Applying for an Express Visa to Canada from Nigeria: Your Ultimate Guide

1.Check Your Eligibility

Before starting the application process, confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria. Canada’s Express Entry system uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to score applicants out of 1,200 points. Factors that determine your score include:

• Age: Applicants aged 18–35 receive maximum points.

• Education: Higher education (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) scores more points.

• Work Experience: A minimum of one year of skilled work experience is required.

• Language Proficiency: English proficiency is assessed through tests like IELTS or CELPIP.

• Adaptability: Additional points for having a spouse with strong qualifications or relatives in Canada.

Pro Tip: Use the CRS Calculator on the IRCC website to estimate your score and identify areas for improvement.

2.Gather the Required Documents

The documentation phase is crucial and can be time-consuming. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the documents you’ll need:

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA):

• An ECA verifies that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is equivalent to a Canadian qualification.

• Approved organizations for Nigerians include World Education Services (WES) and ICAS.

• Processing times for ECAs can take up to 8 weeks, so start early.

Language Test Results:

• Take the IELTS General Training Test or CELPIP.

• Aim for a minimum CLB 7 (equivalent to an IELTS score of 6 in each band). Higher scores increase your CRS points.

Proof of Funds:

• Bank statements showing you have enough money to settle in Canada. For a single applicant, you’ll need at least 11,000 CAD, with additional amounts for each dependent. Avoid large, sudden deposits, as these can trigger questions.

Work Experience Documents:

• Employment reference letters specifying your role, responsibilities, and work duration.

• Include contracts and payslips for added credibility.

Pro Tip: Organize your documents in advance and double-check for accuracy to avoid delays during processing.

3.Create Your Express Entry Profile

Once you have all the required documents, you can create your profile on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Details to Include: 

• Personal information (e.g., age, marital status, dependents).

• Education and ECA results.

• Language proficiency test scores.

• Work experience and NOC code (National Occupation Classification).

What Happens Next?

After submission, you’ll be placed in the Express Entry pool, where you’ll receive a CRS score. The higher your score, the greater your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Improve Your CRS Score

If your CRS score is below the cutoff for recent draws, there are several strategies to boost your chances:

4.Retake the IELTS:

• Focus on achieving higher band scores, especially in speaking and writing.

• For Nigerians, language proficiency often makes the biggest difference in CRS scores.

Apply for a Provincial Nomination:

• Provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan offer Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that add 600 points to your CRS score.

Gain Additional Work Experience:

• More years of skilled work can earn you extra points.

Include Your Spouse:

• Your spouse’s language scores, education, and work experience can contribute to your total CRS score.

Pro Tip: Check the IRCC website regularly for updates on CRS cutoffs and PNP openings.

5.Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

When your CRS score meets or exceeds the cutoff in an Express Entry draw, you’ll receive an ITA. This is your official invitation to apply for permanent residency. At this stage, you’ll need to:

• Complete a medical examination at an IRCC-approved clinic.

• Obtain police clearance certificates from Nigeria (and other countries where you’ve lived for more than 6 months).

Important: You have 60 days to submit your complete application after receiving the ITA.

6.Submit Your Permanent Residency Application

Once you’ve submitted your application, IRCC will process it within 6 to 8 months. During this time:

• Keep your documents updated.

• Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

• Monitor your IRCC account for updates.