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Updated October 9, 2026
Nigeria to Canada: Relocation Checklist
Canada is a top destination for Nigerians, through study permits and Express Entry. Work through this interactive checklist, see the real 2026 IRCC costs, and know what to do in your first 30 days.
Typical government costs (2026)
CAD 150Study permit application
CAD 85Biometrics (per person)
CAD 23,448Proof of funds, 1 year living (from Sept 2026)
CAD 950Express Entry processing (per adult)
CAD 575Right of Permanent Residence Fee
CAD 155Work permit application
Per the IRCC fee list. Proof-of-funds minimums rose to CAD 23,448 from September 1, 2026. Always confirm current fees on canada.ca before applying.
Typical timeline
Study permit: DLI acceptance and PAL (weeks), then 4 to 12 weeks processing depending on the visa office. Express Entry: profile, then an Invitation to Apply in a draw, then about 6 months processing. Start 8 to 12 months before your target move date.
Visa routes from Nigeria to Canada
The main routes are the study permit (DLI acceptance + PAL + proof of funds) and Express Entry permanent residence (Federal Skilled Worker / Canadian Experience Class / trades, ranked by CRS score). The Student Direct Stream was discontinued in November 2024, so all applicants use the regular stream. Post-Graduation Work Permits let graduates work up to 3 years after study.
Money: the real budget
IRCC's proof-of-funds is the hurdle, not the application fee: a single student must show CAD 23,448 for a year's living costs (from September 1, 2026) plus first-year tuition and travel, with the source of every large deposit documented. For Express Entry, a single applicant shows roughly CAD 15,000+ in settlement funds. Budget the medical exam, police certificate, IELTS and ECA fees on top.
Documents that cause delays
IRCC now verifies the source of funds on every application: six months of statements with explanations for large deposits. The PAL must come from the province before you apply. Medical exams must be with a panel physician; results go straight to IRCC. Mismatched names across documents are a classic refusal trigger.
Arrival essentials
Your study permit is issued at the port of entry, not mailed. Get the SIN immediately: you cannot be paid without it. Provincial health coverage has waiting periods (up to 3 months in some provinces), so keep private insurance for the gap. Winter is real: budget for a proper coat and boots in your first month.
Planning estimate only. Results use the list prices shown and may differ from your actual bill. Terms
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Canada study permit in 2026?
CAD 150 per person plus CAD 85 biometrics, per the IRCC fee list. You must also prove CAD 23,448 in living funds for one year (from September 1, 2026), plus tuition and travel.
What is the PAL?
The Provincial Attestation Letter: most study permit applicants must get one from the province of their school before applying to IRCC. Your DLI issues it after you accept the offer.
Can I work while studying in Canada?
Yes, up to 24 hours a week off-campus during academic sessions (since November 2024) and full time during scheduled breaks, with a valid study permit and SIN.
How does Express Entry work?
You create a profile, get a CRS score from age, education, language and experience, and wait for an Invitation to Apply in a draw. After ITA, processing takes about 6 months.
Do I need a job offer for Express Entry?
No, but a valid job offer adds significant CRS points. Many Nigerians qualify through the Federal Skilled Worker stream without one, on strong IELTS scores and education.