2026-02-24 · NextMigrate Team
Canada Express Entry 2025: Complete Guide for Applicants from Nigeria, India & Philippines
Canada remains one of the top destinations for skilled workers from Nigeria, India, the Philippines, and other developing countries. The Express Entry system is the fastest pathway to Canadian permanent residency, with most applications processed in six months or less. If you have been considering a move to Canada, this guide covers everything you need to know to submit a competitive application.
What Is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada's primary immigration management system for skilled workers. It is not a visa in itself but rather a system that manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) — For professionals with foreign work experience
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) — For people qualified in a skilled trade
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — For those who already have Canadian work experience
When you create an Express Entry profile, you enter a pool of candidates. The highest-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency during regular draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Understanding the CRS Score: Full Points Breakdown
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the points-based system used to rank Express Entry candidates. Your CRS score determines whether you receive an ITA. Here is the complete scoring table:
Section A: Core Human Capital Factors
For candidates WITHOUT a spouse or common-law partner (maximum 500 points):
| Factor | Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 20-29 | 110 |
| 30 | 105 | |
| 31 | 99 | |
| 32 | 94 | |
| 33 | 88 | |
| 34 | 83 | |
| 35 | 77 | |
| 36 | 72 | |
| 37 | 66 | |
| 38 | 61 | |
| 39 | 55 | |
| 40 | 50 | |
| 41 | 39 | |
| 42 | 28 | |
| 43 | 17 | |
| 44 | 6 | |
| 45+ | 0 | |
| Education | PhD | 150 |
| Master's or professional degree | 135 | |
| Two or more post-secondary credentials (one 3+ years) | 128 | |
| Bachelor's degree (3+ years) | 120 | |
| Two-year diploma/certificate | 98 | |
| One-year diploma/certificate | 90 | |
| Secondary school (high school) | 30 | |
| First Official Language (per ability) | CLB 10+ | 34 |
| CLB 9 | 31 | |
| CLB 8 | 23 | |
| CLB 7 | 17 | |
| CLB 6 | 9 | |
| CLB 5 or 4 | 6 | |
| (Maximum across 4 abilities) | 136 | |
| Second Official Language (per ability) | CLB 9+ | 6 |
| CLB 7 or 8 | 3 | |
| CLB 5 or 6 | 1 | |
| (Maximum across 4 abilities) | 24 | |
| Canadian Work Experience | 5+ years | 80 |
| 3-4 years | 64 | |
| 2 years | 53 | |
| 1 year | 40 | |
| None | 0 |
For candidates WITH a spouse or common-law partner: The maximums change. Age drops to max 100, education to max 140, first language to max 128, Canadian experience to max 70. The spouse also contributes up to 40 points (education), 20 points (language), and 10 points (Canadian experience).
Section B: Skill Transferability Factors (Maximum 100 Points)
These are combination bonuses. You get points when two strong factors overlap:
| Combination | Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Education + Language | Post-secondary + CLB 9+ (per ability) | 50 |
| Post-secondary + CLB 7-8 | 25 | |
| Education + Canadian Work | Post-secondary + 2+ years Canadian work | 50 |
| Post-secondary + 1 year Canadian work | 25 | |
| Foreign Work + Language | 3+ years foreign work + CLB 9+ | 50 |
| 1-2 years foreign work + CLB 9+ | 25 | |
| 3+ years foreign work + CLB 7-8 | 25 | |
| 1-2 years foreign work + CLB 7-8 | 13 | |
| Foreign Work + Canadian Work | 3+ years foreign + 2+ years Canadian | 50 |
| 3+ years foreign + 1 year Canadian | 25 | |
| Certificate of Qualification (trades) | With CLB 7+ | 50 |
| With CLB 5-6 | 25 |
Section C: Additional Points (Maximum 600 Points)
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination | 600 |
| Valid LMIA job offer — TEER 0 (senior management) | 200 |
| Valid LMIA job offer — TEER 1, 2, or 3 | 50 |
| Canadian education (3+ year credential) | 30 |
| Canadian education (1-2 year credential) | 15 |
| Sibling in Canada (citizen or PR) | 15 |
| French language: NCLC 7+ in all 4 abilities (with English CLB 5+) | 50 |
| French language: NCLC 7+ in all 4 abilities (with English CLB 4 or less) | 25 |
Maximum possible CRS score: 1,200 (600 core + 600 additional).
