Canada Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) for Nigerians
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 26–32 weeks
- Government fee
- about $1,110
- Start preparing
- about 12 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 7
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Not required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 26–32 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
Points-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.
This page covers Nigerians. For every nationality we track, see the Canada Express Entry overview.
Requirements for Nigerians
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | $11,100 |
| Job offer required | No |
| Degree required | Yes |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 26–32 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $1,110. Difficulty: 4/5.
Documents you'll need
- Take an approved language test (IELTS/CELPIP)IELTS or CELPIP results are valid 2 years; CRS rewards CLB 9+ heavily.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)WES is the most common body for Nigerian degrees; transcripts must come directly from your institution.
- Create your Express Entry profileEnter the pool with your CRS score; the profile is valid 12 months.
- Receive an ITA & submit e-APR within 60 days60 days to submit; proof of funds of CAD 15,263, plus police certificates and medicals.
- Police character certificateFrom the Nigeria Police Force with fingerprints, plus certificates from countries lived in 6+ months.
- Immigration medical exam (panel physician)IRCC-approved panel physicians in Lagos and Abuja; valid 12 months.
- Land in Canada & activate PRConfirms PR; SIN and provincial health card follow after arrival.
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) takes about 12 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Canada Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) take for Nigerians?
- Typical processing time is 26–32 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) cost?
- The government fee is approximately $1,110. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Nigerians need a job offer for the Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)?
- No. The Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) does not require a job offer from a Canada employer.
- Can I bring my family on the Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
Other Canada visas for Nigerians
Other destinations for Nigerians
Canada visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.