Cost of Relocating to Canada from Nigeria with Family (2024)

The possibility of moving to Canada from Nigeria can be both difficult and exhilarating.

In fact, many Nigerians seeking to start over are choosing to move to the Great White North more and more frequently.

Before making any decision, it’s crucial to comprehend the costs associated with such a move to another country. This post will discuss the cost of moving your family to Canada from Nigeria.

According to Canadavisa, there are now about 70,000 Canadians of Nigerian descent living in the country, and this number is rising.

However, when thinking about migrating to Canada, relocation expenses are a crucial consideration.

In order to make an informed choice, you must be aware of how it may influence your decision-making process.

In general, the cost of moving might be affected by the immigration route you take.

Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Programme are just two of the more than 100 immigration schemes run by Canada.

We’ll concentrate primarily on these two key pathways on this page. However, we also have you covered if you’re thinking about the cost of studying in Canada from Nigeria.

CANADIAN IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS FOR NIGERIANS TO EXPLORE

Nigerians who want to immigrate to Canada can choose from a number of immigration programmes. Nigerians might look into the following popular immigration programmes:

EXPRESS ENTRY

This is a federal immigration programme for professionals who want to settle permanently in Canada. The application process is point-based, and candidates are evaluated according to their age, education, language ability, and job experience. Highly qualified professionals in the medical field, nursing, engineering, accounting, and many other fields can benefit from this programme.

THE PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAMME (PNP)

This is for Nigerians who want to relocate to a certain Canadian province or territory. Each province or territory has its own PNP, which is evaluated in accordance with its own needs. Because they give invited candidates to the country a reduced point grading system, this programme is extremely beneficial for Nigerians.

QUEBEC SKILLED WORKER PROGRAM

This programme is intended for people who want to relocate to Quebec. The evaluation of applicants takes into account their age, linguistic ability, education, and employment history, among other things.

ATLANTIC IMMIGRATION PILOT

The objectives of this programme are to meet the labour market demands of the Atlantic provinces, particularly New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. You must have a job offer from an employer in one of the participating provinces in order to participate in the employer-driven programme.

FAMILY SPONSORSHIP

This programme might be beneficial to you if one of your family members is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Through this programme, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor the immigration of their relatives. Spouses, common-law partners, parents, grandparents, and dependent children are examples of eligible relatives.

THE COST OF MOVING TO CANADA WITH EXPRESS ENTRY

The Express Entry program, as was already mentioned, uses a point-based system to evaluate prospective immigrants according to factors like age, education, work experience, language competence, and adaptability.

You can apply for permanent residency in Canada if your score is good enough. All eligible people and families may participate in the program.

There are various expenses for a Nigerian who wants to immigrate to Canada via Express Entry to take into account, including the following:

LANGUAGE TESTS

English proficiency must be shown as one of the prerequisites for qualifying in the Express Entry program.

The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) must be taken by both you and your spouse.

Although the price of these tests varies, budget between ₦100,000 and ₦200,000 for each one.

EDUCATIONAL CREDENTIALS ASSESSMENT (ECA)

You and your spouse must also have your educational credentials (diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, etc.) evaluated by a recognized organization to make sure they satisfy Canadian criteria in addition to taking the language test.

World Education Service (WES) or International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) are examples of these authorized organizations. Whatever you decide, budget between ₦100,000 and ₦200,000 per person.

EVIDENCE OF FUNDS

Proof of finances is another crucial factor, and Canada takes this seriously! You must show that you have the resources to support yourself and your family when you enter Canada.

Your family’s size will determine the amount needed, and you’ll have to show evidence of your financial stability, like bank statements or investment records.

The current minimum needed for a household of four is ₦15,000,000. However, we urge you to have more money in your bank account than that to ensure the immigration officer would approve you.

MEDICAL EXAMS

Additionally, you and your family must pass medical checks to confirm your eligibility before moving to Canada.

Although the price of these medical examinations vary, plan to spend between ₦150,000 and ₦200,000 per person.

POLICE CLEARANCES/CERTIFICATES

All nations where you and your family have resided for six months or longer in the previous ten years must produce police clearance documents.

Depending on the jurisdiction, these certifications might cost anywhere between ₦10,000 and $20,000 each.

EXPRESS ENTRY APPLICATION FEES

You must pay an application fee if you are given the go-ahead to apply for permanent residency under the Express Entry program.

Each adult applicant must pay ₦350,000 and each minor applicant ₦110,000 in application fees. Additionally, you must pay a charge of ₦290,000 for the privilege to permanent residence.

When you add these expenses up, you should have an idea of how much the full family will cost.

TRAVEL AND LODGING FEES

Also remember to include in your travel and lodging fees. This can cover travel costs, lodging when travelling, short-term housing, and expenses for the home like groceries and furniture.

Depending on your situation, these expenses will cost different amounts. In general, you decide how much it will cost, but set aside ₦2,000,000 to ₦3,000,000 as a budget.

Below is the table showing a breakdown of the costs.

Fee Type	Notes	Individual	Couple	Couple + 1 Child	Couple + 2 Children
Language tests (IELTS, CELPIP)	Average cost.	₦100,000 – ₦200,000	₦200,000 – ₦400,000	–	–
Educational Credential Evaluation (ECA)	Cost excluding international courier delivery charges.	₦100,000 – ₦200,000	₦200,000 – ₦400,000	–	–
Proof of Funds	The amount required depends on the size of your family	₦15,000,000	₦17,000,000	₦20,000,000	₦22,000,000
Medical exams	Average cost; fee in Nigeria.	₦150,000	₦300,000	–	–
Police certificates		₦10,000	₦20,000	–	–
Express Entry application fees		₦350,000	₦700,000	₦110,000	₦110,000
Right of permanent residence fee		₦290,000	₦580,000	₦700,000	₦800,000
Travel and settling expenses	You determine the cost	₦2,000,000	₦3,000,000	₦3,000,000	₦3,500,000
TOTAL		₦18,100,000	₦22,200,000	₦25,430,000	₦28,340,000

PROVINCIAL NOMINATION PROGRAMS (PNPS)

Eleven provincial and territorial governments in Canada are responsible for managing PNPs. The processing or application fees are determined by these provinces and territories.

The processing fee will be added to the price of your application for permanent residence if you are nominated for PNP. Your chances of immigrating greatly enhance if you receive a PNP nomination.

By province, the PNP settlement fund differs. To qualify for nomination, you must have the minimum amount of settlement funds required by the jurisdiction.

You are required to match the IRCC settlement fund when you receive a nomination. The table below shows the application fees for each province.

PNP	Fee (CAD)
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)	—
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)	₦347,382.42
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)	₦151,383.88
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)	₦75,513.76
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)	₦75513.76
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)	0
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)	₦347,382.42
Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEIPNP)	₦94,118.64
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)	₦108, 698.50

CONCLUSION

Overall, it is possible to immigrate with your family to Canada, yes. It is also possible to immigrate to Canada without a migration agent because the process is rather simple.

However, it is advised to speak with a migration agent if you wish to reduce any potential difficulties throughout the migration procedure.

If you’re thinking about moving to Canada with your family, make sure to complete your homework first.

There are several things to take into account, such as the evidence of funds, travel costs, and settlement costs. Be ready to put time and money into making a move happen because it will be worthwhile once you get there!