CRS Score Examples for Common Profiles
| Profile | Age | Education | IELTS Scores (L/R/W/S) | Work Experience | CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nigerian developer, single | 28 | Bachelor's | 8.0/7.5/7.0/7.5 (CLB 9/9/9/9) | 5 years foreign | 478 |
| Indian IT professional, married (non-working spouse) | 32 | Master's | 7.5/7.0/7.0/7.0 (CLB 9/8/9/8) | 6 years foreign | 456 |
| Filipino nurse, single | 30 | Bachelor's | 7.0/7.0/7.0/7.0 (CLB 8/7/8/7) | 4 years foreign | 432 |
| Nigerian accountant, single, with French | 27 | Master's + ACCA | 8.5/8.0/7.5/8.0 + TEF B2 all | 3 years foreign | 512 |
The cutoff for general draws in 2024-2025 has ranged from 480 to 535. Category-based draws for healthcare workers have gone as low as 431. STEM draws have gone as low as 481.
Eligibility Requirements
Before creating your profile, make sure you meet these minimum requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program:
- Work experience — At least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in the last 10 years, in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
- Language ability — Minimum CLB 7 in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking) for your primary language. This typically means an IELTS score of at least 6.0 in each band
- Education — A completed post-secondary credential. Foreign credentials must be assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Proof of funds — You must show you have enough money to settle in Canada, unless you have a valid job offer
Proof of Funds Requirements (2025, Updated Annually)
| Family Size | Minimum Funds Required (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $14,690 |
| 2 people | $18,288 |
| 3 people | $22,483 |
| 4 people | $27,297 |
| 5 people | $30,690 |
| 6 people | $34,917 |
| 7+ people | $38,875 |
These amounts increase slightly each year. You must show these funds as liquid assets (bank deposits, investment accounts) for at least 3 months prior to application. Mortgage equity, real estate value, and retirement accounts do not count.
How to Create Your Express Entry Profile
Step 1: Take a language test. Book and complete an approved English test (IELTS General Training or CELPIP) or French test (TEF Canada or TCF Canada). Aim for the highest score possible since language points are a major CRS factor.
CLB to IELTS conversion (IELTS General Training):
| CLB Level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CLB 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| CLB 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| CLB 10 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
The jump from CLB 8 to CLB 9 in all four abilities adds approximately 30-40 CRS points. This is the single highest-impact improvement most applicants can make.
Step 2: Get your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). Organizations like WES, IQAS, or CES evaluate your foreign degree to determine its Canadian equivalent. This process typically takes four to eight weeks, so start early.
ECA costs and processing times:
| Organization | Fee (CAD) | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| WES | $220 + courier | 5-7 weeks (after docs received) | Most common; Nigerian, Indian, Filipino degrees |
| IQAS | $200 | 8-12 weeks | Alberta applicants; sometimes faster for Indian degrees |
| CES (University of Toronto) | $210 | 12-16 weeks | Slower but accepted for all programs |
| BCIT | $200 | 10-14 weeks | British Columbia applicants |
Important: WES requires documents to be sent directly from your institution, not from you. For Nigerian applicants, this means your university must mail transcripts to WES in a sealed envelope. For Indian applicants, degree verification via the WES portal has streamlined this process. For Filipino applicants, request TOR and diploma copies directly from your school's registrar to be sent to WES.
Step 3: Gather your documents. You will need your passport, language test results, ECA report, reference letters from employers (detailing job title, duties, dates, and hours), proof of funds (bank statements), and police clearance certificates.
Step 4: Create your profile online. Visit the IRCC website and complete the Express Entry profile. Be completely honest about your information because everything will be verified later.
