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Express Entry to Canada: Your Complete Guide to Migrating with a $40,000 Scholarship

Discover how to migrate to Canada through Express Entry and secure up to $40,000 in scholarships. Get expert tips on visa sponsorship, job offers, and proven success stories tailored for Nigerians.

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🌍 Why More Nigerians Are Moving to Canada — And Why You Should Too

In recent years, Canada has emerged as one of the top destinations for Nigerians seeking greener pastures. With its strong economy, world-class education system, universal healthcare, and a clear path to permanent residency, it’s easy to see why more than 15,000 Nigerians migrate annually.

Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a skilled worker, Canada has built an immigration system that rewards talent and ambition. Even better, scholarships worth $40,000–$50,000 USD, visa sponsorship jobs, and fast-track programs like Express Entry make the journey easier than ever before.

This guide will show you exactly how to get started, from writing your IELTS to securing a scholarship or job offer that can cut your migration costs by 80%. If you’ve been dreaming about Canada, this is your roadmap to making it happen.

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What Is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an immigration selection system used by the Canadian government to process permanent residence applications for skilled workers. Launched in 2015, it has become the most popular pathway to migrate legally and permanently to Canada.

It includes three major programs:

  1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – For professionals with foreign work experience.
  2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – For skilled tradespeople like electricians, plumbers, etc.
  3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – For people with Canadian work or study experience.
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Applicants are ranked using a point-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which scores you based on factors like age, education, language ability, and work experience.

👤 Who Can Apply for Express Entry?

You are likely eligible if:

  • You’re under 35 years old (this gives more CRS points)
  • You’ve completed a bachelor’s degree or higher
  • You have at least 1 year of skilled work experience
  • You’ve written IELTS or CELPIP, scoring at least CLB 7
  • You have proof of funds: around $13,757 CAD (₦13 million+) for a single person

If you secure a scholarship or visa-sponsored job, you can waive or reduce the proof of funds requirement.

💵 Cost Breakdown: How Much to Budget for Express Entry

ItemCost (CAD)Approx. in USD
IELTS Exam$340$250
ECA (Education Credential Assessment)$240$180
Express Entry Fee$1,365$1,000
Medical Test$300$220
Biometrics$85$65
Proof of Funds (Required)$13,757$10,100
Total (without scholarship)$16,000+ CAD$11,800 USD
With Scholarship/Job Offer$2,500 – $4,000 USDGreatly Reduced

🎓 Top Scholarships That Cover Tuition, Visa & Living Costs

Scholarship NameAmount (USD)Eligible LevelWhat It Covers
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship$50,000/yearPhDTuition + Living + Research
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (Toronto)Full + $10,000UndergraduateTuition + Visa + Housing
University of British Columbia ScholarshipsUp to $40,000Undergrad/GradTuition + Living
University of Toronto International Scholars$20,000–$40,000UndergraduateTuition Support
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship$40,000/yearPhDTuition + $20k Research
McGill University Entrance Scholarships$10,000–$30,000UndergraduateTuition
University of Calgary International Entrance$15,000/yearUndergraduateTuition + Partial Living
Concordia Presidential ScholarshipFullAll levelsFull Tuition + Books
Ontario Graduate ScholarshipUp to $15,000Master’sTuition
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship$14,000+PostgradTuition + Living
University of Saskatchewan Graduate Awards$18,000Master’s/PhDTuition
Carleton Prestige ScholarshipUp to $30,000UndergraduateTuition + Living
York University International Student Scholarships$20,000UndergraduateTuition Support
Dalhousie University ScholarshipsVariesAll levelsTuition + Research
Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship$11,000–$15,000GraduateTuition
University of Ottawa ScholarshipsUp to $30,000All levelsTuition + Research
Trent University Global Citizen ScholarshipUp to $25,000UndergraduateTuition
Brock University International Scholarships$16,000+UndergraduateTuition
University of Regina International Entrance$10,000UndergraduateTuition
Simon Fraser University Scholarships$15,000+PostgradTuition + Living

💡 Tip: Apply early and customize your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and CV to each scholarship’s requirement.

