How Much Does It Cost for a Nigerian Software Developer to Relocate to the Canada? 🇨🇦
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 fees increase on April 30, 2026.
💻 Quick Numbers
Total Cost
₦3.5M – ₦7.5M
Starting Salary
C$62,400/yr
Entry → Senior (2024-2025)
Nigerians Who Moved
13,000+
Nigerian PRs in 2024
Source Rank
TEER 1 priority occupation
Step-by-Step: Registration & Costs
1English Language Test (IELTS General Training)₦279,500–₦299,000
Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker requires minimum CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 in all four skills). However, competitive reality: most successful candidates score CLB 9+ (IELTS 7.0–7.5+ each skill). CLB 7 gives minimal CRS points. Must be IELTS General Training, not Academic. Results valid for 2 years.
2WES Credential Evaluation (ECA)C$267 + C$89 courier + HST (≈C$400 total)
Get your Nigerian CS/Engineering degree evaluated by World Education Services (WES) for immigration purposes. The ECA report is required for Express Entry. WES increased fees 3% in January 2026. International courier delivery is strongly recommended — standard delivery has no tracking.
3Express Entry Profile + Wait for ITAFree to create profile
Create your Express Entry profile with your CRS score. Critical reality check: no general all-program draw has been held since April 2024 (CRS 529). IRCC has shifted to category-based draws. STEM category remains active but no STEM draw since April 2024 either. The most reliable path for developers is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination, which adds +600 CRS points and essentially guarantees an ITA.
4Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP Tech or OINP)C$1,750 (BC) / C$1,500 (Ontario)
BC PNP Tech covers 29 eligible occupations including software developers and engineers. Weekly draws with priority processing. 2026 allocation: 5,254 nominations (down from 9,000 requested). Provincial fee: C$1,750 (increased from C$1,475 in January 2026). Jobs outside Metro Vancouver get bonus points. Ontario OINP fee is C$1,500 but a major overhaul takes effect May 30, 2026 — existing streams will be replaced.
5Permanent Residence ApplicationC$1,610 (before Apr 30) / C$1,675 (after)
After receiving an ITA, apply for permanent residence. Current federal fees: processing C$950 + biometrics C$85 + RPRF C$575 = C$1,610 total. IMPORTANT: Fees increase April 30, 2026 to C$990 processing + C$600 RPRF = C$1,675 total. Apply before April 30 if possible to save C$65.
6OR: Global Talent Stream (Work Permit Alternative)C$155 (work permit) — employer pays C$1,000 LMIA
If a Canadian employer initiates, the Global Talent Stream is a fast-track LMIA stream (not LMIA-exempt). Software developers (NOC 21232, 21231) are on the Category B in-demand list — no referral needed. LMIA processing target: 10 business days. Work permit processing: ~2 weeks. The employer pays the C$1,000 LMIA fee. You pay C$155 work permit fee. Category A requires minimum salary C$80,000/year.
Other Costs to Budget For
Each IRCC panel physician sets own fee. Clinics in Lagos and Abuja. Contact directly for current pricing.
Official source ↗POSSAP portal fee ₦10,000–15,000 + MFA authentication ₦5,000. Start 8–12 weeks early.
Official source ↗Waived if you have a valid Canadian job offer. Must show 28 consecutive days of funds.
Official source ↗No direct flights. Via Amsterdam or Istanbul cheapest. Vancouver: $984–$1,368.
Official source ↗Good News: Employer Sponsorship
Canadian tech companies can sponsor through the Global Talent Stream (Category B lists software developers explicitly) or standard LMIA. The employer pays C$1,000 LMIA fee. GTS processing: 10 business days for LMIA + ~2 weeks for work permit. Many companies in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary actively hire internationally. An LMIA-backed job offer adds significant CRS points for Express Entry.
What employers typically cover:
- LMIA application fee (C$1,000 — employer must pay, cannot pass to worker)
- Relocation assistance (varies — larger companies more generous)
- Some cover work permit fee and immigration lawyer costs
What You'll Earn: Entry → Senior (2024-2025)
Entry
C$62,400
per year
After 2 Years
C$100,000
per year
Top of Band
C$160,000
per year
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. Source ↗
Important Things to Know
- IRCC fees increase April 30, 2026: PR processing C$950 → C$990, RPRF C$575 → C$600.
