Software Developer Relocating to Canada from Nigeria: ₦5,111,543–₦21,340,691
Canada remains one of the top destinations for Nigerian software developers, with Express Entry, provincial nominee programs (BC held its last dedicated tech draw on 3 December 2024), and the Global Talent Stream offering multiple pathways to permanent residency. Software developers (NOC 21232) and software engineers (NOC 21231) are both TEER 1 occupations qualifying for Federal Skilled Worker. This guide covers every cost from credential evaluation to PR landing, with a critical note: IRCC raised PR fees on 30 April 2026 (current rates shown).
Verified relocation cost — Nigeria to Canada
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Total cost (NGN) | ₦5,111,543–₦21,340,691 |
| Total cost (USD) | $3,844–$16,048 |
| Primary visa route | Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) |
| Visa fee | ₦1,562,379 |
| Processing time | 6 months (official IRCC standard; community-reported median is 94 days for FSW) |
| Rent (1-bed, Toronto) | ₦1,996,113/mo |
All figures from our verified relocation database. Exchange rates as of 12 October 2026.
Software Developer-specific costs in Canada
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Registration & licensing costs | ₦0.0M–₦0.0M |
| Entry salary (2024-2025) | CAD 62,400 |
| Salary band (2024-2025) | Entry → Senior |
| Migration history | 13,000+ Nigerian PRs in 2024 |
Full Guide Available
Read the full Software Developer → 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 software developer to move from Nigeria to Canada?
- On the work/skilled route, budget ₦5,111,543–₦21,340,691 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 software developer 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: ₦1,562,379.
- What salary can a Nigerian software developer expect in Canada?
- Entry salary for Software Developer in Canada (Entry → Senior, 2024-2025) is CAD 62,400. Mid-career: CAD 100,000. Top of band: CAD 160,000. National range C$30–$77/hr. Toronto C$62K–$160K. Vancouver C$73K–$206K (software engineers). Calgary C$55K–$134K. BC/Vancouver pays highest for senior roles.
- How much does it cost to relocate from Nigeria to Canada?
- Costs depend on your route and destination city. The Express Entry route costs CAD $1,675 (~$1,184 USD) in government fees (processing $990 + biometrics $85 + RPRF $600), 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 12 October 2026). All costs are estimates and subject to change with exchange rates and policy updates. Verify with official immigration websites before making decisions. Last reviewed: 7 Oct 2026