The strong economy, quality education, and immigrant-friendly policies of Canada make it one of the top destinations for Nigerians seeking permanent residency. Skilled workers, students, and families are now more likely to migrate permanently to Canada thanks to government initiatives. To apply from Nigeria, you can follow a clear step-by-step process.
Step 1: Become familiar with the Canada PR process
In order to apply for permanent residency in the United States, Nigerians can choose from several immigration programs:
- The Express Entry Program is available to skilled workers, Federal Skilled Workers Program participants, Canadian Experience Class participants, and Federal Skilled Trades applicants.
- Candidates nominated by Canadian provinces may apply to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
- Sponsorship by a family member (if you have a spouse, parent, or close relative living in Canada).
- The study-to-PR route (do your studies in Canada, then gain Canadian work experience before you apply for your PR).
The majority of Nigerians apply through PNPs or Express Entry.
Step 2: Verify your eligibility
The following requirements must be met:
- Express Entry points are only available to those under 45 years old.
- At least a secondary school diploma or a higher education degree is required.
- Experienced in skilled work for at least one year.
- For English, take the IELTS/CELPIP test or for French, take the TEF test.
- Unless you are already working or studying in Canada, you need to show proof of settlement funds.
Step 3: Test your language skills
- IELTS General or CELPIP (English) can be booked and taken.
- If you speak French fluently, you can take TEF (French).
- Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points increase as you score higher.
Step 4: Obtain an Education Assessment (ECA)
- Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an approved organization (e.g., WES, IQAS, ICES).
- Upon receiving this document, we confirm that your Nigerian degree or diploma is the equivalent of a Canadian diploma or degree.
Step 5: Set up an Express Entry profile
- Let us know your age, your education, your work experience, your language scores, and your family situation.
- CRS points determine your ranking in the Express Entry pool.
Step 6: Obtain an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- When your CRS score meets the cutoff in a draw, you will be sent an invitation to interview.
- Permanent residency can now be applied for formally with an ITA.
Step 7: Submit the PR application
- Documents such as passports, IELTS results, ECAs, work reference letters, and police certificates are needed to support your application.
- After receiving an ITA, you should submit your complete PR application online within 60 days.
- The application fee (processing fee + right of permanent residence fee) must be paid.
Step 8: Medical examinations and biometrics
- To receive a visa, a Nigerian Visa Application Centre (VAC) will need your fingerprints and a picture.
- Obtain a medical evaluation from a doctor on the panel.
Step 9: Await processing
- Express Entry usually takes 6–12 months to process.
- There may be a need for you to provide additional documents during this time.
Step 10: Obtain Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- When you are approved, your passport will have a COPR stamp as well as a PR visa stamp.
- The process of becoming a permanent resident of Canada has now been simplified.
Step 11: Obtain a Permanent Resident card after moving to Canada
- Present your COPR at the border when you arrive.
- Upon receiving your PR card, you will receive it via regular mail.
- If you meet the residency requirements, you can live, work, study, and eventually apply for Canadian citizenship.
Lastly, some thoughts
Nigerians applying for permanent residency in Canada must go through a multi-step process that includes language testing, credential assessment, Express Entry profile creation, and a formal application. Getting permanent residency and starting a new life in Canada can be achieved through proper preparation and timely submission.