💼 Canada Visa Sponsorship Jobs

Many Canadian employers are willing to sponsor foreign workers due to labor shortages. Below are the most in-demand roles with average salary ranges:

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1. Registered Nurses

  • 💰 Salary: $55,000 – $90,000/year
  • 🏥 Hospitals and clinics are desperate for nurses and offer fast-tracked LMIA.

2. Software Developers

  • 💰 Salary: $70,000 – $120,000/year
  • 🌐 Tech companies are hiring full-stack and backend engineers with sponsorship.

3. Truck Drivers

  • 💰 Salary: $50,000 – $85,000/year
  • 🚚 Many transportation companies sponsor long-haul drivers with full relocation.

4. Construction Workers

  • 💰 Salary: $40,000 – $70,000/year
  • 🏗️ A booming sector with huge demand for laborers, welders, and foremen.

5. Farm Workers

  • 💰 Salary: $28,000 – $40,000/year
  • 🌾 Temporary foreign worker program allows 2-year visa with pathway to PR.

6. Cleaners & Caregivers

  • 💰 Salary: $30,000 – $45,000/year
  • 🧹 Often overlooked, but highly available through home care agencies.
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7. Hotel & Restaurant Workers

  • 💰 Salary: $32,000 – $50,000/year
  • 🍽️ Canada’s hospitality industry hires internationally under LMIA.

Use websites like Job Bank Canada, Indeed.ca, and Jooble to find verified sponsorship offers.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Express Entry + Scholarship Plan

Step 1: Prepare for and Pass IELTS

Target CLB 9+ to maximize points (minimum: CLB 7). Practice daily.

Step 2: Get Your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Use WES, ICAS, or IQAS to validate your Nigerian certificate.

Step 3: Create Your Express Entry Profile

Apply via IRCC’s website. Enter your details honestly.

Step 4: Apply for Scholarships or Sponsored Jobs

Search and apply concurrently while waiting in the Express Entry pool.

Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your CRS score meets the draw cut-off, you’ll be invited to apply for PR.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid (With Explanations)

1. Submitting Incomplete Profiles

Missing documents or incorrect info delays your application or gets you rejected.

2. Using Fake Documents

Canada verifies all entries. Fraud gets you banned for 5 years or more.

3. Ignoring IELTS Preparation

Low language scores are the biggest reason Nigerians lose points.

4. Not Applying for Scholarships Early Enough

Most Canadian scholarships have deadlines 8–12 months before start date.

5. Applying Without a Targeted CV/Resume

Your Canadian-style CV should highlight relevant experience and match job descriptions.

6. Skipping ECA or Medicals

These are mandatory for PR processing. Skipping them delays approval.

7. Not Researching Visa Sponsorship Jobs

Blindly applying leads to rejection. Focus on verified LMIA-approved employers.

✅ Real-Life Success Stories: Nigerians Thriving in Canada

✨ Chiamaka Okafor – Public Health Scholar in Alberta

  • Won Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
  • Earns $55,000/year
  • “With just $1,200, I migrated in under 10 months.”

✨ David Adebayo – Software Engineer in Ontario

  • Secured $70,000/year visa-sponsored job
  • “Job Bank Canada changed my life. Now I pay rent in CAD.”

✨ Amina Yusuf – Nursing Student in Vancouver

  • Got $40,000 scholarship + housing
  • “Now I work at VGH with free healthcare and a Canadian PR.”

📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I apply without IELTS?
No. IELTS or CELPIP is mandatory for Express Entry.

Q2: Do I need a job offer for Express Entry?
Not required, but it can boost your score by 50–200 points.

Q3: Can I migrate with my family?
Yes. Add your spouse and children to your profile. Budget extra for proof of funds.

Q4: Can a diploma holder apply?
Yes, but bachelor’s degree holders earn more CRS points.

Q5: How long does the Express Entry process take?
Usually 6–12 months from profile creation to landing.

🚀 Final Words: Start Now or Miss Out

Every month, over 4,000 people are invited to apply for Canadian permanent residency. You could be next if you prepare early, apply smart, and use the power of scholarships or visa sponsorship jobs to lower your costs.

Don’t let fear or misinformation stop your Canadian dream. With planning, the right resources, and smart strategy, you could be living in Canada this time next year — fully funded and legally employed.

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