8 Steps to Move from Nigeria to Canada—No Job Offer, No Lawyer Needed!

Canada is one of the most immigrant-friendly countries in the world, offering several pathways for skilled workers to move without needing a job offer or an immigration lawyer. One of the best routes is through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) under the Human Capital Stream. In this guide, we’ll break down the process step by step, estimate your costs, and show you how to take advantage of free tools to boost your chances!

Understanding Canada’s Immigration System

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an online immigration system that manages applications for three major federal programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

PNP candidates who receive a nomination through Express Entry gain 600 additional points, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

Each Canadian province (except Quebec) has its own PNP, allowing provinces to select skilled workers who meet their economic needs. If you don’t have a job offer, you can apply through Human Capital Streams, which focus on education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability rather than employer sponsorship.

What is the Human Capital Stream?

The Human Capital Stream is for highly skilled individuals with strong work experience and qualifications in key fields. Many provinces have this stream, including Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan.

Eligible Occupations (NOC Categories)

The Human Capital Stream targets occupations in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3, including:

• Healthcare (Nurses, Physiotherapists, Medical Lab Technicians)
• IT & Tech (Software Engineers, Data Scientists, Cybersecurity Analysts)
• Finance & Business (Accountants, Marketing Specialists, HR Professionals)
• Education (University Professors, Early Childhood Educators)
• Skilled Trades (Electricians, Plumbers, Welders)

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of applying without a job offer or a lawyer.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before you start, use the 67-Point Calculator to check if you qualify. To be eligible under FSWP (which is often linked to PNPs), you need at least 67 points out of 100 based on age, education, work experience, and language skills.

Pro-tip: Use our Free Eligibility Assessment to instantly get a score and a recommendation on the best pathway for you!

💰 Cost: FREE

Step 2: Take Your Language Test (IELTS/CELPIP)

Since Canada is bilingual, you must prove your English or French skills through approved tests like:

• IELTS General Training
• CELPIP General
• TEF Canada (for French)

Aim for CLB 7 or higher for better chances.

Pro-tip: Access free IELTS materials for reading, writing, speaking and listening to help you prepare. Studying solo? Use our Language test buddy bot to prepare for reading and writing tests and get graded - it's free!

💰 Estimated cost: CAD 300 / NGN 370,000

Step 3: Get Your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Your foreign education (Bachelors, Masters or PhD) must be evaluated by an approved Canadian organization such as WES, IQAS, or ICES to ensure it meets Canadian standards.

💰 Estimated cost: CAD 240 / NGN 295,000

Step 4: Create an Express Entry Profile

Once you have your language test results and ECA, you can create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool. Make sure your profile is optimized with accurate work experience and details.

💰 Cost: FREE

Step 5: Apply for a Provincial Nomination

Since you don’t have a job offer, apply to provinces that have a Human Capital Stream, such as:

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
• Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

If selected, you’ll receive 600 extra CRS points, practically guaranteeing an ITA in the next Express Entry draw.

💰 Estimated cost: CAD 300–1,500 (varies by province) / NGN 370,000–1.85M

Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If you get an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your documents, including police clearance and medical exams.

💰 Estimated cost:

• Medical Exam: CAD 250 / NGN 310,000
• Police Clearance: CAD 30–50 / NGN 37,000–62,000

Step 7: Submit Biometrics & Pay Fees

After submitting your application, you’ll be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints & photo) and pay the processing fees.

💰 Estimated cost:

• Biometrics: CAD 85 / NGN 105,000 (per person)

Step 8: Get Your Passport Request & Move to Canada!

If your application is successful, you’ll receive a passport request (PPR) to stamp your visa. From there, it’s time to plan your relocation!

💰 Estimated cost:

• Flight Ticket: CAD 1,000 / NGN 1.23M (varies by location)
• Proof of Funds: CAD 13,757 / NGN 17M (for a single applicant, varies by family size)

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Path for You?

Relocating to Canada without a job offer or a lawyer is possible through the PNP Human Capital Stream. While the process requires patience and financial planning, it’s an achievable goal if you follow the steps carefully.

🚀 Get Started Today: Check your eligibility with our Free Assessment and start your Canadian immigration journey the right way!

Got questions? Reach out to us teamjapa@lets-japa.com