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Express Entry from Nigeria

Most Nigerian candidates enter the pool through the Federal Skilled Worker Program with no Canadian experience. That means your score depends on age, education, language and Nigerian work experience, and you must show settlement funds.

Written by NextMovePath editorial teamLast updated:


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At a glance

Settlement funds (single applicant)CAN$15,263, about NGN 14.6 million at September 2026 ratesSource: IRCC: Express Entry proof of funds
Police certificatePolice Character Certificate from the Central Criminal Registry, LagosSource: IRCC: How to get a police certificate, Nigeria
Points for Nigerian work experienceUp to 50 CRS points through skill transferability, combined with CLB 9+ languageSource: IRCC: Comprehensive Ranking System criteria
Accepted English testsIELTS General Training, CELPIP-General or PTE CoreSource: IRCC: Express Entry language tests

How much proof of funds do Nigerians need for Express Entry?

A single Federal Skilled Worker candidate needs CAN$15,263, about NGN 14.6 million at September 2026 rates. The money must be yours, available when you apply and when the visa is issued, and not borrowed. Each bank must give an official letter with your balances and six-month average balance.

Does my Nigerian work experience count?

Yes, if it is paid, skilled work in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 in the last 10 years, with at least one year continuous. For CRS, foreign experience scores only when combined with strong language results or Canadian experience, up to 50 points. Reference letters must match the NOC duties you claim.

When should I request my Nigerian police certificate?

IRCC advises requesting police certificates as soon as your profile is in the pool, because they can take a long time. You will need one from Nigeria and from any country where you lived six months in a row or longer in the last 10 years since age 18.

Which language test should a Nigerian candidate take?

IRCC accepts IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core for English. IELTS Academic is not accepted, and neither is the IELTS One Skill Retake. Language is the fastest score lever for most Nigerian candidates, since CLB 9 earns the higher skill transferability points for foreign work experience.

Why applications from Nigeria get refused

These are the grounds IRCC officers most often write in refusal letters for this kind of application. They are typical grounds, not statistics. Fix them before you apply, not after.

  • Work experience letters did not match the NOC duties claimed in the profile.
  • Proof of funds letters were missing details or showed borrowed or recently deposited money.
  • Police certificates were missing or not scanned from the original.
Already refused? Read what your refusal letter means

Express Entry (PR) from Nigeria: FAQ

Only if it was paid work that meets the NOC lead statement and main duties. Unpaid or volunteer work does not count for Express Entry.
No. Borrowed money and funds you cannot legally access do not count. Money in a joint account with your accompanying spouse can count.
CAN$1,590 per adult including the right of permanent residence fee, CAN$270 per dependent child, plus CAN$85 biometrics per person. Tests, credential assessment and police certificates cost extra.

Official sources

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This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, fees and document lists change often. Confirm current requirements on canada.ca or with a licensed Canadian immigration representative (RCIC or lawyer) before you apply.