Software Developer Relocating to Canada from Nigeria: ₦5,343,574–₦22,309,423
Canada remains one of the top destinations for Nigerian software developers, with Express Entry, BC PNP Tech (29 eligible tech occupations), 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) | ₦5,343,574–₦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.
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 ₦5,343,574–₦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 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: ₦1,633,301.
- 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 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