🇨🇦 Canada visas for Nigerians 2026
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Nigerians moving to Canada from Nigeria have 2 main visa routes: Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) and Study Permit. The fastest is the Study Permit at 8–20 weeks. None of them requires a job offer. Every requirement below links to the official government source.
Just visiting? Canada tourist visa for Nigerians covers tourism, family visits, conferences and business trips.
Compare Canada visas for Nigerians: cost, processing time, and requirements
| Visa | Processing | Gov. fee | Job offer | Family | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)work | 26–32 weeks | $1,110 | Not required | Yes | Yes |
| Study Permitstudy | 8–20 weeks | $110 | Not required | No | No |
Canada visa guides for Nigerians
Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
workPoints-based permanent residency ranked by CRS score — no job offer required. Requires an Educational Credential Assessment (WES covers Nigerian degrees), an approved language test, proof of funds of CAD 15,263 (single applicant, 2026), and CAD 1,525 in federal fees including the Right of PR fee.
Study Permit
studyFor students accepted at a designated learning institution. Most college and undergraduate applicants also need a provincial attestation letter (master's/doctoral at public DLIs exempt since Jan 2026). Show CAD 20,635 in living funds — a GIC is the standard route — plus full first-year tuition. The old SDS/Nigeria Student Express fast-tracks were discontinued in Nov 2024, and Nigerian files get extra document screening, so allow more time.
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- Can Nigeria citizens move to Canada?
- Yes. Nigeria citizens have 2 main routes into Canada: the Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) and the Study Permit. Each has its own requirements, fees, and processing time, compared on this page.
- What is the fastest Canada visa for Nigerians?
- The Study Permit typically processes in 8–20 weeks, the shortest of the 2 routes we track. Add time for gathering documents, translations, and apostilles.
- Can Nigerians move to Canada without a job offer?
- Yes. The Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) and the Study Permit do not require a job offer from a Canada employer.
- What is the cheapest Canada visa for Nigerians?
- The Study Permit has the lowest government fee at about $110. Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top of every route.
- Which Canada visas let Nigerians bring family?
- The Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) allows accompanying family members with additional documentation.
- Which Canada visas lead to permanent residency for Nigerians?
- The Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
- How much does a Canada visa cost for Nigerians?
- Government fees for Nigerians are about $1,110 for the Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) and $110 for the Study Permit (USD equivalents). Translations, apostilles, medicals, insurance, and courier costs come on top of every route.
- How long does a Canada visa take for Nigerians?
- Typical processing is 26–32 weeks for the Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) and 8–20 weeks for the Study Permit, counted from the date you apply. Add time for gathering documents.