Enugu Metro brings you the lowdown on Canada’s Express Immigration Entry for looking for jobs in Canada in 2026. Below is what this is, what Nigerians need to apply, and how much the package costs.
Explainer: Express Immigration to Canada
In February 2026, the Government of Canada announced major updates to its Express Entry immigration system. The system is an online platform that Canada uses to invite skilled workers to emigrate. This year, Canada made changes to attract talent for priority sectors while managing immigration levels responsibly.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is not a single visa — it’s the system that ranks and selects skilled workers for three main permanent residency programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class (for workers already in Canada)
Candidates create a profile, enter the pool, and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on age, education, language ability (English/French), work experience, and other factors.
Who can apply?
Skilled workers from Nigeria and anywhere can enter the Express Entry pool if they meet eligibility criteria for one of the three programs — e.g., skilled work experience, language test results (like IELTS), and a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). Once in the pool, IRCC issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
What’s new in 2026?
Canada is prioritizing specific occupations and talent categories in Express Entry draws:
• Doctors with Canadian work experience
• Researchers and senior managers
• Transport professionals like pilots and aircraft mechanics
• Skilled military recruits with approved roles
• Continued focus on healthcare, social services, skilled trades, and strong French-language proficiency candidates
The minimum work experience threshold to qualify for category-based draws has increased to 12 months within the past three years.
Why it matters for Nigeria
Many Nigerian professionals — such as engineers, IT specialists, health workers, and tradespeople — could be good fits for Express Entry, especially those with strong language skills and recognized qualifications. Canada’s new focus on priority occupations — including healthcare and transport — creates opportunities for those with relevant experience. Permanent residence means access to work rights, healthcare, and a pathway to citizenship.
What You Need to Apply
Canada’s immigration system, managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), uses the Express Entry platform to select skilled workers for permanent residence. If you’re a Nigerian professional considering this pathway, here is is a step-by-step checklist to apply for the 2026 Express Entry.
STEP 1: Confirm You Are Eligible
You must qualify under one of these programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
For most Nigerians applying from outside Canada, the Federal Skilled Worker Program is the likely route.
Basic requirements include:
- At least 1 year of skilled work experience
- Proof of language proficiency
- Recognised educational credentials
- Enough settlement funds (unless you have a valid job offer)
STEP 2: Take an Approved Language Test
English tests accepted:
- IELTS (General Training)
- CELPIP
French test:
- TEF Canada
Strong language scores significantly increase your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) points. For Nigerians, aiming for CLB 9 or higher can make a major difference.
STEP 3: Get Your Education Assessed (ECA)
You must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to prove your Nigerian degree is equivalent to Canadian standards.
Designated organisations such as WES (World Education Services) handle this. Without an ECA, your education will not count toward your CRS score.
STEP 4: Create Your Express Entry Profile
Once you have:
- Language results
- ECA report
- Work history details
- Passport
Create your online profile through IRCC’s portal. You will receive a CRS score, which ranks you in the pool against other global applicants.
STEP 5: Monitor Category-Based Draws (2026 Update)
In 2026, Canada prioritises:
- Healthcare professionals
- Skilled trades
- Transport professionals
- French-language speakers
- Certain high-demand occupations
If your profession falls into a priority category, your chances improve.
STEP 6: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If selected, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
You then have 60 days to submit:
- Police clearance
- Medical exam results
- Proof of funds
- Employment documents
Why This Matters for Nigerians
With Nigeria’s strong talent pool in healthcare, tech, engineering, and skilled trades, Express Entry remains one of the most transparent and merit-based migration routes globally. It offers:
- Permanent residence
- Access to public healthcare
- Ability to sponsor family
- Pathway to Canadian citizenship
What It Will Cost
Here’s a practical cost breakdown in Nigerian Naira (₦) to help you budget if you’re planning to apply for Canada’s 2026 Express Entry permanent residence (skilled worker route). Numbers are approximate, based on typical 2025–2026 fees and common Nigerian conversion assumptions (subject to exchange rate fluctuations).
1. Government Application Fees (after ITA)
These are the official fees you must pay when submitting your full Express Entry application after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) | Estimated ₦ |
|---|---|---|
| Processing fee (you) | $950 | ~₦630,000 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF, you) | $575 | ~₦380,000 |
| Biometrics (fingerprints) | $85 | ~₦55,000 |
➡️ Total for single applicant ~ ₦1,065,000 (CAD ~$1,610)
(For more than one adult, double processing & RPRF fees; add dependent child fees ~₦17,000 each.)
🧠 2. Pre-Application Requirements (before you enter the pool)
You’ll also need to pay for these essential tests and reports:
Language Tests (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF)
- ~CAD $300–$450 → ~₦200,000–₦300,000
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- ~CAD $200–$400 → ~₦130,000–₦260,000
Police Clearance Certificate (Nigeria)
- ~₦10,000–₦20,000 (locally issued)
Medical Exam (panel doctor)
- ~₦50,000–₦100,000 per person (varies by clinic)
💰 3. Proof of Settlement Funds (Not a Fee but Required)
Express Entry requires you to show you have enough money to support yourself (and family) when you arrive — you don’t spend all this upfront, but your bank must prove you have it.
| Number of People | Required CAD Funds | Estimated ₦ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | ~$14,690 | ~₦9.8M |
| 2 people | ~$18,288 | ~₦12.2M |
| 3 people | ~$22,483 | ~₦15M |
| 4 people | ~$27,297 | ~₦18M |
(These totals change yearly.)
👣 4. Optional But Practical Costs
- Translation of documents (if needed): ~₦10,000–₦25,000
- Courier / postage fees if sending documents abroad
- Professional assistance (immigration consultant / lawyer) optional: often $2,000–$5,000+ CAD (~₦1.3M–₦3.3M+) depending on service. (Note: you can apply yourself without consultants.)
🧾 Typical Total Estimate (Single Applicant)
Combining government fees + pre-application costs (tests + ECA + medical + police):
📌 Approx. ₦1.6M – ₦2.0M (roughly CAD $2,300–$3,000+) excluding settlement funds and optional consultant fees.
📌 Quick Tips for Nigerian Applicants
- Start saving early — some fees (like language tests and ECA) must be paid before you get an ITA.
- Keep bank proof of your settlement funds for at least 6 months to support your application.
- Prices can vary with exchange rates and service providers, so always check official sources before paying
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