Step 5: Enter the pool and wait for draws. Once submitted, you will receive a CRS score. IRCC conducts draws regularly, typically every two weeks. If your score meets or exceeds the draw cutoff, you will receive an ITA.
Tips to Increase Your CRS Score
If your CRS score falls below recent draw cutoffs (which have ranged from 480 to 535 for general draws in recent rounds), here are proven strategies to improve it:
Improve Your Language Scores
This is the single most impactful thing you can do. Moving from CLB 8 to CLB 9 in all bands can add 30 or more points to your CRS. Invest in IELTS preparation courses, take practice tests, and consider retaking the exam.
Cost of IELTS preparation and exam:
| Item | Cost (USD equivalent) |
|---|---|
| IELTS General Training exam fee | $250-310 (varies by country) |
| Magoosh IELTS prep (online, 1 month) | $59 |
| British Council preparation course (in-person) | $150-400 |
| Typical total (1-2 attempts) | $400-700 |
Learn French
Even a moderate level of French proficiency can add 20 to 50 bonus CRS points. A TEF or TCF score at NCLC 7 or above in all four abilities earns significant additional points. Many applicants from Nigeria and the Philippines have successfully used this strategy.
The French bonus works as follows:
- NCLC 7+ in all four abilities with English CLB 5+: 50 additional points
- NCLC 7+ in all four abilities with English below CLB 5: 25 additional points
Reaching NCLC 7 (B2 level) from zero French typically takes 6-12 months of dedicated study (600-800 hours). Alliance Fran\u00e7aise courses cost $400-800 per level. The TEF Canada exam itself costs approximately CAD $400.
For Nigerian applicants: Nigeria's proximity to French-speaking West Africa means French tutors are relatively accessible and affordable (NGN 5,000-10,000/hour in Lagos). Some Nigerian universities offer accelerated French programmes.
Get a Provincial Nomination
A PNP nomination adds 600 points to your CRS, which effectively guarantees an invitation. Research each province's requirements because some are more accessible than others.
Provincial Nominee Programs: Top 5 Provinces for Express Entry-Linked Streams
1. Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
Streams linked to Express Entry:
- Human Capital Priorities Stream — Ontario searches the Express Entry pool and issues Notifications of Interest (NOI) to candidates. You cannot apply directly; Ontario must select you. Target CRS: 400+ with work experience in Ontario's demand occupations.
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream — For candidates with strong French (NCLC 7+) and English (CLB 6+). Lower effective CRS cutoff because the pool is smaller.
- Skilled Trades Stream — For workers with Ontario job offers in eligible trades.
Ontario is the most competitive province. In 2024, the Human Capital Priorities stream issued NOIs to candidates with CRS scores ranging from 424 to 496, depending on the occupation targeted.
Filing fee: CAD $1,500 (non-refundable). Processing time: 60-90 days after ITA for nomination; then 6 months for federal PR processing.
2. British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
Streams linked to Express Entry:
- Skills Immigration — Express Entry BC (EEBC) — Uses BC's own scoring system (separate from CRS). Points for job offer, wage, work experience, education, and language. You must have a valid job offer from a BC employer.
- Tech Pilot — Faster processing for 29 specific tech occupations (software developers, IT project managers, data analysts, etc.). Processing: ~2-3 months.
BC PNP requires a job offer for most streams, which makes it harder to access from overseas. However, tech workers with in-demand skills (DevOps, cloud architecture, ML engineering) report success finding BC employers willing to sponsor.
Filing fee: CAD $1,150. Processing time: 2-4 months for nomination.
3. Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Streams linked to Express Entry:
- International Skilled Worker — Express Entry — Does NOT require a job offer. You must have at least 1 year of work experience in the past 10 years in an eligible SINP occupation, and score at least 60 points on SINP's own assessment grid.
- Occupation In-Demand — For workers in occupations Saskatchewan specifically needs.
Saskatchewan is one of the most accessible PNPs for overseas applicants because no job offer is required. The eligible occupation list is broad and includes software developers, accountants, engineers, nurses, and dozens of other TEER 0/1/2/3 occupations.
