Immigration from Nigeria to Canada.
16,360 citizens of Nigeria became permanent residents in 2025, making it the number 5 source country. The highest year since 2015 was 2022 (22,135). From January to July 2026: 11,570.
Data through July 2026Retrieved October 8, 2026Updated monthly, mid-month
Permanent residents per year
Citizens of Nigeria.
| Period | Permanent residents |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 4,095 |
| 2016 | 4,415 |
| 2017 | 5,445 |
| 2018 | 10,915 |
| 2019 | 12,595 |
| 2020 | 6,360 |
| 2021 | 15,590 |
| 2022 | 22,135 |
| 2023 | 17,465 |
| 2024 | 20,395 |
| 2025 | 16,360 |
| 2026 (Jan–Jul) | 11,570 |
Source: IRCC, Permanent Residents – Monthly IRCC Updates (open data). 2026 covers January to July only.
By immigration category
Per year.
| Category | Economic | Family | Refugees and protected persons | Humanitarian and other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 3,130 | 445 | 375 | 45 |
| 2016 | 3,305 | 610 | 380 | 35 |
| 2017 | 4,265 | 575 | 465 | 65 |
| 2018 | 9,190 | 830 | 765 | 90 |
| 2019 | 10,065 | 1,135 | 1,110 | 250 |
| 2020 | 4,465 | 770 | 785 | 280 |
| 2021 | 7,025 | 1,015 | 3,510 | 3,940 |
| 2022 | 16,560 | 1,530 | 2,055 | 1,885 |
| 2023 | 12,195 | 2,570 | 1,685 | 940 |
| 2024 | 15,375 | 2,560 | 1,990 | 380 |
| 2025 | 12,170 | 2,500 | 1,425 | 180 |
Source: IRCC, Permanent Residents – Monthly IRCC Updates (open data).
Top programs, 2023 to 2025 combined
| Program | Value |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program | 19,040 |
| Federal Skilled Worker | 10,160 |
| Protected persons in Canada | 4,995 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 4,595 |
| Spouses and partners | 4,190 |
| Parents and grandparents | 1,620 |
| All Other Immigration | 670 |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | 640 |
Source: IRCC, Permanent Residents – Monthly IRCC Updates (open data).
Study and work permits
New permit holders per year.
| Period | Study permits | IMP work permits | TFWP work permits | Express Entry invitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 6,615 | 1,595 | 40 | 480 |
| 2016 | 6,585 | 2,830 | 35 | 750 |
| 2017 | 6,315 | 2,700 | 10 | 3,735 |
| 2018 | 6,885 | 2,805 | 25 | 4,765 |
| 2019 | 7,845 | 2,995 | 75 | 5,060 |
| 2020 | 6,315 | 2,995 | 45 | 4,930 |
| 2021 | 10,150 | 3,710 | 130 | 3,685 |
| 2022 | 17,025 | 4,660 | 305 | 2,680 |
| 2023 | 39,405 | 13,885 | 540 | 5,820 |
| 2024 | 27,965 | 17,225 | 710 | 6,055 |
| 2025 | 27,635 | 18,250 | 610 | 5,970 |
| 2026 (Jan–Jul) | 12,430 | 18,815 | 275 | 4,340 |
Source: IRCC, Temporary Residents: Study Permit Holders – Monthly IRCC Updates; IRCC, Temporary Residents: TFWP and IMP Work Permit Holders – Monthly IRCC Updates; IRCC, Express Entry – Invited Candidates – Monthly IRCC Updates. 2026 covers January to July only.
Asylum claims
Claims by citizens of Nigeria (only years when Nigeria was in IRCC’s top 25 list for a province).
| Category | Asylum claims |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 755 |
| 2016 | 1,435 |
| 2017 | 5,965 |
| 2018 | 8,830 |
| 2019 | 4,090 |
| 2020 | 635 |
| 2021 | 540 |
| 2022 | 1,755 |
| 2023 | 9,015 |
| 2024 | 13,090 |
| 2025 | 6,330 |
| 2026 (Jan–Jul) | 1,715 |
Source: IRCC, Asylum Claimants – Monthly IRCC Updates. 2026 covers January to July only.
Who stays, who settled.
- Where people of Nigeria origin live in Canada today: Census Atlas community page.
- Moving from Nigeria: our Nigeria to Canada guide.
- Compare Nigeria with another country: compare tool.