NIGERIAN IMMIGRATION TO CANADA IS BOOMING

In 2019, Nigeria became the fourth-leading source country of new immigrants to Canada, behind India, China, and the Philippines.

A total of 12,600 Nigerians gained permanent residence last year. The vast majority of Nigerians came to Canada as economic class immigrants. The main way that Canada manages economic class immigration applications is through Express Entry, and 65 percent of Nigerian immigrants gained Canadian permanent resident status through Express Entry in 2019. Nigeria was actually the third-leading source country of those who received an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence under Express Entry last year.

Why Nigerian Immigration to Canada is booming

Canada is an attractive destination for Nigerians because it offers economic opportunities in sectors that are appealing to Nigerian professionals, such as oil and gas, ICT, health care, and other STEM-related fields. Nigerians who want to immigrate to Canada have over 100 economic-class pathways to choose from.

Now Nigeria is the #2 source country of successful Express Entry candidates

Canada invites interested candidates to apply for permanent residence. The most direct path to get invited to apply for Canadian immigration is to submit a profile to the Express Entry system. The Express Entry system manages applications for three Canadian immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.

Eligible candidates are given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on their age, work experience, education, and official language proficiency. The highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry draws which usually take place every two weeks. Candidates do not need to have a job offer to be selected from an Express Entry draw.

While the U.S. blocks immigration visas, Canada building a strong Nigerian community

U.S. President Donald Trump has expanded a controversial travel ban to include immigration visa restrictions on Nigeria and five other nations. In Canada, however, Nigerians belong to one of the fastest-growing diasporas in the country. Canada does not consider a person’s country of origin when determining which immigration candidates qualify for economic-class immigration programs. Last year Nigerians were the fourth most represented nationality among new permanent residents. About 12,595 permanent residents in 2019 were from Nigeria, which is exponentially more than the 4,090 Nigerians who became permanent residents in 2015.

Post-coronavirus: Canada set to welcome more Nigerian immigrants

Once the coronavirus has been contained and we return to a sense of normalcy, we should continue to expect higher levels of Nigerian immigration to Canada. Canada’s rising immigration levels over the coming years will open up more economic class immigration spots, including through Express Entry.

Hurry Nigerians! Are you the one looking to settle in Canada? If yes, then HelpOverseas Immigration is what you should ideally look up to. Our experts will guide you through every step of the immigration process. We make immigration easy for you. Just know, that when you think immigration, you think HelpOverseas.