Why Nigerians are Relocating to Canada Over Other Countries in Europe

The Nigerian dream, unlike the American dream or several other dreams, is to make enough money to take your family away from Nigeria for what might be considered a better life, with access to better healthcare, education, and opportunities for yourself and your family. 

For many Nigerians, when asked where they would like to move to, Canada often comes up as an option. Some have reasons that might be considered tangible, and for others, it is simply because they want to, for reasons best known to them. 

While both destinations offer rich cultures, strong economies, and countless opportunities, Canada stands out in key areas that matter most: immigration, jobs, language, security, and quality of life.

If you’ve been torn between making the move to Canada or Europe, this article offers insights into why Canada might just be the better long-term choice, especially for Nigerian immigrants looking to grow careers, support their families back home, and live with peace of mind.

1. Canada has a more transparent and more accessible immigration path

Although the immigration process for Canada may be long and in some cases tedious, Canada still has a national, well-defined system that works, unlike many European countries, where immigration systems can feel unpredictable or vary from one country to another. 

Canada has these options for people looking to move there;

• Express Entry for skilled workers
  
  
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
• Post-Graduate Work Permits and family sponsorship options
  
  
• A clear path from permanent residency to citizenship in 3–5 years

Obtaining permanent residency in parts of Europe can take significantly longer and often comes with language, job, or integration barriers. And people usually consider Canada as a long-term settlement, knowing they won’t have to jump through too many hoops. 

2. More jobs and more opportunities

“Canada's unemployment rate hit 7% in May 2025, the highest unemployment rate since 2016” 

Although the Canadian job market is currently experiencing its fair share of volatility, Canada remains a top destination for skilled immigrants seeking employment opportunities. 

The minimum wage in Canada varies by province or territory. As of June 1, 2025, British Columbia offers the highest minimum wage at $17.85 per hour, while the federal minimum wage (which applies to federally regulated industries) sits just below at $17.75 per hour. Rates vary across the country, with some, such as Alberta, still as low as $15.00 per hour.

From electricians to healthcare workers and those in childcare, numerous employment options are still available in Canada. The Canadian job market offers more upward mobility.

Additionally, 

• Wages in Canada tend to be higher than the EU average.
  
  
• There’s a centralised job portal and government support for immigrant job seekers.
  
  
• Canadian employers are more open to international qualifications compared to some EU countries, which require local licenses or certifications. (Source)

Canada’s job market offers more upward mobility.‍

3. Financial stability

Both the Euro and the Canadian dollar (CAD) are stable. However, Canada offers better remittance value and higher disposable income after taxes.

• For Nigerians and Ghanaians sending money back home, the CAD often goes further due to stronger FX rates and low-cost transfer platforms like Pesa.
  
  
• The cost of living in cities like Ottawa, Calgary, and Winnipeg is often lower than in major European cities, such as Amsterdam, Paris, or Dublin.
  
  
• With transparent taxes and fewer hidden fees, your money works harder in Canada.
  

4. Very family-oriented

For Nigerians looking to raise families, Canada offers one of the most supportive systems in the world, both in policy and in everyday life. Canada offers immigrant children the ability to adjust to a multicultural country. More still, all Canadian citizens and permanent residents enjoy the same benefits under the strong legislation outlined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

These benefits are:

• Free public healthcare
  
  
• High-quality public education, including free schooling up to high school
  
  
• Child benefits and parental leave policies
  
  
• Low crime rates, strong social services, and clean environments
  

5. No language barriers in most provinces

Although Canada is a multicultural country, English is the main working language in most of the country. Moving to Europe (Germany, France, or Italy) often means learning a new language to access healthcare, jobs, or public services.

However, in Canada

• French is spoken in Québec, but it is optional for many federal programs.
  
  
• Immigrants can access free government-sponsored language programs to improve fluency.
  

6. A unified national system

In Europe, laws, healthcare, and job requirements differ from country to country. A move from France to Belgium or from Spain to Germany can feel like starting over, while Canada, on the other hand, operates with:

• A national healthcare system (provincial access, but federally supported)
  
  
• A federal immigration system
  
  
• National education and job frameworks

 7. Diversity

Canada is a place that can be considered the poster child of diversity — it’s a country built on immigration. From city infrastructure to school systems and social policy, everything is designed to support a multicultural population.

• You’ll find Nigerian communities and support groups in Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Ottawa.
  
  
• Halal groceries, African markets, local churches, and cultural events are easily accessible.
  
  
• Employers, landlords, and banks are used to working with immigrants.

Send money from Canada to Nigeria with Pesa

You might have left Nigeria to make a home for yourself in Canada, but your connections to Nigeria still run deep. Pesa helps you support your loved ones in Nigeria without the stress.

• Zero-fee transfers
  
  
• Competitive FX rates
  
  
• Instant or next-day delivery
  
  
• Easy mobile app access

Like most countries in the world, Canada isn’t perfect. Still, if you're looking for a place to start over, build a career, and support your family from a distance, it offers a unique combination of opportunity, inclusion, and long-term growth.

Europe may have history, but Canada has momentum, and that’s what matters when building a future.

Move to Canada with Pesa!

Download the Pesa app on iOS or Android.

Create your free account and send money from Nigeria to Canada quickly, safely, and at no cost.