SINP Points Grid (separate from CRS, out of 100):
| Factor | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Education and Training | 23 |
| Skilled Work Experience | 15 |
| Language | 20 |
| Age | 12 |
| Connection to Saskatchewan (relatives, previous study/work) | 30 |
You need 60 out of 100. A 28-year-old with a bachelor's degree, CLB 8, and 3 years of work experience typically scores 62-68 even without any Saskatchewan connection.
Filing fee: CAD $350. Processing time: 1-3 months for nomination.
4. Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
Streams linked to Express Entry:
- Alberta Express Entry Stream — Alberta issues NOIs to Express Entry candidates whose profiles match Alberta's economic priorities. Like Ontario, you cannot directly apply; Alberta selects you.
- Alberta Opportunity Stream — Requires you to already be working in Alberta on a valid work permit.
Alberta has been increasing its nominations significantly. In 2024, Alberta issued approximately 9,750 PNP nominations (up from 6,250 in 2022). The Express Entry stream targets healthcare workers, tech professionals, and tradespeople.
Filing fee: CAD $500. Processing time: 3-6 months for nomination.
5. Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
Streams linked to Express Entry:
- Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities — Nova Scotia issues NOIs to Express Entry candidates with work experience in occupations the province needs. In 2024, targeted draws included healthcare workers, early childhood educators, and IT professionals.
- Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry — For candidates already working in Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia is attractive because of lower cost of living (rent in Halifax is 40-60% less than Toronto), a growing tech sector, and the province's aggressive immigration targets. The trade-off: smaller job market and colder winters.
Filing fee: None for Express Entry-linked streams. Processing time: 2-4 months for nomination.
PNP Comparison Summary
| Province | Job Offer Required? | Filing Fee (CAD) | Nomination Processing Time | Accessibility from Overseas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | No (HCP stream) | $1,500 | 60-90 days | Moderate — Ontario selects you |
| British Columbia | Yes (most streams) | $1,150 | 2-4 months | Harder — need BC employer |
| Saskatchewan | No | $350 | 1-3 months | Easiest — no job offer, broad occupation list |
| Alberta | No (EE stream) | $500 | 3-6 months | Moderate — Alberta selects you |
| Nova Scotia | No (LMP stream) | $0 | 2-4 months | Moderate — NS selects you |
Processing Times: What to Realistically Expect
IRCC publishes processing time targets, but actual times vary. Here is what applicants experienced in 2024-2025:
| Stage | Official Target | Actual Average (2024-2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry profile to ITA (if CRS meets cutoff) | Next draw (1-4 weeks) | 1-4 weeks |
| ITA to submission of complete PR application | 60 days (deadline) | Most submit in 30-45 days |
| PR application processing (Federal Skilled Worker) | 6 months | 5-8 months |
| PR application processing (with PNP nomination) | 6 months | 6-10 months |
| PR application processing (Canadian Experience Class) | 6 months | 4-6 months |
| Medical exam validity | 12 months | Complete within 30 days of ITA |
| Biometrics processing | 2-4 weeks | 2-6 weeks |
| COPR to landing in Canada | N/A | Most land within 2-3 months of COPR |
Total timeline from starting IELTS to landing in Canada: 12-18 months (if no complications). 18-24 months with ECA delays, IELTS retakes, or PNP application.
Common Refusal Reasons and How to Avoid Them
IRCC refuses approximately 10-15% of Express Entry applications after ITA. The most common reasons:
1. Misrepresentation (Automatic 5-Year Ban)
What triggers it: Any discrepancy between what you declared in your profile and what your documents show. Examples: claiming 3 years of work experience when reference letters show 2 years and 8 months; listing duties that do not match your actual NOC code; failing to disclose a previous visa refusal.
How to avoid it: Be conservatively honest. If you are unsure whether an experience counts, do not claim it. Round down, not up. Disclose every visa refusal, every country you have lived in, and every job you have held.
