"Japa" has become shorthand for an entire life plan — but behind the word is a very real, very large number that most people underestimate until they’re deep into the process. Here’s what relocating actually costs, using two of the most common destinations as examples.
Explain it like I’m 5
Imagine planning a really big trip isn’t just about buying a plane ticket — you also have to prove to the people at your destination that you can take care of yourself once you arrive, pay for tests to show you’re qualified, pay to get your documents checked, and pay for a doctor’s visit, all before they even say yes. Japa is like that, except the "trip" is your whole life, and the total bill can run into tens of millions of naira.
The News
For a single applicant relocating to Canada through the popular Express Entry pathway, total costs typically run CAD 15,000-25,000 (roughly ₦16-27 million), covering language tests (IELTS), credential evaluation, application fees, biometrics, a medical exam, proof of funds, and flights. Canada requires proof of funds of at least CAD $15,263 (about $11,142) for a single applicant, rising to CAD $25,564 for a family of four. For the UK, relocating via the Skilled Worker visa route costs around ₦6.1 million or more (excluding flights), and applicants need to meet a salary threshold of £41,700 per year (or £33,400 for qualifying new entrants under 26), plus an Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year for the primary adult applicant.
The Numbers
- Canada (Express Entry, single applicant): CAD 15,000-25,000 total (~₦16-27 million)
- Canada proof of funds (single applicant): CAD $15,263 (~$11,142)
- Canada proof of funds (family of four): CAD $25,564
- UK Skilled Worker visa costs (excluding flights): ~₦6.1 million+
- UK salary threshold: £41,700/year standard, £33,400/year for qualifying new entrants
- UK Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035/year (primary applicant)
The Explanation
These costs break into two very different categories: one-time process costs (visa fees, tests, medical exams, agent or consultant fees if used) and proof-of-funds requirements, which aren’t fees at all — they’re a minimum balance you must demonstrate you have access to, to show you can support yourself without relying on the host country’s public assistance. That distinction matters: proof-of-funds money isn’t spent, but it does need to be genuinely available and often has to sit in your account for a minimum period before it counts.
The Impact
- The total cost is almost always higher than people initially budget for, because proof-of-funds requirements, exam retakes, and document costs pile up on top of the "headline" application fee.
- Family size changes the math significantly — Canada’s proof-of-funds requirement nearly doubles from a single applicant to a family of four.
- A skilled-worker route (like the UK’s) ties your visa to a specific salary threshold, meaning the job offer itself has to clear a bar before relocation is even possible.
A Real-Life Example
A single Nigerian professional targeting Canada needs roughly ₦16-27 million in total costs, plus proof of funds around $11,142 (roughly ₦14.8 million at the official rate covered in our naira exchange rate explainer) sitting in an account — meaning the realistic all-in figure, including funds that must be demonstrated (even if not permanently spent), can exceed ₦30-40 million for one person before landing.
Your Options
- Budget for the full picture, not just the visa fee — include tests, medical exams, document authentication, and proof-of-funds separately from your spending budget.
- Start proof-of-funds early — since it often needs to be seasoned (held for a minimum period) in your account, last-minute scrambling rarely works.
- Compare pathways carefully — a skilled-worker route (tied to a job offer and salary threshold) and a points-based economic immigration route (like Express Entry) have very different cost and timeline profiles; don’t assume one is automatically cheaper or faster than the other.
What to Watch
Watch for policy changes on both sides — destination countries periodically adjust salary thresholds, proof-of-funds amounts, and visa categories, and these figures can move meaningfully year to year. Always confirm current requirements directly with official government sources before budgeting.
Sources
- Japa Guide: Nigeria to Canada 2026 — Full Breakdown — Afrotools
- Cost of Relocating to Canada from Nigeria — Japa Calculator
- Moving to the UK from Nigeria: Complete 2026 guide — Yolat
- Cost of Relocating to the UK from Nigeria 2026 — NaijaJapa
This article explains published relocation cost estimates and is not immigration or financial advice — see our Disclaimer. Visa requirements and costs change; always confirm current figures with official government immigration sources.
FAQ
Is proof of funds money I lose?
No — it’s money you must demonstrate you have access to, not a fee you pay away. You typically still have and can use that money after arrival, but it usually needs to be held for a minimum period before your application to count as genuine.
Is the UK or Canada cheaper to relocate to?
It depends heavily on your specific route and family size — the UK’s Skilled Worker route ties costs to a job offer and salary threshold, while Canada’s Express Entry is points-based with its own proof-of-funds scale. Compare your specific situation against both rather than assuming one is universally cheaper.
Can I japa without a job offer already secured?
Yes, for points-based routes like Canada’s Express Entry, which doesn’t require a job offer (though having one can help your application). Job-offer-dependent routes like the UK’s Skilled Worker visa require securing employment first.
