Full 2026 Cost Breakdown for Nigerians Relocating to Canada

Nigerians aiming to relocate to Canada in 2026 must undertake meticulous financial planning, as the process involves significant expenses across visa fees, language tests, medical examinations, police clearances, and mandatory proof of funds. The total financial outlay can escalate dramatically, potentially reaching up to N40 million, depending on the chosen immigration pathway and whether the applicant is moving alone or with family.

Understanding the Financial Commitment

Canada remains a premier destination for Nigerians seeking enhanced educational opportunities, career advancement, and pathways to permanent residency and citizenship. Data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) highlights that Nigeria constituted 25.9% of African citizens granted Canadian citizenship in 2025, with over 71,459 Nigerians obtaining citizenship between 2005 and 2024. This trend underscores the growing aspiration among Nigerians to establish lives in Canada, necessitating a clear understanding of the associated costs.

Key Immigration Routes and Their Costs

The financial requirements vary significantly based on the immigration route, such as Express Entry, permanent residency, study permits, or work visas. Each pathway demands careful budgeting to cover both official and ancillary expenses.

Express Entry and Permanent Residency Costs

For Nigerians applying through Canada's Express Entry system, costs are influenced by family size, visa type, and additional services. Using an exchange rate of 1 CAD = N1,050.13 as of February 12, 2026, the breakdown is as follows:

Principal Applicant: With permanent residency rights: CAD 2,385 (~N2.50 million); without: CAD 1,810 (~N1.90 million).
Spouse/Partner: With permanent residency rights: CAD 1,525 (~N1.60 million); without: CAD 950 (~N1.00 million).
Dependent Child: CAD 260 per child (~N273,000).

Additional fees include language proficiency tests like IELTS (CAD 277, ~N290,000) or CELPIP (CAD 220, ~N230,000), Educational Credential Assessment (CAD 220, ~N230,000), medical exams (CAD 91, ~N150,000), and police clearance certificates from Nigeria (CAD 29, ~N30,000) or Canada if needed (CAD 75, ~N80,000).

Proof of Funds Requirement

A critical component is the proof of funds, which demonstrates the ability to support oneself and family upon arrival. The required savings scale with family size:

1 member: CAD 15,263 (~N16.03 million)
2 members: CAD 19,001 (~N19.95 million)
3 members: CAD 23,360 (~N24.53 million)
4 members: CAD 28,362 (~N29.78 million)
5 members: CAD 32,168 (~N33.79 million)
6 members: CAD 36,280 (~N38.09 million)
7 members: CAD 40,392 (~N42.41 million)
Each additional member: CAD 4,112 (~N4.32 million)

Exceptions apply for those under the Canadian Experience Class or with valid job offers, but experts advise budgeting for at least three months of living expenses upon arrival.

Student Visa Route Expenses

For students, Canada's updated policies still entail substantial costs. A study permit costs $150 CAD (~N160,500), with application fees around $150 CAD. Average graduate tuition is $21,000 CAD (~N22 million), and living expenses approximate $10,000 CAD (~N10 million).

Other Essential Expenses

Beyond official fees, applicants must account for miscellaneous costs such as passport renewal in Nigeria (N200,000), one-way flights to Canada (~N2.18 million), first month's rent ($1,200 CAD), transportation ($100-$150 CAD), and food and groceries for at least three months ($300 CAD).

Expert Recommendations and Opportunities

Financial experts recommend maintaining updated bank statements, exploring scholarships or financial aid for students, and leveraging job opportunities like Canada's 2026 census recruitment, which offers hourly pay up to $31.32 (~N46,000) for temporary roles. This comprehensive planning ensures a smoother transition and mitigates financial strain during the relocation process.