Nigerian Permanent Residents in Canada Surge to Highest Numbers Ever Recorded

The number of Nigerians permanently settling in Canada has reached an all-time high, according to the latest figures from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

As of April 2024, there are 1,905 Nigerian permanent residents in Canada, the highest figure since March 2023.

The trend of Nigerians moving to Canada has risen over the past few years. From 5,445 new permanent residents in 2015, the number soared to 17,460 by 2023. 

In just the first four months of 2024, the count of new Nigerian permanent residents climbed to 6,600, surpassing the total numbers of 2015, 2016, and 2017, and slightly more than in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic severely restricted global mobility.

These recent statistics place Nigerians as the fourth-largest group of new permanent residents in Canada this year, following India, the Philippines, and China—countries whose migrant numbers are more than five times that of Nigeria.

Opportunities for Nigerians in Canada

Canada has seen a consistent rise in Nigerian immigrants since March 2023, averaging 1,392 monthly new admissions. 

This steady influx, particularly pronounced since December 2023, hints at the possibility of 2024 surpassing last year’s figures if the trend continues.

Despite an increase in permanent residence application fees by 10% as of April 30, 2024, many Nigerians, undeterred by the higher costs and the depreciating value of the naira, continue to invest heavily in securing their residency status in Canada. 

Permanent residency not only allows them to live and work in Canada indefinitely but also makes them eligible for most social and healthcare benefits available to Canadian citizens, along with legal protections under Canadian law.

Canada’s preference for skilled professionals and its ageing population have created significant labour gaps, prompting the country to attract young, skilled immigrants with favourable immigration policies.

This is particularly appealing to Nigerians, many of whom live in an economy where a vast portion of the workforce earns less than $20 a month.

With sectors like healthcare and skilled trades experiencing labour shortages, Canada offers competitive salaries and benefits to qualified professionals. 

This includes caregivers who can earn up to $3,548.63 per month, significantly higher than what they might earn in Nigeria.

Canada’s immigration strategy, which favours skilled professionals and offers pathways like the Express Entry system and post-graduation work permits, contrasts with the more restrictive policies of countries like the UK.

Additionally, Canada has introduced fast-track pilot programs specifically targeting professional caregivers from countries including Nigeria, offering them immediate permanent residency upon arrival.

The ongoing rise in permanent relocations from Nigeria and other developing countries to Canada underscores a broader trend of migration driven by the search for better economic opportunities and living conditions. 

With Canada exceeding its immigration targets ahead of schedule, the nation continues to welcome a diverse range of immigrants.