Nigerians are increasingly making Canada their new home, with the country recording its highest number of Nigerian permanent residents (PRs) in over a year.
According to recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, as of April 2024, there are 1,905 Nigerian permanent residents in Canada, the highest since March 2023.
The number of Nigerians migrating to Canada has been steadily climbing in recent years, rising from 5,445 new PRs in 2015 to 17,460 in 2023. In the first four months of 2024 alone, 6,600 Nigerians have already become permanent residents, surpassing the total annual admissions in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and slightly exceeding 2020’s figures, which were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
From January to April 2024, Nigerians were the fourth-largest group of new PRs in Canada, following India, the Philippines, and China, whose populations are more than five times larger than Nigeria’s.
Since March 2023, Canada has seen a steady increase in Nigerian PR admissions, averaging 1,392 per month. This trend has been particularly strong since December 2023, suggesting that 2024 could see even higher numbers than 2023.
On April 30, 2024, the Canadian government raised the fees for all permanent residence applications by 10 percent. Despite the high costs, exacerbated by a declining naira, determined Nigerians continue to spend significant amounts to qualify for permanent residency in Canada.
A PR status grants individuals who are not Canadian citizens the right to live and work in the country without time limits. It serves as an immigration visa and qualifies the holder for most social and healthcare benefits that Canadian citizens are entitled to, including protection under Canadian law.
The influx from Nigeria into Canada’s resident populations is largely attributed to its talent-focused policies, which have made it an attractive destination for skilled professionals seeking better opportunities and students.
Canada’s ageing population and low birth rate have created gaps in its labour force, forcing the country to intensify efforts to attract young and diverse immigrants by offering attractive travel policies.
In Nigeria, where many of its 115 million working population earn below $20 a month in an inflated economy, a major draw for Nigerians is the opportunity for higher wages.
A permanent residency in Canada qualifies caretakers for up $1,042 per month plus a $41.74 add-on on suites which can go up to $3,548.63 per month for a building and a $61 add-on.
And with the labour shortages in skilled trades and healthcare, salaries become competitive for qualified professionals.
Canada’s immigration framework prioritises professionals and highly skilled individuals, making it easier for them to obtain work permits and permanent residency, including post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) after completing studies in Canada and the Express Entry system that uses a skill-based point system to grant permanent residency.
This approach contrasts sharply with other countries, particularly the UK, where restrictive immigration policies pose significant challenges for Nigerians and other international talent.
With its Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot programs expired, Canada launched newer, fast-tracked care pilot programs from overseas- with Nigeria as part of its target population, granting professional care workers permanent residency status upon arrival.
Immigration data since 2023 provide indications of a continuous rise in permanent relocation to Canada from developing economies. The country has already exceeded its goal of attracting 500,000 immigrants by 2025, but has kept the gates open.
