Canada has set ambitious targets to welcome new permanent residents, with a goal of reaching 465,000 by the end of 2023 and increasing to 500,000 by 2025. If you’re an Accommodation Manager in Nigeria eyeing a move to Canada, here’s a guide to help you explore the available options in 2023/2024.
In 2022, Nigeria ranked as Canada’s fourth top immigration source country, contributing 5.05% to the total number of permanent residents. Over 22,000 Nigerians embraced Canada as their new home, and more than 100,000 Canadians have Nigerian roots. The appeal lies in Canada’s vast economic opportunities, political stability, renowned education system, and advanced healthcare.
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
For Accommodation Managers considering immigration, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a viable option. This program, managed by Express Entry, enables candidates with relevant work experience to apply for permanent residence even without a Canadian job offer. To be eligible, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- One year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in the past 10 years in a skilled occupation.
- Validated language ability equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French.
- A Canadian educational credential or a foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.
- At least 67 points on IRCC’s six immigration selection factors.
- Financial capacity for settling in Canada.
2. Express Entry Profile and Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS):
Eligible candidates can upload their Express Entry profile onto Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) website. A Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is then assigned based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability. Recent category-based draws prioritize candidates with strong French language proficiency or experience in specific professions, including healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture.
3. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):
Another avenue for Nigerian Accommodation Managers is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Provinces and territories nominate skilled workers based on their demographic and labor market needs. Candidates can apply directly through a PNP program or enter the Express Entry pool, where a provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
4. Work Permit Options:
Nigerian foreign nationals also have the option to work in Canada with a Canadian work permit. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP) offer opportunities. While the TFWP requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), the IMP does not. A job offer is often needed, but open work permits, allowing work across Canada, are available in certain situations.
5. Study Permit:
Canada attracted a record number of international students in 2022, with over 16,000 students coming from Nigeria in 2023. With over 1,500 designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada, applying to your chosen school opens the door to a study permit. Beyond education, a study permit provides work opportunities and a potential pathway to permanent residency upon graduation, valued by federal and provincial programs.