More Nigerians are choosing Canada as their new home.
In 2022, over 20,000 Nigerians gained Canadian permanent residence.
If you are from Nigeria and wish to settle in Canada, you can learn about your immigration options on this page.
Why Immigrate from Nigeria to Canada?
Canada is a destination of choice for Nigerians for the economic opportunities it offers in various sectors typically coveted by Nigerian professionals, namely the oil and gas sector, information and communication technology (ICT), health and other science and engineering related fields.
Canada also offers many advantages such as political stability, a thriving economy, a highly developed health care system, and an internationally recognized education system.
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Some 70,000 Canadians of Nigerian descent currently call Canada home, and this number continues to grow every year.
Most Nigerians arrive in Canada as skilled workers under the economic class.
Due to factors such as high English proficiency, education level, and work experience, Nigerians are very well positioned to qualify for Canada's immigration programs.
Easiest Ways to Immigrate to CANADA in 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Key Immigration Programs for Nigerians
If you want to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry or another skilled worker pathway such as the PNP, the first step is to complete a free CanadaVisa assessment form.
If you are eligible for Canadian immigration, a member of the Cohen Immigration Law team will reach out to provide you with as much assistance as possible.
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Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
If you are an overseas Nigerian immigration candidate, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) may be the best option for you.
The FSWP allows candidates with work experience and no connection to Canada or job offer to apply for permanent residence.
The program targets skilled workers who will be able to use their foreign work experience, education, language skills and other human capital factors to become economically established in Canada.
Every two weeks, IRCC sends out invitations to apply for permanent residence to the highest scoring candidates in the pool.
In addition, IRCC sets a 6-month processing service standard under Express Entry.
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The target is for more than 110,000 permanent residents to be admitted through Express Entry per year.
Together, these elements make Express Entry one of the most attractive options and the fastest way for economy class candidates to obtain permanent residence in Canada.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is the other major option for Nigerian immigration candidates.
Canada is a federal country with 10 provinces and three territories, the majority of which administer the PNP.
The program allows each province and territory, with its own population and economy, to design immigration pathways based on its economic and demographic needs.
Through the PNP, provinces and territories can nominate skilled worker candidates for immigration to their respective jurisdictions.
Nigerian candidates may be able to apply to immigrate to Canada directly through a PNP, provided they meet eligibility criteria.
They may also enter the Express Entry pool and be invited to apply for nomination by a province that will select candidates from the federal pool.
If they are nominated through an Express Entry-linked stream, they will receive an additional 600 CRS points.
This means they are virtually guaranteed to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence (ITA) in a subsequent Express Entry draw.
Registering with the Nigeria Embassy in Canada
Registering your trip with the Nigeria embassy is crucial for ensuring your safety and maintaining effective communication during your travels.
By registering, you allow the embassy to provide timely support in emergencies such as natural disasters, political unrest, or medical emergencies.
For instance, if a hurricane disrupts your travel plans, the embassy can facilitate evacuation or provide information on safe zones.
In cases of political unrest, the embassy can keep you informed about safe routes and help you navigate volatile situations.
If you suffer a medical emergency, registered travelers can receive priority assistance in accessing healthcare resources or arranging for medical evacuation.
Nigeria's Diplomatic Presence
Nigeria maintains a significant diplomatic presence in the United States, including its embassy in Washington, D.C., and multiple consulates located in key cities such as New York, Atlanta, and San Francisco.
By engaging in diplomacy, Nigeria addresses matters of cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and cooperation on global issues such as security.
Note: The information about Nigeria's diplomatic presence in the United States is included as general context about Nigeria's diplomatic activities.
About CanadaVisa and Cohen Immigration Law
Cohen Immigration Law is a leading Canadian immigration law firm with over 45 years of experience.
Cohen Immigration Law features over 60 immigration lawyers, paralegals, and professionals who are dedicated to helping you immigrate to Canada.
CanadaVisa.com was founded as the online presence of Cohen Immigration Law.
Since its launch in 1994, CanadaVisa has grown into one of the globe's most trusted resources on Canadian immigration.
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