Canada is one of the most welcoming and immigrant-friendly countries in the world. With a high standard of living, a stable economy, and excellent education and healthcare systems, Canada has become an attractive destination for people from all over the world, including Nigeria.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process of applying for permanent residency in Canada from Nigeria.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility.
Before you begin the process of applying for permanent residency in Canada, you must determine if you are eligible. There are several different categories of permanent residency, each with its own eligibility requirements. Here are the main categories:
1. Express Entry: The Express Entry system is a popular and efficient way to apply for permanent residency in Canada. It is an online application management system that processes applications for three federal economic immigration programs:
a. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
b. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
c. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Express Entry system uses a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates against each other based on their skills, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors.
Candidates with the highest CRS scores are issued invitations to apply for permanent residency through regular draws.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are a popular and effective way to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
They are designed to help Canadian provinces and territories select candidates who have the skills, education, and work experience needed to contribute to their local economy.
Each province and territory in Canada has its own PNP, and they all have their own unique eligibility requirements and application processes. Some PNPs are aligned with the federal Express Entry system, while others are separate programs.
3. Family Sponsorship: Family sponsorship is another pathway to apply for permanent residency in Canada. It is designed to reunite families and allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents.
To be eligible for family sponsorship, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old and living in Canada. You must also meet certain income requirements to demonstrate that you can support your family member financially.
The family members who can be sponsored include:
a. Spouses, common-law partners, and conjugal partners
b. Dependent children (including adopted children)
c. Parents and grandparents
d. Brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, and grandchildren who are orphaned, under 18 years of age, and not married or in a common-law relationship
e. Other relatives in certain circumstances, such as those who have no other family members in Canada.
4. Business Immigration: Canada’s Business Immigration program is designed to encourage foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed individuals to invest in the Canadian economy and contribute to the growth and development of the country.
There are three main streams under Canada’s Business Immigration program:
a. Start-up Visa Program: This program is for entrepreneurs who have a business idea that is innovative, can create jobs in Canada, and has the potential to compete globally. To be eligible, you must have the support of a designated Canadian organization, such as a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
b. Self-Employed Persons Program: This program is for individuals who have the skills and experience needed to establish and run a business in Canada, or to work in a self-employed capacity in certain occupations, such as farming, athletics, or cultural activities. To be eligible, you must demonstrate that you have the required experience, intention to create employment for yourself, and that your business or self-employed activity would make a significant contribution to the Canadian economy.
c. Provincial Nominee Program for Business: This program is offered by some provinces and territories, and is designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs and investors who want to establish or invest in a business in that province or territory. To be eligible, you must meet the criteria set by the specific province or territory, which may include minimum investment requirements, language proficiency, net worth, and business experience.
To determine your eligibility for any of these categories, you will need to take an eligibility assessment test. You can find this on the website of the Canadian government at https://ircc.canada.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp.
See also: Canada CRS Score Breakdown
Step 2: Gather Your Documents.
Once you have determined your eligibility, you will need to gather the required documents. These documents include:
a. Valid passport
b. Language test results (IELTS or CELPIP)
c. Educational credential assessment (ECA) report
d. Police certificates
e. Medical examination
f. Proof of funds
g. Other documents that may be required based on your category of permanent residency
Step 3: Create an Online Profile.
If you are applying through the Express Entry program, you will need to create an online profile. This profile will be used to apply for permanent residency and will contain your personal information, work experience, language test results, and educational credentials.
Step 4: Submit Your Application.
Once you have created your online profile and gathered all the required documents, you can submit your application for permanent residency. The processing time for permanent residency applications varies based on the category you are applying for.
Step 5: Wait for a Response.
After you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for a response from the Canadian government. The processing time for permanent residency applications can range from six months to two years, depending on the category you are applying for.
Step 6: Prepare for Your Arrival in Canada.
If your application for permanent residency is approved, you will need to prepare for your arrival in Canada. This includes applying for a permanent resident visa, booking your flight, and finding a place to live.
Summary
Applying for permanent residency in Canada from Nigeria can be a long and complicated process. However, with the right information and guidance, you can successfully navigate the process and start your new life in Canada.
Remember to determine your eligibility, gather all the required documents, create an online profile, submit your application, wait for a response, and prepare for your arrival in Canada. Good luck!
See also: 5 Best Provinces to Live in Canada
Originally posted on May 7, 2023 @ 7:39 pm