Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker): Complete Guide for Nigerians ₦2,255,718
The complete Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) guide for Nigerians moving to Canada. Verified 2026 fees, full timeline, document checklist, and an expert tip we have personally validated. Everything you need to know before you apply.
Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦1,651,367 (~$1,210 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Refundable to you | ₦15,047,652 (~$11,030 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦287,880 (~$211 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦316,471 (~$232 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦2,255,718 (~$1,653 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 3 June 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 6 months (official IRCC standard; community-reported median is 94 days for FSW)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates, language test result, credential evaluation report.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦2,255,718 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 6 months (official IRCC standard; community-reported median is 94 days for FSW).
Expert tip
Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
CRS cutoff scores dropped to 515 for CEC draws in late 2025, the lowest in two years. If your CRS is between 470–520, 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. Total Express Entry government fees are CAD $1,610 ($1,175 USD): $950 processing + $85 biometrics + $575 RPRF. Medical exam varies by physician (~$150–300 CAD, not a fixed government fee). WES ECA costs approximately CAD $264 base (~$193 USD), plus HST and courier (~CAD $320–350 total). IELTS in Nigeria costs ~$200 USD (₦279,500–₦299,000).
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) cost for Nigerians moving to Canada?
- Total government fees for the Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) are ₦2,255,718 (about $1,653). This includes the visa application fee, health surcharge, language test, and credential evaluation where applicable.
- How long does Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) for Nigerian applicants is 6 months (official IRCC standard; community-reported median is 94 days for FSW).
- How much proof of funds do I need for the Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)?
- You need to show ₦15,047,652 ($11,030) in proof of funds for the Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker). This is your own money in a bank account — you do not pay it to the government.
- What is the most important tip for Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) applicants from Nigeria?
- CRS cutoff scores dropped to 515 for CEC draws in late 2025, the lowest in two years. If your CRS is between 470–520, 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. Total Express Entry government fees are CAD $1,610 ($1,175 USD): $950 processing + $85 biometrics + $575 RPRF. Medical exam varies by physician (~$150–300 CAD, not a fixed government fee). WES ECA costs approximately CAD $264 base (~$193 USD), plus HST and courier (~CAD $320–350 total). IELTS in Nigeria costs ~$200 USD (₦279,500–₦299,000).
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into Canada.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 3 June 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02