Relocating from Nigeria to Canada is a significant step involving emotional adjustments and substantial financial planning. Canada offers open immigration policies and the promise of better economic opportunities. Over the past few years, Canada has become one of the top destinations for Nigerians seeking better economic opportunities, world-class education, and an overall starting a new life. The Canadian immigration system offers various pathways, such as the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and student visa options. This guide provides an in-depth look at how much it costs for a Nigerian to relocate to Canada in 2024, including all the significant expenses you’ll need to plan for before making the big move.
Major Factors Influencing Relocation Costs
Several factors influence the overall cost of relocating to Canada from Nigeria. These include:
- Immigration pathway: Your route (Express Entry, PNP, Student Visa) will directly impact how much you’ll spend.
- Family size: Costs increase significantly if you are moving with dependents.
- Location: Your living expenses will be affected by where in Canada you intend to settle (Toronto, Vancouver, or smaller cities).
Understanding the nuances of each option is critical to estimating the total cost.
Visa Application Fees
The first significant cost in the relocation process is the visa application fee. The cost of applying for a Canadian visa depends on the immigration pathway you choose.
- Express Entry: The most popular route for skilled workers, this system includes several categories, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC): CAD 1525
- Student Visa: The student visa application fee for those relocating for education is CAD 150.
Proof of Funds
The Canadian government requires proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family after you arrive. This amount varies depending on the size of your family when you relocate to Canada.
For Express Entry:
- Single applicant: CAD 14,690
- Family of two: CAD 18,288
- Family of three: CAD 22,483
For Study Permit:
- Single applicant: CAD 20,635
- Family of two: CAD 25,690
- Family of three: CAD 31,583
These funds must be available in a verifiable Nigerian bank account, and you must provide evidence through bank statements when applying for your visa.
Language Testing Fees
Language proficiency is critical for those who want to relocate to Canada. Most applicants must take the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program).
- IELTS fee: ₦266000
Ensure you budget for this exam, as your language test scores can influence your eligibility in the Express Entry system or other immigration streams.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Suppose you apply through the Express Entry program or other skilled immigration streams. In that case, you’ll need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify that your Nigerian education is equivalent to Canadian standards.
- ECA fee: CAD 230 – CAD 300, depending on the organization performing the assessment. For WES: $248.00 (for IRCC)
This step is mandatory for skilled workers applying through Express Entry.
Medical Examination Fees
As part of the immigration process, you must undergo a medical examination from a panel physician approved by the Canadian government. This ensures you are in good health and do not pose a public health risk to Canadians when you relocate to Canada.
- Medical exam cost: USD 48.00 to USD 95.00 per person, depending on the clinic.
Biometric Fee: CAD 85.00
Police Clearance Certificates
Applicants must provide police clearance certificates from every country where they have lived for six months or longer since they were 18. You can obtain this certificate in Nigeria from the Nigerian Police Force’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
- Police clearance certificate cost: ₦30,000 to ₦80,000
Flight Tickets to Canada
Flight prices fluctuate depending on the season, time of booking, and the airline. A one-way ticket from Nigeria to Canada can be expensive, especially if you travel during peak periods.
- Average flight cost: Starts from ₦900,000 to ₦1,173,533
Booking early and comparing airline prices can reduce this cost.
Health Insurance in Canada
While Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system, newcomers may need private health insurance to cover the gap before their provincial health coverage starts
Miscellaneous Costs
Other expenses include:
- Shipping personal belongings
- Extra luggage on flights
- Emergency funds
Tips to Minimize Relocation Costs
- Plan Early: Start saving early and track fluctuating exchange rates.
- Research affordable cities: Consider moving to smaller cities with lower living costs.
- Apply for scholarships: If relocating for studies, scholarships can significantly reduce costs.
Conclusion
Relocating from Nigeria to Canada involves numerous costs, from visa fees to living expenses. Proper financial planning is essential to prepare for the transition entirely. With the appropriate budget and understanding of the process, you can successfully navigate the journey and make your Canadian dream a reality. If you want to relocate to Canada, this article is for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the cheapest way to move to Canada from Nigeria? The Express Entry system is typically the most cost-effective pathway for skilled workers. Still, costs can be minimized by planning and applying to less expensive provinces.
- How much does applying for a Canadian visa from Nigeria cost? The visa application fee for Express Entry is approximately CAD 850, with additional costs for dependents.
- How long does the immigration process take? Depending on your profile and the program you applied for, the Express Entry process can take six months to over a year.
- Do I need to hire an immigration consultant? While not mandatory, hiring a consultant can help navigate the process. Their fees vary widely but typically start around CAD 1,000.
- Can I relocate to Canada without proof of funds? No, proof of funds is a mandatory requirement for most immigration pathways to Canada.
- What is the best city for newcomers to live in Canada? Cities like Halifax, Winnipeg, and Edmonton offer lower living costs and can be more affordable for new immigrants.
