When a Nigerian start making moves to relocate to Canada, he or she does so out of the need to have access to a better life or to further one’s education. The study route is one of the most popular – but what is the fate of a Nigerian who doesn’t want to migrate to continue their education?
This article points you in the right direction, as to the best ways to relocate to Canada from Nigeria.
The Migration goes back in Time.
As Wikipedia would have it, the Nigeria-to-Canada migration trend didn’t start today. It could be traced back to the 1967 to 1970 era in the country – a period the country was embroiled in a civil war.
While the migration then could be out of survival instincts, today, one can migrate to Canada to enjoy basic amenities too.
The Best Ways for Nigerians to Migrate to Canada
Now, let’s talk about the things that matter. Here are options worth exploring if you are keen on moving yourself (or in addition to your loved ones) to Canada.
1. Family Class Sponsorship
Ever heard of the statement, “We rise by lifting others?” Well, if you have a family member already in Canada, he or she might just become the “stepping stone” for you to place a leg and reach the zenith – come over to Canada.
The Family Class Sponsorship route is one of the easiest pathways to move your family back home to the country. It could have been a no-brainer only that a few clauses apply:
- The applicant (who is in Nigeria) must have a close affinity with the sponsor. You are expected to be related in any of these ways: conjugal partnership, spouse to the sponsor, or common-law partner.
- If the sponsor is your dad or mum, you as the child, are expected to be under the age of 22 and not in any active relationship (whether dating or married).
On the other hand, the sponsor (the person expected to bring you over to Canada) is required to meet certain conditions:
- Be above 18 years of age.
- Must be a Permanent Resident (PR) in the country.
- Show proof of financial capability to not only take care of his or her needs but also those of the dependent – you.
- The sponsor must also be living in Canada when the dependent (you) becomes a Permanent Resident (PR).
2. Express Entry
As the name suggests, this Nigeria-to-Canada migration approach works best if you have a clear (express) consideration.
In addition to being the fastest, it is also the best when it comes to killing two birds with the same stone – migrating to Canada and living there permanently.
Consideration is given to Nigerian immigrants who meet these basic requirements and qualifications:
- Nigerians with core skills, especially those urgently needed in Canada.
- Nigerians who have considerable educational backgrounds, such as college or university degrees are considered.
- You also stand a chance if you are proficient in the use of French or English language(s).
Before applying, confirm your eligibility by exploring the three (3) different options under the Express Entry route.
a. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
This is the best option for Nigerians who have considerable work experience – and are skilled too! It is ideal for people who have lived and worked in Canada for a period of one to 3 years.
Other considerations include:
- Have worked under temporary residence status during the period of your working experience.
- Must have worked at least 30 hours weekly in the last year.
- Worked an equal amount of time, in the case of a part-time job.
b. Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
The Federal Skilled Worker program is ideal for Nigerians who must have had specific work experience, language proficiency, and education.
The requirements include but are not limited to:
- Must have had at least 12 months of continuous, full-time paid work within the last 10 years. Also, the skilled work experience must fall under any of the specified occupations classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC). Examples of such occupations are Office Manager, Dental Assistant, Laboratory Technician, and Financial Advisor.
- Providing evidence of the financial capability to support oneself and family member(s), if applicable.
- Have a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 on an approved French or English language test.
- Must be resident outside the province of Quebec.
- Must have a minimum score of 62 out of 100 points in the eligibility selection factors and;
- Possess a Canadian educational credential, such as a degree, diploma (the minimum), or certificate. You can also tender its equivalent with an Education Credential Assessment
c. Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
This is the third option under the Express Entry route for Nigerians looking to migrate to Canada. The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) allows Nigerians without a job offer but with work experience to come over to the country.
If you have experience in any of the following jobs, you can feel free to apply:
- Transportation Controllers or Officers
- Chefs
- Aircraft assemblers
- Butchers
- Occupations relating to utilities, processing, and manufacturing.
- Having an occupation in industries relating to agriculture, natural resources and other related fields.
- Bakers
In addition to having an experience in any of the aforementioned jobs, you also need to meet certain criteria:
- Your work experience meets the description of any of the occupations in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). You also need to have worked full-time in any of those occupations in the last 10 years.
- Meet French or English languages, up to Level 7 of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
- Must have received a full-time work offer from a Canadian company for at least a year. A job offer originating from a governmental agency or authority in the country can also be accepted.
- Score at least 67 points on the IRCC’s selection factors for immigrants and;
- Having a Canadian educational credential, such as degree, certificate or diploma. In the case of a foreign or equivalent credential, one must submit it with the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.
3. Start-Up Visa Program
The Canadian Start-Up Visa Program aims at encouraging entrepreneurs and business-minded Nigerians who have “innovative ideas” to migrate to Canada.
In addition to helping grow the country’s economy in your “little way,” the program also allows you to establish a thriving business in a budding economy.
To qualify for the program, you need to:
- Prove your financial capability both for establishing a business and creating jobs, as well as settling in the country.
- Own a “qualifying” business.
- Scale through the language requirements and;
- Receive a “letter of support” from a “designated organization.”
There is also an amazing benefit of this option. It is the ICT Route. The Intra Company Transfer (ICT) option makes these provisions:
- It allows you, the business owner to transfer or “move” your existing business from Nigeria to Canada.
- You can also move important members of your staff to the country.
- The ICT route can also qualify you for a Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) permit within 12 months of doing business in the country.
4. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
This Program is exclusive to the thirteen (13) provinces and territories in Canada. It also allows these provinces the exclusive rights to dictate their immigration policies.
Here are some key takeaways:
- The PNP is overseen by the provinces in Canada.
- These provinces tend to open the program when there is a need for more skilled workers, especially in specific sectors of the economy.
- Eligibility for the program is usually based on meeting the minimum requirements.
Conclusion
You can migrate to Canada from Nigeria in several ways, but the fastest routes are Express Entry and Family Class Sponsorship.
If you don’t qualify for any of those, perhaps, it may be okay to explore other options, such as entry visa (temporary resident visa), work permit or student permit. With time, you’d be able to work your way up the ladder to get a PR.