“JAPA Just Got Pricier: Canada Slaps ₦17 Million Fund Requirement on Migration Hopefuls”

RYNI Media: By Blessing Isiuwa
12 July 2025

For thousands of Nigerian professionals hoping to migrate through Canada’s Express Entry system, the dream of starting a new life just got more expensive.

In a recent announcement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed a significant increase in the minimum proof of funds required for applicants. Starting July 7, 2025, single applicants must now show access to at least CAD $15,263, roughly ₦17 million at current exchange rates. Couples will need CAD $19,001—approximately ₦21.2 million.

This financial benchmark—reviewed annually by IRCC—is tied to Statistics Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO), a national poverty guideline used to assess a family’s basic survival needs. The funds are meant to ensure that newcomers can support themselves upon arrival in Canada, before securing employment or public benefits.

“This isn’t just a new number—it’s a new barrier,” says, a Nigerian pharmacist currently in the Express Entry pool. “I’ve passed the English test, I have my credentials evaluated, and now I’m scrambling to raise an extra ₦3 million just to stay eligible.”

To qualify, applicants must provide official letters from their banks, printed on institutional letterhead and detailing current account balances and transaction history. Funds must be liquid, accessible, and under the applicant’s name. If applying as a couple, joint accounts can be used to meet the requirement.

Candidates already in the Express Entry pool have until July 28, 2025, to update their profiles with the new fund values—or risk becoming ineligible. Crucially, this update will not alter their original submission date or affect their ranking in tie-breaker rounds.

This requirement applies to candidates under the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades programs. It does not apply to applicants under the Canadian Experience Class, nor to individuals who already have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

Canada’s Express Entry is a competitive points-based immigration system, where only top-ranking candidates receive invitations to apply for permanent residency. Invitations are typically issued every two weeks, based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

For many Nigerians, the JAPA dream is now caught in a financial squeeze. As the cost of migration continues to climb, young professionals face a tough question: how far can they stretch their pockets to cross Canada’s golden gate?

Stay updated with the latest news across Nigeria and beyond — visit RYNI Media.

For Event Coverage, Advert Placements, Article Publications.
Email: rynimedia@gmail.com
Contact Us on WhatsApp