2. Insufficient Proof of Work Experience
What triggers it: Reference letters that lack specific details (job duties, hours worked, dates of employment), or that IRCC cannot verify. A letter that says "John worked as a software developer" is not sufficient.
How to avoid it: Each reference letter must include:
- Company letterhead with contact information
- Your full name and job title
- Exact dates of employment (DD/MM/YYYY to DD/MM/YYYY)
- Whether full-time or part-time (and hours per week)
- Annual salary or hourly wage
- A detailed list of your main duties (5-7 bullet points matching the NOC description)
- Name, title, and signature of the person issuing the letter
- Their direct phone number and email (IRCC may call to verify)
3. Inadequate Proof of Funds
What triggers it: Bank statements that show sudden large deposits (looks like borrowed money), funds that have not been in the account for at least 3 months, or amounts below the required threshold.
How to avoid it: Start building your settlement funds at least 6 months before you plan to submit. If family members are lending you money, have them transfer it early so it shows a consistent balance. Provide 6 months of bank statements, not just the most recent one.
4. Medical Inadmissibility
What triggers it: Conditions that IRCC determines would place "excessive demand" on Canadian health or social services. This includes conditions requiring treatment costing more than approximately CAD $24,057 per year (the 2024 threshold). Active, untreated tuberculosis is an automatic bar.
How to avoid it: Complete your medical exam as soon as possible after receiving an ITA. If you have a known condition, consult an immigration lawyer before applying. Controlled conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and asthma are generally not a problem if managed.
5. Criminal Inadmissibility
What triggers it: Any criminal conviction, including DUI, fraud, assault, or drug offences. Even a conviction that was dismissed or pardoned in your country may be treated as a conviction under Canadian law.
How to avoid it: Obtain police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for 6+ months since age 18. If you have a past conviction, apply for Criminal Rehabilitation (available 5 years after sentence completion) before submitting your Express Entry application.
6. Incomplete Application After ITA
What triggers it: Missing documents, expired language test results (valid for 2 years), expired ECA (valid for 5 years), or failure to submit within the 60-day deadline.
How to avoid it: Prepare all documents BEFORE entering the Express Entry pool. Have your police clearances, medical appointment, and reference letters ready to go so that when you receive an ITA, you can submit within 30 days.
Category-Based Draws: A Lower CRS Path
Since 2023, IRCC has conducted category-based draws targeting specific occupations. These draws have significantly lower CRS cutoffs than general draws:
| Category | Example CRS Cutoffs (2024-2025) | Occupations Included |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | 422-470 | Nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, medical lab technicians |
| STEM | 481-507 | Software developers, data scientists, engineers, architects |
| Trades | 433-470 | Electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters |
| Transport | 435-459 | Truck drivers, aircraft mechanics, air traffic controllers |
| Agriculture & Agri-food | 437-470 | Farm managers, food processing supervisors |
| French language proficiency | 336-410 | Any occupation, if NCLC 7+ in French |
The French language category has the lowest cutoffs — as low as 336 CRS. If your CRS is below 480 for a general draw, learning French to NCLC 7 could be the fastest way to receive an ITA.
Document Checklist for Applicants from Nigeria, India & Philippines
Nigeria-Specific Notes
- Obtain police clearance from the Nigeria Police Force (this can take several weeks — start immediately). The NPF police clearance is valid for 12 months.
- WES is the most commonly used ECA organization for Nigerian credentials. Your university must send transcripts directly to WES in a sealed, stamped envelope.
- Ensure your NYSC certificate is included with your educational documents. WES will assess it as part of your educational history.
- Nigerian passport renewal takes 2-6 weeks. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 2 years when you submit your profile.
- Proof of funds: Nigerian bank statements in naira are accepted. IRCC will convert at the prevailing rate. Consider holding funds in a domiciliary (USD) account for stability.
India-Specific Notes
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) can be obtained from Passport Seva Kendra. Processing time: 1-3 weeks.
- Degree verification may require contacting your university directly during the WES process. Many Indian universities now support the WES online verification portal.
- If you completed your degree through distance learning, check WES requirements carefully. Degrees from IGNOU and some state open universities may receive lower assessments.
