Nigeria: Canadian immigration information
Country code: NG · Recent PR admissions to Canada: ~26,100 (2023: 14,100 / 2024: 12,000)
Permanent residence admissions from Nigeria
| Year | PR admissions from Nigeria |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 14,100 |
| 2024 | 12,000 |
Source: IRCC permanent residence admissions data — open.canada.ca. Numbers are directional and rounded.
Programs IRCC offers to applicants from Nigeria
- Express Entry — FSW
- SINP, MPNP, AAIP
- Study Permit pathway (regular stream, since SDS Nigeria closed Nov 2024)
NOC occupations IRCC commonly admits from Nigeria
Nigeria-specific factors IRCC considers
- Police certificate from Nigeria Police Force (NPF) HQ Alagbon, Lagos — known to be slow (4-12 weeks). CRC alternative via INTERPOL.
- WAEC/NECO results are sent directly to ECA bodies.
- Study permit refusal rates from Nigeria are among the highest globally — strong SOP, proof of funds, and ties to home are essential.
- Naira instability — proof of funds typically held in USD domiciliary accounts.
- Dual citizenship is permitted by Nigeria.
Police certificate
Issued by Nigeria Police Force HQ (Alagbon, Lagos). Allow 4-12 weeks. INTERPOL CRC is an alternative for some applications.
ECA / credential evaluation
WES is the standard. WAEC/NECO results must be sent directly. Allow 8-16 weeks given Nigerian-university transcript delays.
Visa Application Centres (VAC)
- Lagos
- Abuja
Canadian embassy / high commission
High Commission of Canada, 13 Bobo Street, Maitama, Abuja. Deputy in Lagos.
Common information requests from Nigeria
- study permit refusal rate Nigeria
- Canada visa processing time Lagos
- GIC for Canada from Nigeria
- Canada PR from Nigeria for nurses
- japa to Canada
Nigeria → Canada immigration pathways
Express Entry
Federal economic immigration to Canada via FSW, CEC or FST under Express Entry.
Study Permit
Apply for a Canadian study permit to attend a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Work Permit
Canadian work permit options — LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt under the International Mobility Program.
Spousal Sponsorship
Sponsor your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner for permanent residence.
Visitor Visa (TRV)
Apply for a Temporary Resident Visa to visit Canada for tourism, family, or business.
Police Certificate
Country-specific guidance for obtaining a police certificate accepted by IRCC.
Other country guides