- No general all-program Express Entry draw since April 2024. STEM category active but dormant. PNP is the most reliable path.
- BC PNP Tech allocation cut to 5,254 (from 9,000 requested). Expect higher cut-off scores in 2026.
- Ontario OINP undergoing major overhaul May 30, 2026. Current streams will be replaced.
- Software developers are NOC 21232 (TEER 1). Software engineers are NOC 21231 (TEER 1). Both qualify for Federal Skilled Worker.
- Proof of funds: C$15,263 for single applicant. Waived with a valid Canadian job offer.
- Global Talent Stream Category B lists software developers — no referral needed, 10-day LMIA processing.
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Start Free CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost for a Nigerian software developer to relocate to Canada in 2026?
Express Entry route: approximately C$2,500–C$2,700 in government fees (processing C$950 + biometrics C$85 + RPRF C$575 + WES ~C$400 + IELTS ~C$270 + medical ~C$300). Add C$1,500–1,750 if going through PNP. You must also show C$15,263 in proof of funds (waived with job offer). Flight to Toronto: $743–$900 USD. Total cash needed: approximately C$18,500–$19,000 with proof of funds.
Is software development a priority occupation for Canada Express Entry?
Software developers (NOC 21232) and engineers (NOC 21231) are TEER 1 occupations and technically in the STEM Express Entry category. However, no STEM-specific draw has been held since April 2024. The most reliable path is BC PNP Tech (29 eligible occupations, weekly draws) or Ontario OINP, which add +600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile.
What is BC PNP Tech and how does it work for developers?
BC PNP Tech is a provincial immigration stream covering 29 in-demand tech occupations including software developers and engineers. It offers weekly draws and priority processing. You need a job offer of at least 1 year from a BC employer. Provincial fee is C$1,750 (increased January 2026). 2026 allocation is 5,254 nominations. A PNP nomination adds +600 CRS points, essentially guaranteeing an Express Entry ITA.
What CRS score do I need as a software developer?
Without a PNP nomination: competitive CRS is 500+ (no general draw since April 2024). With a PNP nomination: the +600 bonus points make your total CRS essentially irrelevant — you'll get an ITA. For IELTS, CLB 7 (6.0 each) is the minimum, but CLB 9+ (7.0–7.5) is competitive. Age, education, and work experience all factor in.
What salary can a Nigerian developer expect in Canada?
National range: C$62,400–C$160,000 (C$30–$77/hr). Toronto: C$62K–$160K. Vancouver: C$73K–$206K for software engineers (highest paying). Calgary: C$55K–$134K. Entry-level (0–2 years) typically starts around C$60K–70K. The Global Talent Stream Category A requires minimum C$80,000/year.
What is the Global Talent Stream and should I use it?
The GTS is a fast-track LMIA stream where your employer initiates the application. Software developers are on the Category B list — no referral needed. LMIA processing: 10 business days. Work permit: ~2 weeks. The employer pays C$1,000 LMIA fee. You pay C$155 work permit fee. It's a work permit (temporary), not PR — but the LMIA adds CRS points for a later Express Entry PR application.
Sources & Verification
Every figure on this page was independently verified on 2026-04-09. We do not use AI training data for any costs, fees, or policy claims.
Verification Notes
Medical exam fee: IRCC states each panel physician sets own fee. C$200–C$400 is an estimated range. Contact designated physicians directly.
BC PNP Tech cut-off scores not publicly published — 'expect higher scores' is based on reduced 2026 allocation (5,254 vs 9,000).
Ontario OINP major overhaul May 30, 2026 — current stream details may become outdated.
IRCC fees increase April 30, 2026. All figures shown are pre-increase unless noted.
Written by Max Ayobami
Founder of Japa Calculator, Nigeria's first data-driven relocation decision tool. Every cost figure and expert tip on this page is independently researched and verified against official government and regulatory body sources.