- Aadhaar card is NOT accepted as identity proof for IRCC. Use your passport only.
- Indian IT professionals: ensure your reference letters list specific duties, not just "software development." IRCC matches duties against the NOC description word by word.
Philippines-Specific Notes
- NBI clearance is required as your police certificate. Processing time: 1-2 weeks online, 3-5 days for renewal.
- The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) birth certificate is essential. Order a certified copy from PSA Serbilis (available online for PHP 365).
- WES evaluations for Philippine degrees are generally straightforward. Ensure your school registrar sends the TOR directly to WES.
- Philippine nurses: Canada's healthcare category-based draws target RNs specifically. Your Philippine nursing license plus IELTS CLB 7+ makes you eligible.
- OFW tip: if you have worked overseas previously (Gulf, Singapore, Hong Kong), that foreign work experience counts for CRS points. Include reference letters from all foreign employers.
Cost Breakdown: Express Entry from Start to Landing
| Item | Cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS General Training exam | $310-350 | May need 2 attempts |
| ECA (WES) | $220 + $50-80 courier | |
| Police clearances | $50-150 | Depends on country |
| Medical exam | $200-400 | Panel physician fees vary |
| Biometrics | $85 | Per person |
| PR application fee | $850 | Per adult applicant |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $515 | Per adult |
| PNP application fee (if applicable) | $0-1,500 | Varies by province |
| Photographs | $15-30 | |
| Document translation (if needed) | $100-500 | Certified translation |
| Total (single applicant, no PNP) | ~$2,300 - $2,800 | |
| Total (single applicant, with PNP) | ~$2,700 - $4,300 | |
| Total (couple, no PNP) | ~$4,200 - $5,000 |
These costs do not include settlement funds (which you must show but not spend on the application) or relocation costs (flights, initial accommodation, etc.).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating language preparation — Many applicants lose significant points because they did not prepare adequately for IELTS. The difference between CLB 7 and CLB 9 can be 60+ CRS points.
- Submitting incomplete reference letters — Your employer reference letters must include specific duties, not just job titles. IRCC officers verify these against NOC descriptions.
- Missing deadlines — Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application. Prepare documents in advance.
- Not exploring PNP options — Many applicants focus solely on federal draws and miss provincial pathways with lower CRS requirements. Saskatchewan alone could save you 12+ months of waiting.
- Using unreliable immigration consultants — Only work with Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or licensed lawyers. Verify their status on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) website. Scam consultants in Lagos, Delhi, and Manila have defrauded thousands of applicants.
- Entering the pool before maximising your score — Your profile start date does not matter for CRS ranking. There is no benefit to entering early with a low score. Take the time to retake IELTS, complete your ECA, and research PNP options before creating your profile.
- Forgetting to update your profile — If you gain new work experience, complete a new degree, improve your language scores, or have a change in marital status, update your profile immediately. Your CRS is recalculated automatically.
- Assuming the draw cutoff will drop — Some applicants wait in the pool hoping cutoffs will decrease. This is unpredictable and costs time. Focus on what you can control: your language scores, education, and PNP eligibility.
Processing Times and What to Expect
After receiving an ITA and submitting your application, processing typically takes about six months. You may be asked to complete a medical exam and provide biometrics. Once approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can make plans to land in Canada.
After landing:
- Your PR card will be mailed to your Canadian address within 4-8 weeks.
- You can apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) immediately upon landing — required to work.
- Provincial health insurance has a waiting period (0-3 months depending on province). Consider private travel insurance for the gap.
- You must physically be in Canada for at least 730 days out of every 5-year period to maintain PR status.
- You become eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship after 3 years (1,095 days) of physical presence within the past 5 years.
Take the First Step Toward Canada
Navigating the Express Entry system can feel overwhelming, especially when you are applying from abroad. NextMigrate helps skilled workers from Nigeria, India, the Philippines, and other countries assess their eligibility, optimize their CRS score, and prepare a strong application. Whether you need help with your ECA, language test strategy, or PNP research, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process.
