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Do you know you can easily move to Canada without spending a lot of money? We will discuss in the article some of the ways you can relocate to Canada without spending money or a lot of money.
Canada is a vast country with many opportunities and is willing to take in as many people as possible, that is why it has become a major destination for people seeking a better life. Also, the country’s immigration policies are favorable to people in Asia, Africa, South America and other regions of the world.
If you intend to move to Canada but do not have the money to begin your migration, consider some of the following options that does not require you spending any money:
Secure a Job Offer
Securing a job offer is one of the most straightforward ways to immigrate to Canada. Canada has a high demand for skilled workers, and many Canadian employers actively seek international talent to fill specific roles. If your skills match those in demand—such as in technology, healthcare, engineering, or skilled trades—securing a job offer becomes even easier. With a valid job offer, you can apply for a Canadian work permit, which allows you to live and work in Canada for a designated period. During this time, you’ll have the chance to gain Canadian work experience, save money, and prepare for a more permanent move. After a period of steady employment, you may also be eligible to apply for permanent residency through various pathways, such as the Express Entry system.
Apply Through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is ideal for individuals who have already worked in Canada for at least one year on a temporary work permit. This program recognizes the value of Canadian work experience, especially for applicants who have proven their ability to adapt to the Canadian job market, workplace culture, and lifestyle. Through CEC, applicants benefit from a streamlined process in the Express Entry system, as their Canadian experience, language skills, and cultural familiarity are highly valued. This is an excellent option for those who wish to transition from temporary to permanent residency, leveraging their existing Canadian work history.
Consider Family Sponsorship
For those with close family members in Canada, family sponsorship offers a reliable pathway. If you have a spouse, partner, parent, or other qualifying relative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they may sponsor you to come to Canada. However, the sponsor must meet certain financial requirements to ensure they can support you, minimizing the chance that you will need government assistance. Family sponsorship is a great option if you already have family ties in Canada and want to join loved ones while becoming a permanent resident.
International Experience Canada (IEC)
The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is aimed at young adults, typically between the ages of 18 and 35, who want to travel and work in Canada for up to two years. This program is available to citizens of certain countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and most EU member states. IEC provides a unique opportunity to experience life in Canada, explore various regions, and gain Canadian work experience. It’s a valuable option if you’re interested in short-term work and travel, with the flexibility to consider other permanent residency options once you’re in Canada.
Visitor Visa
While a visitor visa doesn’t grant you the right to work in Canada, it can be an effective way to enter the country and explore job opportunities firsthand. With a visitor visa, you can attend networking events, meet potential employers, and apply for jobs across different regions. This approach allows you to gain a sense of Canada’s job market and lifestyle. If you’re successful in securing a job offer while on a visitor visa, you may be eligible to change your visa status to a work permit, provided you meet the requirements set by the Canadian government. This can be an excellent option if you want to explore Canada before committing to a permanent move.
Live-in Caregiver Program
For those with caregiving experience, Canada’s Live-in Caregiver Program provides an opportunity to work and live in Canada while providing essential services. Caregivers work with families to provide care for children, elderly individuals, or people with disabilities. Although the salary for this type of work may not be high, it offers a viable pathway to permanent residency over time. If you’re experienced in caregiving and willing to live with the family you work for, this program can be an accessible route to Canadian residency, especially for those who may not have significant financial resources.
Trade Agreements
Canada has various trade agreements with countries such as the United States, EU members, South Korea, and Chile that allow for streamlined work permits through intra-company transfers. If you work for a company with operations in both your home country and Canada, you may be able to transfer to a Canadian office. These intra-company transfers are an attractive option for professionals whose companies have a presence in Canada, enabling them to live and work in the country while contributing to the economy.
Moving to Canada Without Proof of Funds
For individuals concerned about showing proof of funds, there are options to consider:
- LMIA Exemption: If you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer who couldn’t find a suitable Canadian candidate, you may be exempt from showing proof of funds through the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. This is beneficial for those who may not have significant savings, as it validates a genuine job offer.
- Asylum Seekers and Refugees: If you’re applying for asylum or refugee status, you might not need to demonstrate proof of funds. Canada has specific programs like the Resettlement Assistance Program and the Interim Federal Health Program to support asylum seekers and refugees with housing, financial assistance, and healthcare.
