The Cost of Relocating to Canada

Are you thinking of relocating to Canada from Nigeria? If so, you might be wondering how much it will cost you to make this life-changing move. In this blog post, we will break down the main expenses of immigrating to Canada from Nigeria and give you some tips on saving money and planning your budget.

The cost of relocating to Canada from Nigeria depends on several factors, such as the immigration program you are applying through, the number of family members accompanying you, the type of accommodation you choose, the cost of living in your destination city, and the exchange rate between the Nigerian naira and the Canadian dollar.

Major Costs You Need to Consider When Relocating to Canada

Here are some of the major costs you need to consider when relocating to Canada from Nigeria:

Application fees

These are the fees you pay to the Canadian government or a designated organization to process your immigration application. The amount varies depending on the program you are applying through but generally ranges from CAD 550 to CAD 1,575 per person. You may also need to pay for biometrics, medical exams, police certificates, language tests, educational credential assessments, and other documents required for your application. These fees can add up to several hundred dollars per person.

Travel expenses

These are the costs of booking your flight tickets, obtaining your travel insurance, shipping your belongings, and paying for any transit or quarantine accommodation. The cost of flight tickets from Nigeria to Canada can vary depending on the season, the airline, and the availability of seats. You can expect to pay anywhere from CAD 800 to CAD 2,000 per person for a one-way ticket.

You may also need to pay for excess baggage fees if you have more than the allowed limit. Shipping your belongings can also be expensive, depending on the size and weight of your items. You may want to compare different options and only ship what is essential. You will also need to buy travel insurance that covers you for at least one year in Canada. This can cost around CAD 500 per person. Finally, you may need to pay for transit or quarantine accommodation if you have a layover or if you need to isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Canada. This can cost around CAD 100 per night per person.

Settlement expenses

These are the costs of finding and renting or buying a place to live, buying furniture and appliances, setting up utilities and internet, buying groceries and other essentials, getting a phone plan and a bank account, obtaining a driver’s license and a health card, enrolling in school or finding a job, and paying for any other services or activities that help you settle in Canada.

The cost of living in Canada varies depending on the city and province you choose, but generally ranges from CAD 2,000 to CAD 4,000 per month for a family of four. You will need to have enough money to cover at least six months of living expenses in Canada. This is also known as proof of funds or settlement funds and is required by some immigration programs. The minimum settlement funds required by the Canadian government as of 2023 is CAD 12,960 for one person, CAD 16,135 for two people, CAD 19,836 for three people, CAD 24,083 for four people, and so on.

As you can see, relocating to Canada from Nigeria is not cheap. However, it is also possible. With careful planning and budgeting, you can make your dream of living in Canada a reality.

Tips on How to Save Money and Reduce Your Relocation Costs

Here are some tips on how to save money and reduce your relocation costs:

Choose an immigration program that suits your profile and budget

There are many ways to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria, such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP), Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), Family Sponsorship Program (FSP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Start-up Visa Program (SUV), and more. Each program has its eligibility criteria, application process, processing time, and fees.

You should research each program carefully and choose the one that best matches your skills, qualifications, experience, language ability, and financial situation.

Apply online and use electronic documents whenever possible

This will save you time and money on mailing fees, courier charges, printing costs, and document translation fees. You can also use online tools and resources to prepare your application documents, such as resume builders, cover letter generators, language test preparation courses, educational credential assessment services, and more.

Book your flight tickets early and compare different airlines and routes

This will help you find the best deals and avoid peak-season prices. You can also use travel apps and websites to track flight prices and get alerts when they drop.

You should also check each airline’s baggage allowance and fees and pack accordingly. You may want to sell or donate some of your belongings in Nigeria and buy new ones in Canada, as this may be cheaper than shipping them.

Find affordable and suitable accommodation in Canada

You can use online platforms and websites to search for rental properties, sublets, homestays, or shared accommodations in your destination city. You can also contact local settlement agencies or community organizations that can help you find temporary or permanent housing. You should also compare the cost of living and the availability of services and amenities in different neighborhoods and choose the one that meets your needs and budget.

Shop around and negotiate for the best prices and deals

You can use online tools and websites to compare prices and reviews of different products and services in Canada, such as furniture, appliances, utilities, internet, phone plans, bank accounts, insurance, and more. You can also ask for discounts, promotions, or referrals from friends, family, or other newcomers. You should also be aware of your consumer rights and responsibilities in Canada and avoid scams or frauds.

Seek help and support from various sources

You are not alone in your journey of relocating to Canada from Nigeria. There are many people and organizations that can help you along the way, such as immigration consultants, lawyers, agents, mentors, coaches, counselors, friends, family, community groups, settlement agencies, government programs, and more. You should contact them for advice, guidance, assistance, or encouragement. You can also join online forums and groups to connect with other immigrants and share your experiences and challenges.

Conclusion

Relocating to Canada from Nigeria is a big decision requiring much planning, preparation, and investment. However, it is also a rewarding and fulfilling experience that can open up many opportunities and possibilities for you and your family. By following the tips above, you can reduce relocation costs and make immigration to Canada smoother and easier.

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. We would love to hear from you. We wish you all the best in your immigration and settlement journey!