We have many routes to immigrate to Canada - but I will be considering the Federal Skilled Worker route under the Express Entry(EE):
Before embarking on this journey, you must have the 3Ps (Prepare, Patience & Perseverance) and the greatest of all desire to get to Canada.
Get all your documents and that of your family members ready as EE is truly express (ITA to COPR is within 1-6 months as against the old system under FSW that took several months to be completed).
Step 1 - Read the background to Canadian immigration at www.cic.gc.ca. Click English/French whichever is applicable to you. Next click on immigrate.
Step 2 - Visit British Council to write the English language requirement for the program which is IELTS General training. This can be done online or visit them at their center or yours write the French Language test(TEF) at Alliance Frances.
Note 1. If you are married, it is strongly encouraged that both spouse should write the language test.
Note 2. The minimum score set by IRCC is Listening 6, Writing 6, Reading 6 & Speaking 6. But from my personal findings, the target score for the Principal Applicant(PA) should be L8, W7, R7 & S7 but greater score will be more beneficial (L9, W9, R9 & S9). This score is achievable please.
Note 3. You can boost your point if you can write the French language(TEF) if you wish to but it is not compulsory.
Note 4. You must prepare well for the language assessment. Don't stop pushing till you get the desire score Go to www.ieltsbuddy.com for practice tests.
Step 3 - You must have your education credential assessed by authorized Canadian body. Designed organizations for ECAs are CES, ICAS, WES, IQAS, ICES (For all professions except medicine & Pharmacy). MCC for Doctors and PEBC for Pharmacists.
Note 1. For Education Credential Assessment(ECA), It is encouraged that the Principal Applicant(PA) & Spouse evaluate their educational credentials.
Note 2. You must evaluate all your academic credentials but if you're struggling to get all of them send to the evaluating body, go ahead and evaluate your highest level of education.
Note 3. Do your transcript runs with your Nigerian institutions yourself pls.
Note 4. ECA reports take minimum of 6-8weeks to be delivered to you and could also take several months if you are not proactive.
Steps 1-3 are the directional compass to start your journey. Without these steps you can't start the process.
Step 4. Gather all your docs like IELTS test report, ECA, Job related doc, Proof of funds, Birth Cert etc.
Step 5. Be ready to go into the express entry pool via MYCIC. Here we have 3 subclasses 1. Direct route based on high CRS Points(You can stay anywhere in Canada) Or 2. Nomination by Province(PNP) Or 3. Job offer for 1 above Conditions - Age is on your side (18-35), Master's degree, At least 3-6years work experience, Single/Married & above all very outstanding IELTS Score (L8, W7, R7 & S7). With these conditions you can get into the pool with above 400 CRS Points.
For 2 above PNP is when a province nominates you and this could be achieved regardless of your age. When you are nominated, you will have 600 points and this will be linked to your existing CRS points. With this you will have CRS point of over 800 out of 1,200. You must visit the province websites all the time to know when their nomination is available.
For 3 above Go online and start applying for jobs in Canada. If you have a job offer (LMIA authorized) you will be credited with 20 points or 50 points as well.
Step 6. If you are selected in the pool, expect Invitation to Apply(ITA) from IRCC. You must either accept or decline the ITA within 60 days.
Step 7. If you accept the ITA, go for upfront Medicals at any of the designated medical centers in Nigeria and be ready to upload all your supporting documents online via MYCIC.
Step 8. Expect your Confirmation of Permanent Residence(COPR) within 1-6 months if all background, security & criminality checks are satisfactory okay to IRCC.
Step 9. Land in Canada to become Permanent Resident(PR) Note: No 2 applications are the same. Mr. A might be very fast and Mr. B could take several months so just ensure you are simple and straight forward in your packaging.
Good luck!