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP): The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) is designed to attract skilled workers to Canada’s Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador). If you have a valid job offer from an employer in one of these regions, you may not need to provide proof of funds.
- Provincial Requirements (e.g., Quebec): Some provinces, such as Quebec, have unique rules regarding proof of funds. For example, the Quebec Skilled Worker Program may waive the proof of funds requirement if applicants meet other eligibility criteria.
In summary, it is quite possible to move to Canada without spending money; however, you are advised to have some money with you because when you eventually move to the country, you will need money for food, rent, clothing and the rest.
We told you in this article that these methods are effective. Also, read the following ways of moving to Canada with great attention. It will be very helpful:
Acquire an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry
The Express Entry system is one of the most popular immigration routes to Canada. It manages applications for three key programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. To enter the Express Entry pool, you first need to create an online profile that highlights your qualifications, including your age, education, work experience, and language proficiency in English or French. Each profile is given a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Higher scores improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. With a competitive CRS score, you may receive an ITA in one of the regular draws conducted by the Canadian government, allowing you to apply for permanent residency.
Obtain a Provincial Nomination (PN)
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on their specific labor market needs. Each province has its own PNP, designed to attract immigrants with skills that are in demand in that region. If you have experience or qualifications aligned with a province’s needs, you can apply directly to that province’s PNP. Getting a Provincial Nomination can significantly increase your CRS score in the Express Entry pool by adding up to 600 points, effectively guaranteeing an ITA. Popular PNPs for Nigerian applicants include Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, but you can explore opportunities in other provinces as well.
Study in Canada to Become Eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)
Many Nigerian students choose to pursue higher education in Canada as a pathway to eventually settle there. Canadian universities and colleges are highly regarded, and after graduation, international students are often eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). A PGWP allows you to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of your studies. Canadian work experience gained through a PGWP can make you eligible for the Canadian Experience Class, which is part of the Express Entry system. This route is advantageous because it allows you to gain Canadian qualifications, work experience, and, in many cases, develop connections in the Canadian job market, all of which can support your permanent residency application.
Work in Canada as a Caregiver or Farm Worker
Canada has specific immigration pathways for foreign nationals willing to work in caregiving roles or agriculture. If you have experience in these fields, you may qualify for work permits under programs such as the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilot programs. For farm work, Canada’s Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) or the Agricultural Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) are options. These programs provide work permits to fill high-demand roles in Canada and may eventually lead to permanent residency pathways after gaining work experience in Canada.
Secure a Job Offer from a Designated Employer in Atlantic Canada
Atlantic Canada, which includes Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island, has a special immigration pathway known as the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This program is designed to attract skilled workers and international graduates to these provinces by offering a streamlined process for permanent residency. To be eligible for the AIP, you must have a job offer from a designated employer in one of these Atlantic provinces. Many Nigerian immigrants find this program appealing because designated employers are vetted by the Canadian government, ensuring stable job opportunities in the region.
Cost Considerations for Migration from Nigeria to Canada
Migrating to Canada from Nigeria involves various costs that should be carefully planned. Here are some expenses you can expect:
- Application Fees: For Express Entry, the application fee for permanent residency is approximately CAD 1,325 per adult. Provincial Nominee Programs may have additional fees ranging from CAD 150 to CAD 1,500 depending on the province.
- Language Tests: Taking a language proficiency test like IELTS or CELPIP is mandatory for most immigration programs. The cost of an IELTS test in Nigeria is around NGN 75,000 to NGN 80,000.
- Education Credential Assessment (ECA): To validate your Nigerian education in Canada, you’ll need an ECA, which can cost around CAD 200 to CAD 300.
- Medical Examination: As part of the immigration process, a medical examination is required, which typically costs around NGN 30,000 to NGN 50,000.
- Proof of Funds: You will need to show proof of funds to demonstrate your ability to support yourself upon arrival. The required amount depends on your family size but typically ranges from CAD 13,000 for a single applicant to over CAD 30,000 for larger families.
- Other Costs: Additional costs may include biometric fees (CAD 85), travel expenses, and costs associated with settling in Canada, such as rent, utilities, and food.
Planning financially will ensure a smoother transition and allow you to focus on settling into life in Canada.
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