27/04/2025
“Applying for Canada Express Entry is like a relationship—if your IELTS score is low and your bank account is empty, Canada will ghost you! 🇨🇦😂
So, you want to Japa to Canada? No more generator noise and no more fighting mosquitoes like it’s Mortal Kombat? Say less! Here’s your step-by-step guide to escaping in style:
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for one of the three programs under Express Entry:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Key eligibility factors:
Age (preferably 20-35 for higher points)
Work experience (at least one year of continuous skilled work experience in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
Educational qualifications (at least secondary education; higher degrees get more points)
Language proficiency (IELTS or CELPIP for English; TEF for French)
Adaptability (spouse’s education, work experience in Canada, or previous studies in Canada)
Arranged employment in Canada (optional but boosts points)
Step 2: Get Your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
WES Will Test Your Patience
You need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), but first, you must beg your university for transcripts. Prepare to hear:
“Oga, the officer in charge traveled.”
“We only process transcripts on the 35th of February.”
“Come back next week, sir.”
Stay strong. This is your first test of endurance.
Use an IRCC-approved agency such as WES, ICES, IQAS, or CES.
Request transcripts from your Nigerian university and send them directly to the ECA agency.
Processing takes 6-8 weeks.
Step 3: Take Language Tests
IELTS – The English Wahala Exam
Canada wants to confirm if you can speak English—yes, the same English you’ve been speaking since nursery school. But guess what? If you don’t score CLB 9 (8 in Listening, 7 in Reading, Writing & Speaking), your “Japa” dreams may turn into “Try again next year.” Time to start listening to BBC News and forming British accent!
Register for IELTS General Training or CELPIP (English) or TEF (French).
Aim for CLB 9 (IELTS: 8 Listening, 7 Reading, 7 Writing, 7 Speaking) for a competitive score.
Test scores are valid for two years.
Step 4: Create an Express Entry Profile
Canada’s Version of JAMB Result.
Canada will give you a score. If it’s high, congrats! If it’s low, well… maybe you should start learning French or consider applying for “Village Chief” in your hometown.
Submit details of your education, work experience, and test scores on the IRCC website.
Receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score.
Profiles remain valid for 12 months.
Step 5: Improve Your CRS Score (If Needed)
If your score is below the cut-off for recent draws, consider:
Retaking IELTS to improve language score.
Getting a provincial nomination (worth 600 points).
Applying for a job offer in Canada (if possible).
Completing a higher educational credential.
Learning French (extra points for bilingual applicants).
Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
This is the golden email! Once you get it, don’t start celebrating with small chops yet. You still have medicals, police reports, and biometrics. If you have skeletons in your closet, now is the time to delete browser history.
If your CRS score meets the cut-off, you will receive an ITA.
You have 60 days to submit supporting documents.
Step 7: Submit Documents and Pay Fees;
Passport
ECA report
IELTS/TEF scores
Work experience letters
Proof of funds (bank statements covering six months)
Show Them You’re Not Broke.
Canada doesn’t want anybody that will land and start asking, “Please, how much is Uber to Toronto?” You need proof of funds! At least CAD 13,757 for one person. No fake alerts please.
Medical exam from an IRCC-approved doctor
Police clearance certificate
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo at a Visa Application Centre)
Application fee: CAD 1,365 (primary applicant); additional fees for spouse and dependents.
Step 8: Wait for Application Processing
Normal processing time is 6 months.
You may be asked for additional documents.
Once approved, you receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a visa to travel to Canada.
Step 9: Prepare for Landing in Canada
Time to Japa!
Finally! But wait—have you bought a REAL winter jacket? Not that Lagos-style sweater o! Canada’s winter does not respect anybody. The cold will humble you faster than a failed NEPA bill payment.
Book a flight and carry proof of funds.
Research accommodations and job market.
Register for newcomer services upon arrival.
Tips for a Successful Selection
Maximize CRS Score: Aim for a high IELTS score, get additional degrees, and improve work experience.
Apply for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan have streams targeting skilled workers from Nigeria.
Ensure Accuracy in Documents: Any discrepancy can lead to rejection.
Network for Job Offers: Use LinkedIn and job portals to find Canadian employers willing to sponsor.
Stay Updated on Draws: Follow IRCC’s website for Express Entry draw trends
Tag your Japa squad and share on your timeline
