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Despite US Travel Restrictions, Nigerians Still Have Study, Work and Immigration Options in Canada
Recent travel and visa restrictions introduced by the United States have created uncertainty for Nigerian nationals, but Canada continues to offer stable and accessible pathways for Nigerians seeking to study, work, or immigrate permanently.
Starting January 1, 2026, the United States will suspend the issuance of immigrant visas to Nigerian citizens, along with several non-immigrant visa categories. These include B-1/B-2 visitor and business visas, as well as F, M, and J visas used by students and exchange visitors. Other non-immigrant visas will remain available but with reduced validity periods and additional limitations.
Canada, however, follows a markedly different immigration philosophy. Rather than applying country-based restrictions or quotas, the Canadian system evaluates each applicant individually, focusing on qualifications, admissibility, and long-term potential. As a result, Nigerians continue to be assessed as prospective students, skilled workers, permanent residents, and future citizens.
Why Nigerians Continue to Succeed in Canada’s Immigration System
Canada’s economic and temporary resident immigration programs are designed to reward skills and credentials that many Nigerian applicants already possess. Strong English-language proficiency plays a major role across Canada’s work permit and permanent residence systems and is closely linked to positive labour market outcomes.
In addition, many Nigerian applicants hold recognized academic degrees and professional qualifications. When supported by proper documentation such as Education Credential Assessments (ECAs) these credentials significantly strengthen an application. Many Nigerians also meet financial eligibility requirements, including proof of funds, which is essential for study permits and some skilled worker programs.
While entry requirements can be demanding, studying or working in Canada allows foreign nationals to gain Canadian education and work experience both of which are highly valued in permanent residence selection systems. Even without special exemptions or facilitations, Nigerians applying through regular and lawful immigration pathways continue to achieve successful outcomes.
Nigeria’s Strong Track Record in Canadian Immigration
Nigeria already has a well-established history of success within Canada’s immigration framework. Under Express Entry Canada’s main federal economic immigration system Nigerian candidates consistently rank among the top countries of citizenship receiving invitations to apply.
In 2023, Nigeria ranked second overall, with more than 7,200 invitations issued. In 2024, Nigerian candidates ranked third, receiving nearly 6,700 invitations. Nigeria was also the fifth-largest source country for new permanent residents across all economic immigration programs in 2024, contributing over 15,000 new permanent residents.
In the education sector, Nigerians were the third-largest group of new international students admitted to Canada last year, with more than 26,000 study permits approved.
Studying in Canada as a Nigerian Student
For Nigerians interested in education, the standard study permit route remains the primary option. Applicants typically require a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution, along with a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter confirming allocation within a province’s study permit capacity. Some graduate-level programs are exempt from this requirement.
International students in Canada are generally permitted to work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, provided they meet permit conditions. On-campus work is allowed without hourly limits.
After completing their studies, many graduates apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which can be valid for up to three years. PGWPs allow graduates to gain Canadian work experience, an important advantage for those seeking permanent residence. Eligibility depends on factors such as program completion, full-time study status, and application timelines.
Working in Canada Through Temporary Pathways
Nigerians may also enter Canada directly as temporary foreign workers. Many of these pathways involve employer-specific work permits supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). In some cases, LMIA-exempt options may be available, depending on occupation and circumstances.
Canada also offers open work permits to certain groups, including eligible family members of workers or students and individuals in specific post-graduation or humanitarian categories. Open work permits allow holders to work for most employers across Canada without job-specific restrictions.
Permanent Immigration Options for Nigerians
For skilled Nigerian professionals, Express Entry remains Canada’s most prominent permanent immigration pathway. It manages applications under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Applicants are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System, which awards points for age, education, language proficiency, and work experience in Canada and abroad. Candidates with higher scores are invited during regular Express Entry draws.
Canada has also expanded category-based Express Entry draws, targeting candidates with specific skills, occupations, or language abilities. These draws often have lower score thresholds and provide additional opportunities for qualified Nigerians.
Beyond federal programs, provincial immigration pathways such as the Provincial Nominee Program continue to play a key role. Provinces have increased their nomination allocations for 2026, allowing them to select more candidates aligned with local labour market needs. Applicants with prior study or work experience in a province often have an advantage.
Canada also operates several pilot programs aimed at regional development, including the Rural Community Immigration Program, the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, and Ontario’s Regional Economic Development through Immigration pilot.
Outlook for Nigerians Considering Canada
Despite tightening policies elsewhere, Canada continues to present a stable and merit-based immigration environment for Nigerians. With strong performance across study, work, and permanent residence streams, Nigerian applicants remain well-positioned to build long-term futures in Canada through established legal pathways.