Nigerian immigration to Canada has grown in popularity in recent years. Indeed, Nigeria is a major source country for Canada’s immigrant population; over 17,000 Nigerians are expected to immigrate to Canada in 2024
The appeal of Canada as a place of change is well known to Nigerians seeking a better future.
It’s no surprise that more Nigerians are selecting Canada as their new home, with a growing economy, stable governance, world-class healthcare, and a famous education system.
In this article, we look at the factors driving this movement, as well as commercial opportunities and five of the most common ways to immigrate from Nigeria to Canada.
Providing insight into the thriving Nigerian community in the Great White North.
Nigeria’s Path to Canada
The prospect of a better life draws Nigerians to Canada. Canada has become a magnet for Nigerian experts in industries such as oil and gas, information and communication technology (ICT), health, and different engineering professions.
With a 70,000-strong Nigerian diaspora, the country continues to draw competent workers from the economic class.
As Canada’s immigration levels rise, the Nigerian community’s presence is expected to grow even more.
A Rising Nigerian Influence
Nigeria makes significant economic contributions to Canada. Nigerian firms have benefited industries such as oil and gas, marine management, automotive, technology, and healthcare.
With the potential for new cooperation, Canada gladly embraces the skills and experience given by Nigerian professionals in the oil and gas sector.
Furthermore, Nigeria’s global leadership in marine management fits with Canada’s dominance in maritime trade, providing additional growth and opportunity.
Thriving Trade Relations
Nigeria and Canada have substantial trade ties, with Nigeria being Canada’s second-largest bilateral merchandise trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Imports from Nigeria will reach CAD$2.1 billion in 2021, underscoring the importance of mineral fuels, oils, and cocoa in this thriving connection.
Both countries are eagerly awaiting the adoption of a Foreign Investment Protection Agreement, which will strengthen their economic connections even more.
Why Relocating to Canada from Nigeria?
There are numerous reasons why Nigerians wish to relocate to Canada. Here are a few of the reasons why Canada could be a terrific destination to live:
The fact that Canada is a developed country with a strong economy is one reason. This could create opportunities for unemployed Nigerians.
Furthermore, Canada has a high standard of living, which may appeal to those who are accustomed to living in Nigeria.
Another reason Nigerians should relocate to Canada is that it is a safe country with low crime rates.
This is especially enticing to parents who wish to establish a safe atmosphere for their children.
Canada is home to some of the world’s greatest universities. If you want to receive a good education, Canada is an excellent choice.
Finally, Canada is a multicultural country. This ensures that Nigerian immigrants will not feel alienated or out of place in their new surroundings.
5 Most Popular Ways TO Move From Nigeria to Canada
1. Express Entry
Express Entry is the quickest and most popular way for newcomers wishing to start a new life in Canada.
Express Entry organizes and processes applications for those seeking to immigrate to Canada and obtain permanent residence in Canada.
Candidates with university or college degrees, skilled work experience, and moderate English and French skills are desired. As a result, Nigerian professionals fare highly in the Express Entry pool.
Candidates who meet the eligibility standards for the following programs may also apply for the Express Entry program:
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Every province and territory in Canada has its immigration strategy, known as a provincial nominee program (PNP).
Because each province has a different population and economy, each province’s immigration plans are unique and designed to meet its economic and demographic demands.
PNPs are a popular option since they can provide the quickest road to permanent residency in Canada.
You will gain 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points if you are nominated through a PNP that is linked with Express Entry.
This means that you will very certainly receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw.
3. Family Sponsorship
Reuniting families is a primary objective of Canadian immigration. Canada has several immigration options that allow Canadians to sponsor family members to come to Canada.
To sponsor a family member as a permanent resident under the family class, the sponsor must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident over the age of 18.
- They must dwell in Canada if they are permanent residents.
- Even if they live outside the nation, Canadian citizens can sponsor a family member. However, when the sponsored family member becomes a permanent resident of Canada, he or she must reside in Canada.
- Have enough money to assist the sponsored person for the duration of the sponsorship.
Furthermore, the sponsor must meet extra standards such as not receiving social assistance (save for disability), paying financial responsibilities on time, including support for sponsored family members, having a clean criminal background, and so on.
4. Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program
If you are an entrepreneur with a unique business idea, you may be able to immigrate to Canada via the start-up visa program.
Canada is looking for extraordinary entrepreneurs who want to create businesses that will stimulate the Canadian economy while simultaneously creating job opportunities.
Qualified candidates can enter Canada on a work permit and will be given Canadian permanent residence once their firm is formed.
5. Other federal economic programs and Student Visa
You may be qualified to apply for permanent residency through another federal economic program if you have a job offer in a high-demand field or a rural or Atlantic region of Canada.
The Canadian government offers several financial pilot initiatives to solve labor or demographic gaps in specific regions or industries around the country.
As of 2019, around 12,000 Nigerians were pursuing tertiary education in Canada, making Nigeria the ninth largest source country of international students in Canada. Studying in Canada is a legal way to move from a student visa to permanent residency.
When you complete your studies in Canada, you will be able to receive a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which permits you to work in Canada for up to three years.
Having Canadian studies and work experience is extremely useful when applying for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Programs.
