In a surprising twist to Canada’s immigration trends, Ghana has outpaced Nigeria in per capita migration rates, even as Nigeria posts record-breaking numbers of study permits. This revelation, based on recent immigration data, highlights the evolving dynamics of migration from Africa to Canada and underscores the growing appeal of Canadian education and residency pathways.
While Nigeria recorded an extraordinary 113.2% year-on-year increase in study permits, rising from 21,555 in 2022 to 45,965 in 2023, Ghana’s numbers—though smaller in absolute terms—paint a different picture when adjusted for population size. With a population of approximately 33 million, Ghana issued 9,235 study permits in 2023, translating to 28 permits per 100,000 people. In comparison, Nigeria, with a population of about 223 million, issued 20.6 permits per 100,000 people.
This stark contrast is even more striking given Nigeria’s status as Africa’s largest economy and its substantially larger pool of young, education-hungry individuals. While Nigeria’s absolute numbers dominate, Ghana’s higher per capita rate reveals a more pronounced shift in the country’s engagement with Canada as a destination for education and migration.
When comparing Nigeria’s immigration numbers with other top contributors to Canada’s study permits, a surprising pattern emerges. Nigeria’s per capita migration rate is unusually high, particularly when considered alongside countries with far larger populations and more advanced economies:
These comparisons underscore Nigeria’s growing role in global migration patterns while highlighting Ghana’s ability to outperform in relative terms.
Ghana’s lead in per capita migration is driven by unique socio-economic and cultural factors. The country’s strong tradition of outward migration, coupled with robust family networks in the diaspora, has made Canada an attractive destination. Additionally, gaps in Ghana’s domestic higher education system have spurred many middle-class families to seek international qualifications for their children.
Canada’s affordability, work-study options, and clear residency pathways further cement its appeal as a top choice for Ghanaians, who often see it as a more accessible alternative to traditional destinations like the United States or the United Kingdom.
While Ghana excels in per capita terms, Nigeria’s sheer numbers remain impressive. The 45,965 study permits issued in 2023 reflect a growing exodus of young Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.
Key drivers of this trend include:
Recent changes to Canadian immigration policies are creating waves, particularly among African nationals and international students aspiring to study and settle in Canada. The adjustments, introduced between late 2024 and early 2025, aim to address resource strain and population pressures but come with significant consequences for African migrants and students.
In October 2024, Immigration Minister Marc Miller unveiled the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, introducing new caps on temporary and permanent resident admissions. Unlike previous policies that encouraged higher immigration numbers, the new plan focuses on sustainable population growth and managing the rising strain on housing, healthcare, and other social services. While specific quotas for each category remain undisclosed, the policy marks a shift from the liberal immigration regime of the past decade. African applicants, particularly those in the family reunification or economic migration streams, could face stiffer competition and delays in processing times.
Additionally, Canada has ended the practice of ‘flagpoling’, where temporary residents exit and re-enter Canada at the border to expedite work permit renewals or other immigration services. This procedural change, aimed at streamlining border operations, will likely slow down the transition processes for many African migrants, especially those seeking quicker work permit renewals or study-to-work transitions.
Canada’s reputation as a top destination for international education has taken a hit with new measures aimed at controlling student inflows. International student admissions are now capped, particularly in popular urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver. The move is intended to address housing shortages and ensure a more equitable distribution of students across Canada’s provinces. For African students, who often prefer metropolitan areas due to established communities and job opportunities, this cap may limit their choice of institutions and programs.
Changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program add another layer of complexity. The duration of PGWPs is now more closely tied to the length of study programs, with shorter courses offering limited or no work permit eligibility. This is likely to affect African students disproportionately, as many choose shorter diploma or certificate programs due to financial constraints. This change reduces their ability to gain Canadian work experience, a critical factor for transitioning to permanent residency through programs like Express Entry or the Canadian Experience Class.
For African applicants, these changes mean more competition for fewer opportunities. The tightened immigration targets could increase processing times, while restrictions on student admissions and work permits make it harder to settle in Canada after completing studies. Many African students and migrants rely on pathways like the PGWP and Express Entry to build lives in Canada, and the new rules may force them to explore alternative destinations or longer routes to residency.
Canada’s approach appears to balance domestic priorities, such as addressing housing crises and labour shortages, with maintaining its global reputation as an immigrant-friendly nation. However, the policy shifts underscore the need for prospective migrants to carefully plan their applications, explore regional opportunities beyond major cities, and invest in longer, higher-credential study programs to maximize their chances of success.
For African students and migrants, adapting to these changes will be essential to navigating the evolving Canadian immigration landscape. As Canada adjusts its policies, the goal for many remains the same: building a future in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
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