More than 42,000 Canadians are of Nigerian descent and they call Canada home.

Canada's fourth-largest source country for immigrants in Nigeria. In 2021, over 15,000 Nigerians were granted permanent residence in Canada.

Canada is a popular choice for Nigerians due to the many economic opportunities it offers professionals in Nigeria, including the oil and gas sector and the informational and communications technology sector. It is therefore not surprising that the majority of Nigerians who come to Canada are skilled workers in the economic class.

Because of their English proficiency, education, and work experience, Nigerians are often well-qualified for Canadian immigration programs. The Federal Skilled Worker Program (Federal Skilled Worker Program) and the Provincial Nominee Program are two popular options for Nigerians wishing to immigrate to Canada.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

If you are an international Nigerian immigrant, the Federal Skilled Worker Program may be an option. FSWP permits candidates without work experience or a job offer to apply for permanent residence.

Candidates must have the ability to use their language skills, foreign work experience, and education to establish themselves in Canada. The following requirements are required for candidates:

• One year of continuous, full-time work experience or equivalent in the last 10 years in a skilled occupation classified under the National Occupational Classification skill levels 0, A, and B.
• Validated language ability equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark 7 in English and French across all abilities (reading and writing, listening and speaking);
• Canadian education credentials (certificates, diplomas, or degrees) or foreign credentials.
• Score at least 67 points for each of the six IRCC immigration selection factors.
• Show that you have the money to support your family and allow them to settle in Canada.

FSWP is one of the three programs under express entry. This is Canada's application management system. After you have determined that you are eligible for the FSWP, your Express Entry Profile can be uploaded onto Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada's website.

The Comprehensive Rating System (CRS score) will be awarded to the candidates based on their education, work experience, and language proficiency. Every two weeks, IRCC issues invitations for candidates to apply for permanent residency.

The goal is to allow 110,000 permanent residents by 2024 through Express Entry. Express Entry is the fastest and most appealing option for candidates from economically disadvantaged classes to receive Canadian permanent residency.

Provincial Nominee Program

Another great option for Nigerian immigrants is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). PNP is administered by the majority of Canadian provinces and territories. This allows each province or territory to create its immigration routes based on its economic and demographic needs. The PNP allows provinces and territories to nominate skilled workers for immigration to their jurisdictions.

Nigerian immigrants may be eligible to apply directly to Canada through a PNP if they meet the eligibility requirements. They could also be eligible to enter the Express Entry pool and may be invited by a provincial to apply for a nomination from the federal pool. They will be eligible to apply for permanent residence in the upcoming Express Entry draw if they are nominated via Express Entry.