Cost of Moving to Canada from Nigeria: ₦6,000,000–₦25,000,000
Moving to Canada from Nigeria costs between ₦6,000,000 and ₦25,000,000 ($4,000–$16,700 USD) in 2026, depending on your immigration pathway. Express Entry is the most popular route, but study permits and Provincial Nominee Programs offer alternatives with different cost profiles. Canada remains the #1 destination for Nigerians relocating abroad, with over 20,000 PRs granted to Nigerians in 2024 alone.
What Nigerians Are Choosing
LIVE DATAFrom 2,847 Japa Calculator users
Chose this country
34%
Avg Japa Score
67/100
Common salary
₦500K–₦1M
Trend
RisingCost Breakdown: Moving to Canada
| Expense | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee | $967 | |
| Proof of funds | $10,950 | |
| Health surcharge | $0 | If applicable |
| Language test (IELTS / TEF) | $190 | |
| Credential evaluation (WES / ECA) | $264 | |
| Flight from Lagos | $850 | One-way economy |
| First 3 months rent | $2,940 | 1-bed, cheapest city |
| Estimated Total | $16,161 | Based on Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) |
Costs are estimates and may vary. Exchange rate and living costs fluctuate.
Visa Options for Canada
Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)6–8 months (average 94 days after submission for FSW)$12,371
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | $967 |
| Proof of funds | $10,950 |
| Health surcharge | $0 |
| Language test | $190 |
| Credential evaluation | $264 |
Expert Tip
CRS cutoff scores dropped to 508 for CEC draws in early 2026, the lowest in two years. If your CRS is between 470–510, submit your profile now and stack points with a French TEF (up to 50 bonus points). Category-based draws for healthcare and STEM made up 98% of invitations in 2025 — align your NOC code to an in-demand category for a faster ITA.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)8–14 months (province nomination: 1–6 months + federal processing: 6–8 months)$12,371
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | $967 |
| Proof of funds | $10,950 |
| Health surcharge | $0 |
| Language test | $190 |
| Credential evaluation | $264 |
Expert Tip
Manitoba PNP and Nova Scotia PNP consistently have the fastest provincial processing (6–8 weeks) and lower CRS thresholds. A PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points, essentially guaranteeing an ITA in the next Express Entry draw. Target provinces with lower competition: Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia all have dedicated tech and healthcare streams with smaller applicant pools than Ontario or BC.
Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit8–12 weeks for study permit (Nigerian applications undergo enhanced verification at the Accra visa office)$15,425
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | $110 |
| Proof of funds | $15,063 |
| Health surcharge | $0 |
| Language test | $190 |
| Credential evaluation | $0 |
Expert Tip
The GIC requirement jumped to CAD $20,635 in January 2026, but here is the real cost most people miss: first-year tuition at Canadian colleges ranges from CAD $15,000–$22,000 while universities run CAD $25,000–$45,000. Target public colleges in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or Atlantic provinces where tuition is 40–60% cheaper than Ontario or BC. After a 2-year program, your PGWP gives you a 3-year open work permit, which is your bridge to PR through CEC.
Student Route to Canada
If you're considering studying abroad as your path to Canada, here's what you need to know:
| Visa type | Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) |
| Tuition | $11,000–$45,000/year (₦16,500,000–₦67,500,000/year) |
| Living costs | CAD $20,635 GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) required upfront |
| Work while studying | 20 hours/week during term, full-time during scheduled breaks and holidays |
| After graduation | Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — 1–3 years depending on program length, then apply for PR through Canadian Experience Class |
| Popular student cities | Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Halifax |
Student Tip
Target public colleges in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or Atlantic provinces — tuition is 40–60% cheaper than Ontario or BC, and provincial nominee programs in these provinces fast-track your PR application after graduation.
Top Cities in Canada for Nigerians
Toronto
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| 1-bed rent | $1,600/mo |
| Flight from Lagos | $850 |
| Cost of living index | 67.1 |
| Nigerian community | Large |
Vancouver
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| 1-bed rent | $1,680/mo |
| Flight from Lagos | $1,050 |
| Cost of living index | 68.1 |
| Nigerian community | Medium |
Calgary
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| 1-bed rent | $1,130/mo |
| Flight from Lagos | $1,000 |
| Cost of living index | 63.6 |
| Nigerian community | Medium |
Insider Tips for Moving to Canada
Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
CRS cutoff scores dropped to 508 for CEC draws in early 2026, the lowest in two years. If your CRS is between 470–510, submit your profile now and stack points with a French TEF (up to 50 bonus points). Category-based draws for healthcare and STEM made up 98% of invitations in 2025 — align your NOC code to an in-demand category for a faster ITA.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Manitoba PNP and Nova Scotia PNP consistently have the fastest provincial processing (6–8 weeks) and lower CRS thresholds. A PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points, essentially guaranteeing an ITA in the next Express Entry draw. Target provinces with lower competition: Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia all have dedicated tech and healthcare streams with smaller applicant pools than Ontario or BC.
Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit
The GIC requirement jumped to CAD $20,635 in January 2026, but here is the real cost most people miss: first-year tuition at Canadian colleges ranges from CAD $15,000–$22,000 while universities run CAD $25,000–$45,000. Target public colleges in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or Atlantic provinces where tuition is 40–60% cheaper than Ontario or BC. After a 2-year program, your PGWP gives you a 3-year open work permit, which is your bridge to PR through CEC.
Toronto
Toronto has Canada's largest Nigerian community (14,000+), concentrated in Brampton, Ajax, and North York. The tech job market is strong — Toronto ranks as North America's #3 tech hub. Skip downtown rent and look at Scarborough or Etobicoke for one-bedrooms under CAD $1,800. The TTC monthly pass is $156, and you will need it. Grocery costs are 15–20% higher than other Canadian cities, but the Nigerian grocery stores along Finch Avenue make it easy to find familiar staples.
Vancouver
Vancouver is Canada's most expensive city for rent, but the BC tech sector pays 10–15% more than Toronto to compensate. The Nigerian community is smaller but growing, mostly in Surrey and Burnaby where rents are 20–30% lower than downtown Vancouver. Skip the city centre — SkyTrain connects Surrey to downtown in 40 minutes. Weather is the mildest in Canada (no -30°C winters), which matters more than you think after your first Canadian January.
Calgary
Calgary is the financial sweet spot for Nigerian newcomers. Alberta has no provincial sales tax (saving 7–8% on everything vs. Ontario or BC), and no provincial health insurance premiums. Energy sector jobs pay well, but Calgary's tech sector is booming too. The Nigerian community here is tight-knit and centred around the northeast. Rent is 30% cheaper than Toronto with comparable salaries in many sectors. The catch: winters are brutal, hitting -30°C regularly from December to February.
Ottawa
Ottawa is underrated for Nigerian immigrants. As the federal capital, it has massive government hiring — and the public service actively recruits bilingual immigrants. If you have even basic French alongside English, your job prospects triple here. The Nigerian community is well-established in the south end (Barrhaven, Gloucester). Rent is 15% less than Toronto, the city is safe and family-friendly, and Algonquin College and the University of Ottawa both have strong international student pipelines to PR.
Winnipeg
Winnipeg is the most affordable major city in Canada and the #1 PNP destination for Nigerians. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) processes nominations in 6–8 weeks — faster than any other province. One-bedrooms average CAD $1,342, which is nearly half of Toronto prices. The Nigerian community is small but has grown rapidly since 2019. The trade-off is real: Winnipeg winters are the harshest in Canada (-40°C is not unusual), and the job market is smaller. But as a stepping stone to Canadian PR, it is hard to beat.
Written by Max
Founder of Japa Calculator, Nigeria's first data-driven relocation decision tool. Every cost figure, visa fee, and expert tip on this page is independently researched and verified against official government immigration sources (IRCC, UK Home Office, USCIS, and embassy websites). Data is updated quarterly.
Data methodology: Visa fees sourced from official government websites. Cost of living from Numbeo and local sources. Flight prices from aggregator averages. Japa Pulse data from anonymized calculator submissions.
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Start Free CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to relocate from Nigeria to Canada?
- The total cost of relocating from Nigeria to Canada ranges from ₦6,000,000 to ₦25,000,000 ($4,000–$16,700) in 2026, depending on your visa route and destination city. The Express Entry route costs approximately ₦3,500,000–₦5,000,000 in fees alone (application, biometrics, medical exam, IELTS, ECA). You'll also need proof of funds of at least CAD $13,757 for a single applicant. Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive cities for initial settlement. Use the Japa Calculator to get a personalized cost estimate based on your specific situation.
- How much does it cost to relocate from Nigeria to Canada in naira?
- In Nigerian Naira, relocating to Canada costs between ₦6,000,000 and ₦25,000,000 at the current exchange rate of approximately ₦1,500/$1 USD. The Express Entry pathway requires about ₦18.5 million in proof of funds alone (CAD $13,757). IELTS registration costs ₦285,000, credential evaluation (WES) costs ₦396,000, and the application fee is ₦1,450,500. Flights from Lagos to Toronto cost ₦1,275,000–₦1,575,000 one-way. These figures change with exchange rate fluctuations — use the Japa Calculator for real-time Naira estimates.
