How Much Does It Cost for a Nigerian Software Developer to Relocate to Canada? 🇨🇦
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).
Quick Numbers
Total Cost
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$264 + C$97 courier + 13% HST (≈C$408 total)
Get your Nigerian CS/Engineering degree evaluated by World Education Services (WES) for immigration purposes. The ECA report is required for Express Entry. 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–C$2,000 (Ontario; C$2,000 if the job is in the GTA)
BC PNP held its final draw for priority technology occupations on 3 December 2024; tech occupations remain eligible, but BC now targets 'high economic impact' candidates across all sectors. BC's 2026 nomination allocation is 6,254. Provincial application fee: C$1,750. Ontario's new Ontario Workforce Priority stream has launched (all other OINP streams are closed) and costs C$1,500 if the job offer is outside the Greater Toronto Area and C$2,000 if it is inside.
5Permanent Residence ApplicationC$1,675
After receiving an ITA, apply for permanent residence. Current federal fees (post-30 April 2026 increase): processing C$990 + biometrics C$85 + RPRF C$600 = C$1,675 total.
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 ↗Not needed if you are authorised to work in Canada and have a valid 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. Since 25 March 2025, Express Entry no longer awards CRS points for job offers.
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 raised PR fees on 30 April 2026: processing C$990, RPRF C$600 (total C$1,675).
- No general all-program Express Entry draw since April 2024. STEM category active but dormant. PNP is the most reliable path.
- BC PNP held its last draw for priority technology occupations on 3 December 2024. Its 2026 allocation is 6,254 nominations across all priorities.
- Ontario's OINP has launched the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream and closed all other streams.
- 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. Not needed if you are authorised to work in Canada and have a valid 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$990 + biometrics C$85 + RPRF C$600 + WES ~C$408 + IELTS ~C$270 + medical ~C$300). Add C$1,500–C$2,000 if going through a PNP. You must also show C$15,263 in proof of funds (not needed if you are authorised to work in Canada and have a valid 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 a provincial nomination (BC PNP — whose dedicated tech draws ended on 3 December 2024 — or Ontario's new Ontario Workforce Priority stream), which adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile.
What is BC PNP Tech and how does it work for developers?
BC PNP held its final draw for priority technology occupations on 3 December 2024. The former tech occupations, including software developers and engineers, remain eligible, but BC now issues targeted invitations to 'high economic impact' candidates across all sectors. The provincial application fee is C$1,750 and BC's 2026 allocation is 6,254 nominations. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to an Express Entry profile.
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 — and since 25 March 2025 a job offer no longer adds CRS points in Express Entry.
Related guides
Same profession, other countries
See cost breakdowns for this profession in other countries
Compare what it costs Nigerian software developers to relocate to each top destination.
Sources & Verification
We reviewed this page against official sources on 8 Oct 2026; each figure links to its source where an official one exists. 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 raised PR fees on 30 April 2026; figures shown are current post-increase rates.
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.