“How much do you even have?”

At the beginning, I thought it was just about visa fees and flight ticket. I was wrong. Very wrong.

If you’re planning this move, let me break down what you actually need as a Nigerian. Not vibes. Not guesses. Realistic numbers.

1. Proof of Funds (This Is the Big One)

If you’re going through Express Entry (Permanent Residency), Canada requires you to show settlement funds.

As of recent requirements, for one person, you need around CAD 13,000–14,000 in proof of funds.

That’s roughly ₦14 million to ₦16 million depending on the exchange rate.

If you’re married or moving with family, the amount increases:

 • 2 people: about CAD 17,000+

 • 3 people: about CAD 21,000+

 • It keeps increasing per family member.

Important:

This money must sit in your account and be traceable. It cannot be borrowed the night before printing your statement.

If you’re going through the study route, proof of funds is different. You’ll need:

 • First year tuition (depends on school, usually CAD 15,000–25,000)

 • Plus living expenses (around CAD 10,000+)

That’s easily ₦25 million+ total for the first year if you’re studying.

2. Language Test (IELTS or CELPIP)

I paid for IELTS.

Cost in Nigeria is usually around ₦110,000–₦130,000 depending on the center.

If you retake it because your score wasn’t high enough, that’s extra money.

3. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

You must evaluate your Nigerian degree.

WES is the most common.

 • WES fee: around CAD 240+

 • Courier fees: extra

 • Total in naira: roughly ₦300,000–₦400,000

4. Application Fees (PR Route)

For Express Entry Permanent Residency:

 • Application processing fee

 • Right of Permanent Residence Fee

 • Biometrics

Altogether, you’re looking at about CAD 1,300+

That’s around ₦1.3m–₦1.6m depending on exchange rate.

5. Medicals and Police Clearance

 • Medical exam: around ₦100,000–₦200,000

 • Police report: small fee, but still budget for it.

6. Flight Ticket

One-way ticket to Canada:

 • ₦800,000 to ₦1.5 million depending on season and airline.

If you’re moving during peak season, expect to pay more.

7. Money for Your First Few Months in Canada

This part nobody talks about enough.

Even though you show proof of funds, rent alone in many cities can be:

 • CAD 1,000–2,000 per month

Add:

 • Feeding

 • Transport

 • Winter clothing

 • SIM card

 • Basic furniture

You need breathing room.

So… How Much Do You Actually Need?

If You’re Going Through Express Entry (Single Applicant)

Rough estimate:

 • IELTS: ₦120k

 • ECA: ₦350k

 • PR fees: ₦1.5m

 • Medicals + misc: ₦200k

 • Flight: ₦1m

 • Proof of funds: ₦15m+

You’re looking at roughly:

₦18 million to ₦20 million minimum

And that’s being realistic.

If You’re Going Through the Study Route

 • Tuition (first year): ₦15m–₦20m+

 • Living expenses: ₦10m+

 • Visa, medical, biometrics, flight: ₦2m+

You could be looking at ₦27m–₦35m+

Relocating is possible. But it’s expensive.

Don’t start the process if:

 • You don’t understand the route you’re using.

 • You’re depending on borrowed proof of funds.

 • You haven’t researched job prospects in your field.

Plan properly. Save aggressively. Improve your IELTS score to increase your chances. And most importantly, use only the official Canadian immigration website for information.

Canada is not a cheap move.

But if you prepare well, it can be worth it.