- What is the cheapest way to move to Canada from Nigeria?
- The cheapest way to move to Canada from Nigeria is through Express Entry if you qualify, as the government fees are relatively low at about $1,421 (₦2.1M) excluding proof of funds. To minimize costs: take IELTS in Nigeria (₦285,000 vs CAD $290 in Canada), choose Winnipeg or Calgary over Toronto/Vancouver to save 30–50% on rent, and apply through the Provincial Nominee Program for provinces like Manitoba or Nova Scotia that have faster, less competitive streams. Avoid immigration agents — the IRCC application is designed for self-applicants, and free guidance is available through IRCC's website and Settlement.Org.
- Can I relocate to Canada from Nigeria without an agent?
- Yes, you can absolutely relocate to Canada from Nigeria without an immigration agent. The IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) system is designed for self-applicants — Express Entry is an online portal where you create your own profile, upload documents, and track your application. Free resources include the IRCC website, Settlement.Org, and CIC News. However, if your case involves criminal inadmissibility, medical issues, or previous refusals, consulting a licensed RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) is worthwhile. Never use unlicensed agents — check the CICC registry to verify any consultant's license.
- How long does it take to relocate from Nigeria to Canada?
- Relocating from Nigeria to Canada typically takes 6–14 months depending on your pathway. Express Entry takes 6–8 months from profile submission to PR approval (averaging 94 days after application submission). Provincial Nominee Programs take 8–14 months total. Study permits take 8–12 weeks due to enhanced verification at the Accra visa office. Add 2–3 months for preparation (IELTS, credential evaluation, document gathering) before you even apply. The Japa Calculator can help you plan your timeline based on your chosen route.
- What documents do I need to relocate from Nigeria to Canada?
- To relocate from Nigeria to Canada, you need: a valid Nigerian passport (with at least 18 months validity), IELTS or CELPIP language test results, Educational Credential Assessment (ECA/WES) of your Nigerian degree, police clearance certificate from the Nigeria Police Force, a medical exam from a designated panel physician in Lagos or Abuja, proof of funds (bank statements showing CAD $13,757+ for a single applicant), digital photographs meeting IRCC specifications, and reference letters from current and past employers. All documents must be in English or French, or accompanied by certified translations.
- What is the Express Entry CRS score needed for Canada in 2026?
- CRS cutoff scores in early 2026 range from 393–508 depending on the draw category. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws have been at 508–511, while French-language draws dropped to 393 in March 2026. Category-based draws for healthcare, STEM, and trades have cutoffs between 467–522. A PNP nomination adds 600 points, making it the most reliable path for candidates with CRS scores below 480.
- Do I need IELTS to move to Canada?
- Yes, a language test is mandatory for all Canadian immigration pathways. For Express Entry, you can take either IELTS General Training or CELPIP General (CAD $290 in Canada). IELTS costs approximately ₦285,000 in Nigeria. For study permits, IELTS Academic is required. An alternative is the PTE Core test, which IRCC began accepting in 2024. Higher language scores significantly boost your CRS points — a CLB 10 in all four skills can add up to 136 CRS points.
- What is the proof of funds requirement for Canada in 2026?
- For Express Entry (single applicant), you must show CAD $15,000 (~$10,950 USD or ~₦16.4 million) in available settlement funds. This increases with family size: CAD $18,695 for two people, CAD $22,994 for three. For study permits, the GIC requirement is CAD $20,635 (~$15,063 USD) as of January 2026, separate from tuition. Proof of funds must be in liquid, transferable assets — property or investments do not count.
- Can I move to Canada without a job offer?
- Yes. Express Entry does not require a job offer — in fact, IRCC removed the 50–200 CRS bonus points for job offers in March 2025, levelling the playing field. You can apply based on your age, education, language scores, and work experience alone. However, having Canadian work experience (even one year) qualifies you for the Canadian Experience Class, which has lower CRS cutoffs. Study permits also do not require a job offer, and the Post-Graduation Work Permit gives you a pathway to gain that Canadian experience.
- How much does it cost to study in Canada from Nigeria?
- Tuition fees for Nigerian students range from $11,000–$45,000/year (₦16,500,000–₦67,500,000/year). On top of tuition, you need to show CAD $20,635 GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) required upfront for living expenses. Popular student cities include Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Halifax. The student visa type is the Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Can Nigerian students work in Canada?
- Yes. On a Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), Nigerian students can work 20 hours/week during term, full-time during scheduled breaks and holidays. After graduation, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — 1–3 years depending on program length, then apply for PR through Canadian Experience Class. This work experience can be your bridge to permanent residency or a longer-term work visa.