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Nurse Relocating to Canada from Nigeria: ₦5,343,574–₦22,309,423

Max Ayobami, founder of Japa Calculator
By Max AyobamiVerified 2 Jun 2026 · About
1,200+ data points hand-verifiedBuilt by Nigerians, for NigeriansVerified 2 Jun 2026

Canada is actively recruiting nurses through Express Entry healthcare draws and provincial nominee programs. With over 21,000 registered nurse vacancies across the country, Nigerian nurses have a clear pathway to permanent residency. This guide breaks down every cost from NNAS assessment to provincial registration, with every figure verified against IRCC, NNAS, and provincial regulatory body sources as of April 2026. Note: IRCC raised PR fees on 30 April 2026 (current rates shown).

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Verified relocation cost — Nigeria to Canada

DetailValue
Total cost (NGN)₦5,343,574–₦22,309,423
Total cost (USD)$3,874$16,174
Primary visa routeExpress Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
Visa fee₦1,633,301
Processing time6 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.

Nurse-specific costs in Canada

DetailValue
Registration & licensing costs0.0M–₦0.0M
Entry salary (2024-2025)CAD 60,320
Salary band (2024-2025)Registered Nurse
Migration history21,000+ vacancies nationwide

Full Guide Available

Read the full NurseCanada guide → — covers registration steps, exam fees, salary progression, and the documents you need to practise in Canada.

Visa options for Canada

Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)6 months (official IRCC standard; community-reported median is 94 days for FSW)
₦2,231,040
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)8–14 months (province nomination: 1–6 months + federal processing: 6 months)
₦2,231,040
Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit8–12 weeks for study permit (Nigerian applications undergo enhanced verification at the Accra visa office)
₦430,996

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost for a nurse 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 nurse 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 nurse expect in Canada?
Entry salary for Registered Nurse in Canada (Registered Nurse, 2024-2025) is CAD 60,320. Mid-career: CAD 87,588. Top of band: CAD 114,400. Based on Job Bank Canada data. Ontario: $29–$55/hr, BC: $35–$57/hr, Alberta: $30–$54/hr. National median $43.27/hr.
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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Data 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

Source: IRCC Fee ListSource: NumbeoSource: IRCC