Maple News reports that Canada continues to be a top destination for Nigerians seeking to immigrate for better career opportunities, education, and quality of life. The number of Nigerians moving to Canada has risen significantly in recent years. In 2019 alone, approximately 12,595 Nigerians became Canadian permanent residents, while close to 11,985 others arrived to pursue their studies. This marks a dramatic increase compared to the 4,090 immigrants in 2015, demonstrating a growing trend that shows no signs of slowing down.
According to Statistics Canada, around 42,430 Nigerians were living in Canada as of the 2016 census. The upward immigration trend is fueled in part by Canada’s welcoming immigration policies and the wide range of pathways available for skilled workers, students, and professionals from Nigeria.
One of the most effective and popular routes for Nigerian nationals is through Canada’s Express Entry system. This is a highly competitive immigration system that ranks candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Canada invites the top-ranking Express Entry candidates to apply for permanent residence through bi-weekly selection draws. Notably, a job offer is not a prerequisite for entry into the pool or for receiving an invitation to apply. In fact, Nigerians comprised the second-largest group of successful Express Entry applicants in 2019, trailing only behind Indian nationals.
Express Entry is the umbrella application system for three key federal immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Each program caters to different professional backgrounds and experience levels, offering multiple routes to permanent residency.
Despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government has continued to hold frequent Express Entry draws. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has even adjusted timelines to give applicants more flexibility in submitting required documents.
Canada remains committed to its immigration targets and sees newcomers as a critical part of its economic recovery and long-term growth. With over 100 economic-class immigration streams, Nigerian applicants have ample opportunities to find a program that aligns with their qualifications and aspirations.
As demand continues to increase, Maple News encourages prospective Nigerian immigrants to explore their options early and prepare strong applications to take full advantage of Canada’s inclusive immigration framework.