How To Immigrate to Canada from Nigeria in 2024
Canada is striving to welcome 465,000 immigrants in 2024. This goal will increase in the coming years. If immigrating to Canada is your goal, many options are available to you. Canada's immigration system consists of several different visa types, each with different requirements. You can determine which visa application is best for you by carefully exploring your options.
Nigerian Community in Canada
Canada is home to over 70,000 Nigerian immigrants, which will increase yearly. Many Nigerians immigrate to Canada to experience the lifestyle and benefits it offers. Most Nigerian immigrants choose to live in the province of Ontario, usually in the Toronto area. Other destinations of choice for Nigerian immigrants include Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg.
Canada Visa Offices in Nigeria
You can submit all of your Canada visa applications at an office in Nigeria for your convenience. There are Canadian visa offices in Nairobi and Accra, Nigeria.
How Can I Immigrate from Nigeria to Canada?
Immigrants worldwide are often drawn to Canada because of its relatively easy pathway to permanent residence. Canada offers several options for immigrants with different skills and backgrounds to find a place in Canada.
Express Entry to Canada
Express Entry is the Canadian government's most popular immigration program. If you are eligible, you can expect your application to be processed within six months, and you can depend on consistent candidate selection. The Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) selects applicants for permanent residence every couple of weeks. To be eligible for Canadian Express Entry, you should first meet the requirements of one of the following programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
These programs allow skilled Nigerian workers to get on track for Canadian permanent residence.
Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs
Canada is made up of 10 provinces and three territories. Most provinces and territories offer a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Each PNP is controlled by the province, separate from the Canadian federal government. Through the PNPs, Canadian provinces can find immigrant workers with skills who fit their labour market needs and nominate them for permanent residence. If a province nominates you, you should plan to live and work in that province to contribute to its economy.
Business Immigration to Canada
Nigerians looking to relocate to Canada for business or investor reasons have a variety of immigration options to choose from. Business immigration visas are typically used by entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals, or investors who aim to contribute to Canada's economy. Canada currently offers the following business immigration programs:
- Federal Start-up Visa Program
- Provincial Business Programs (through PNPs)
- Owner Operator Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Federal Self-Employed Program
- Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program (QSWP)
- Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
- Quebec Entrepreneur Program
- Business Visitor
Canadian Study Permits for Nigerian Students
Students from Nigeria who have been accepted to a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) can apply for a study permit. A study permit is required for all programs of study that are longer than six months. International students are also eligible to work in Canada part-time during their studies and full-time during breaks. Many international students often choose to stay in Canada after graduating by applying for a work permit and later applying to become permanent residents.
How To Apply for Canadian Immigration from Nigeria
You can begin your Canadian immigration journey by deciding which visa you want to apply for. You should make this decision by determining which visas you are eligible for and which application will give you the greatest chance at success. When completing your visa application, you should ensure you meet all requirements and provide the necessary information and documentation. Your applications must be completed accurately to ensure that your application process continues without problems. You can ensure that you are making all the right decisions by consulting a Canadian immigration expert.
How My Visa Source Can Help with Canadian Immigration from Nigeria
Congratulations on taking your first step toward permanent residence in Canada!
My Visa Source's award-winning team of qualified immigration lawyers will dedicate themselves to your immigration case and provide you with legal representation throughout your immigration journey.
By partnering with us, you are positioning yourself for the highest chance of immigration success and the best opportunity to achieve your visa-related goals.
Immigration is a complex process that requires strong legal strategy, precise paperwork, and perfect attention to detail. You will want to work with a team who has experience dealing with immigration officials and government departments and understands how to reduce the risk of wasted time, money or permanent rejection.
