Doctor Relocating to Canada from Nigeria: ₦5,343,574–₦22,309,423
Canada received approximately 934 Nigerian doctors and dentists in 2023-2024, making it the second-largest destination after the UK. The pathway is longer and more expensive than nursing — medical licensing alone costs approximately C$8,400 before immigration fees. In December 2025, Canada created a new Express Entry category specifically for doctors with Canadian experience and added 5,000 PNP spaces for provinces to nominate physicians. This guide covers every exam, fee, and timeline with figures verified against MCC, IRCC, and CaRMS as of April 2026.
Verified relocation cost — Nigeria to Canada
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Total cost (NGN) | ₦5,343,574–₦22,309,423 |
| Total cost (USD) | $3,874–$16,174 |
| Primary visa route | Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) |
| Visa fee | ₦1,633,301 |
| Processing time | 6 months (official IRCC standard; community-reported median is 94 days for FSW) |
| Rent (1-bed, Toronto) | ₦2,301,247/mo |
All figures from our verified relocation database. Exchange rates as of 14 July 2026.
Doctor-specific costs in Canada
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Registration & licensing costs | ₦0.0M–₦0.0M |
| Entry salary (2024-2025) | CAD 73,367 |
| Salary band (2024-2025) | Resident → Staff |
| Migration history | 934 Nigerian doctors to Canada 2023-24 |
Full Guide Available
Read the full Doctor → Canada guide → — covers registration steps, exam fees, salary progression, and the documents you need to practise in Canada.
Visa options for Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost for a doctor to move from Nigeria to Canada?
- On the work/skilled route, budget ₦5,343,574–₦22,309,423 for visa fees, flights from Lagos and the first months of rent in Canada. Profession-specific licensing or registration fees apply on top, and the study route (with tuition and proof of funds) costs more. Use the Japa Calculator for a personalised estimate.
- What is the best visa route for a doctor from Nigeria to Canada?
- The primary skilled-worker route for Canada is the Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker). Processing time is 6 months (official IRCC standard; community-reported median is 94 days for FSW). Verified visa fee: ₦1,633,301.
- What salary can a Nigerian doctor expect in Canada?
- Entry salary for Doctor in Canada (Resident → Staff, 2024-2025) is CAD 73,367. Mid-career: CAD 232,227. Top of band: CAD 556,000. PGY1 (Ontario): C$73,367. Family physician median: C$232,227. Medical specialist avg: C$406,000. Surgical specialist avg: C$556,000 (CIHI 2023-24 data).
- How much does it cost to relocate from Nigeria to Canada?
- Costs depend on your route and destination city. The Express Entry route costs approximately CAD $1,610 (~$1,175 USD) in government fees (processing $950 + biometrics $85 + RPRF $575), plus IELTS, ECA, and medical exam. You'll also need proof of funds of at least CAD $15,263 (~$11,142 USD) for a single applicant (updated July 2025); the study route additionally requires the GIC and tuition on top. 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.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official government websites. Cost-of-living from Numbeo and local sources. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 14 July 2026). All costs are estimates and subject to change with exchange rates and policy updates. Verify with official immigration websites before making decisions. Last verified: 2026-06-02