language combination
- Education + Canadian work experience
- Foreign work experience + Language
- Foreign work experience + Canadian work experience
- Certificate of qualification (trades)
- Provincial Nomination: 600 points (guarantees ITA!)
- Valid job offer (NOC 00): 200 points
- Valid job offer (other): 50 points
- Canadian education (1-2 years): 15 points
- Canadian education (3+ years): 30 points
- French language proficiency: 25-50 points
- Sibling in Canada (citizen/PR): 15 points
Strategies to Improve Your CRS Score
If your CRS score is below current cutoffs, consider these proven strategies:
1. Improve Your IELTS Score
IELTS improvements offer the best return on investment. Moving from CLB 7 to CLB 9 can add 30-50 CRS points. Retake IELTS after focused preparation.
2. Apply for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA. Popular PNPs for Nigerian applicants:
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) - Human Capital Priorities Stream
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
3. Learn French
Even basic French proficiency (NCLC 5) adds 15-25 CRS points. Intermediate French (NCLC 7) adds up to 50 points. Consider taking TEF Canada or TCF Canada tests.
4. Gain More Work Experience
Each additional year of skilled work experience adds CRS points, up to 3+ years for maximum benefit.
5. Wait for Category-Based Draws
If your occupation falls under healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, or agriculture categories, you may qualify for lower-cutoff draws.
📖 Read: Complete Guide to Improving Your CRS Score →
🤔 Do You Need an Immigration Lawyer or Consultant?
One of the most common questions Nigerian applicants ask is whether they need to hire an immigration lawyer or RCIC-licensed consultant. Here's an honest assessment:
When DIY (Self-Application) Works
- Your case is straightforward (no criminal history, medical issues, or complex family situations)
- You're comfortable with online forms and document organization
- You have time to research IRCC requirements thoroughly
- Your work experience clearly matches NOC codes
When to Consider Professional Help
- Previous visa refusals from Canada or other countries
- Criminal history or inadmissibility concerns
- Complex family situations (sponsorship, custody)
- Medical conditions that might affect admissibility
- Work experience that's difficult to categorize under NOC
- You want peace of mind and are willing to pay for expertise
- Only use RCIC-licensed consultants - verify at college-ic.ca
- Never pay for "guaranteed" visa approval - no one can guarantee immigration outcomes
- Avoid "agents" who aren't licensed - they're illegal and often fraudulent
- IRCC will never ask you to pay fees through unofficial channels
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Immigration
The total cost to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria ranges from ₦5-8 million ($3,500-5,500 USD) for application fees alone. This includes:
- IELTS registration: $350
- WES credential evaluation: $300
- Express Entry application: $1,365
- Medical examination: $250-400
- Police clearance: $50
- Biometrics: $85
- Optional: Immigration consultant ($1,500-5,000)
Additionally, you need proof of funds showing $14,690 CAD (₦16M+) for a single applicant.
Yes! The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program under Express Entry does not require a job offer. You can qualify based on your education, work experience, language proficiency, and age alone.
A valid job offer adds 50-200 CRS points but is completely optional. Most Nigerian immigrants receive PR without pre-arranged employment.
The complete Express Entry timeline is typically 8-14 months:
- IELTS preparation and test: 2-3 months
- WES credential evaluation: 1-2 months
- Express Entry profile creation and ITA wait: 2-6 months
- PR application processing after ITA: 2-6 months
IRCC's current service standard is 6 months for 80% of Express Entry applications after receiving ITA.
CRS cutoffs vary by draw type:
- General draws: 470-520 points
- Category-based draws: 400-450 points
- French proficiency draws: 350-420 points
- Provincial nominee draws: 750+ (includes 600-point PNP bonus)
If your score is below general cutoffs, focus on PNP applications or category-based draws.
Yes! Your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children under 22 can be included in your PR application at no additional application fee (biometrics fees apply separately).
If your spouse has education and language skills, they can contribute to your CRS score through spouse factors.
If your application is refused, you have several options:
- Request reasons: IRCC will provide refusal reasons
- Address issues: Fix problems identified in refusal letter
- Reapply: Create new Express Entry profile and apply again
- Judicial review: In rare cases, challenge the decision in Federal Court
Most refusals are due to insufficient proof of funds, misrepresentation, or inadequate documentation—all correctable issues.
📥 Get Your Free Express Entry Immigration Checklist
Complete document checklist, cost calculator, and timeline tracker—everything you need to start your Canada immigration journey.
Download Free Checklist →Next Steps: Start Your Canada Immigration Journey
You now have a comprehensive understanding of the Express Entry immigration process. Here's your action plan:
- Register for IELTS: Book your test date at British Council or IDP Nigeria
- Start WES Application: Request transcripts from your university immediately
- Calculate Your CRS: Use the official IRCC CRS calculator to estimate your score
- Research PNPs: If your CRS is below 470, explore provincial programs
- Prepare Proof of Funds: Start saving or consolidating funds into acceptable accounts