Your CRS score will take into account your Canadian degree and professional experience and award you more points.
Supportive Resources for Nigerian Immigrants
Nigerian immigrants are warmly welcomed in Canada, which provides several resources to help them adjust:
- Nigerian Canadian Association: This non-profit organization provides comprehensive help to Nigerian Canadians and other immigrants, including housing, education, health, social services, cultural services, economic assistance, and more.
- Igbo Union of Canada: This group, which promotes indigenous culture, serves as a haven for Igbo-speaking populations in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
- Nigeria High Commission: This institution, located in Ottawa, provides consular and visa services to Nigerian nationals and visitors.
- Nigerian Canadian Business Network: This networking club supports personal and professional development by serving as the voice of the Nigerian business community in Canada.
- Foreign Path: Emmanuel Ilondior’s fascinating film recounts his journey as an international student in Canada, providing vital insights into life abroad for aspiring foreign students.
What is the process for immigrating to Canada from Nigeria?
Although the process of immigrating to Canada from Nigeria is complicated, breaking it down into smaller steps makes it easier to understand and finish.
The majority of Nigerians who move to Canada do so through Canadian immigration programs for skilled foreign workers.
In general, the following steps are involved in this process:
- Determine which Canadian immigration program you are eligible for.
- Pass an exam to assess your English or French language abilities.
- If you’re applying for the FSWP, you should get an Education Credential Assessment.
- Gather the documentation required to demonstrate your eligibility.
- Submit an Express Entry profile to the Canadian immigration agency.
- Apply for jobs in Canada (essential for residing in Canada/gaining immigration points).
- Receive an invitationInviapplyn to Apply for Canadian Permanent Residency.
- Each family member in the visa application has a medical examination.
- Pay the application expenses for Canadian Permanent Residency.
- Within 6 months, you will receive a decision on Express Entry to Canada.
Important Things To Know Before Moving to Canada
The cost of living fluctuates, as it does in Nigeria, depending on where you choose to live. Living in major cities such as Toronto and Vancouver can be expensive, so consider this when deciding where to relocate.
You must also pay for utilities such as air conditioning, a home phone, internet, and other items that you may not be used to paying for, and they are costly. Prepare yourself.
After you arrive in Canada, you will be able to utilize your Nigerian license for a maximum of 90 days.
Following that, you must pass a series of tests to become a licensed Canadian driver.
Even in the dead of winter, life goes on in Canada. Make sure you investigate where you want to stay, depending on the temperature in the summer and winter.
The north is the coldest, whereas the west is warmer than the east. You should also think about what kind of clothes, house, and car you want.
The price shown on the item is not the amount you pay. Taxes are levied on products. Don’t be surprised if you choose an item and have to pay a little more.
Tipping for services is ingrained in our culture. Prepare to tip people who provide you with services.
It may be difficult to find work in Canada. Prepare to do some non-career tasks while you look for a job that is a good fit for you. Don’t wait for a blue-collar job to start working. Bills will strangle you.
Don’t jeopardize your credit score. Because Canada is a credit-based economy, it’s easy to live beyond your means, and not being able to pay what you owe is bad for your financial reputation.
FAQ
How much does it cost to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria?
The cost of immigrating to Canada from Nigeria is generally about $2,300 for a single applicant, or about $4,500 for a couple.
This amount will also vary depending on which program you are applying to.
Keep in mind that this total does not include the settlement funds that most candidates must show to be eligible for Canadian immigration; this amount will vary by family size, starting at around $13,000 for a single applicant.
Do I need the IELTS to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria?
If you want to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria, you will almost certainly need to take one of Canada’s official language exams.
Almost all Canadian immigration processes require candidates to submit proof of French or English language proficiency from a recognized agency.
You can demonstrate your English language competence by taking the IELTS or CELPIP test. CELPIP and IELTS both offer testing centers in Nigeria.
There is no recommended test in Canada; you can take whichever one is most convenient for you.
Is the IELTS required to come to Canada from Nigeria?
If you plan to relocate to Canada from Nigeria, you must first pass one of the country’s official language exams, such as IELTS, CELPIP English, TEF, or TCF French.
In addition, almost all Canadian immigration programs require candidates to produce French or English language results from an authorized agency.
There are undoubtedly numerous locations in Nigeria where you can take these tests. In addition, the Canadian government has no preferred test. As a result, you can always choose what works best for you.
What is the Process of Canadian Immigration?
Some of the more than 100 visa and immigration options are based on points, and Canada selects the candidates with the greatest scores for permanent residency. Other options are employer-driven, which means you must be employed before applying for Nigerian immigration to Canada.
Why are Nigerians thriving in Canada?
Several factors could be at play here. Some of these characteristics include a great interest in school, proficiency in English, and an industrious attitude.
You can also find out if you are eligible to immigrate to Canada and which programs you are eligible for.
Conclusion
The appeal of the Great White North remains alluring as the Nigerian community in Canada continues to prosper and contribute to the country’s growth.
The promise of economic prosperity, political stability, and a diverse cultural tapestry has converted Canada into a place of unlimited chances, where the Nigerian dream may blossom.
For those contemplating the voyage, Canada welcomes them with wide arms, ready to accept and inspire those seeking a better life.
