The number of Nigerians permanently residing in Canada has reached a record high.
Recent data by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada showed that in April 2024, 1,905 Nigerians were issued Permanent Residency, the highest since March 2023. The number of new Nigerian permanent residents in Canada from 5,445 in 2015 to 17,460 in 2023.
The first four months of 2024 have seen 6,600 arrive Canada as new permanent residents, exceeding the numbers for 2015, 2016 and 2017.
The figures from January to April show that Nigerians are the fourth-largest international population with PRs in Canada in 2024 after India, Philippines, and China, who accommodate more than five times Nigerians’ population.
The figures are increasing despite the Canadian government increasing the fees for all permanent residence applications by 10 per cent in April, 2024.
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.
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.
