Many Nigerians dream of moving to Canada for better opportunities, education, or family reunification. While relocating to Canada is one step, becoming a Canadian citizen is a bigger milestone that offers full rights and benefits — from voting in elections to holding a Canadian passport.

If you’re a Nigerian national planning to apply for Canadian citizenship, you’ll need to understand the eligibility requirements, the process, timelines, and documents involved.

This guide breaks it all down so you know exactly what to expect.

Understanding Canadian Citizenship for Nigerians

Canadian citizenship means you are officially recognized as a citizen of Canada, with full rights and responsibilities under Canadian law. For Nigerians, citizenship is often the final step after obtaining permanent residency (PR).

Citizenship offers benefits like:

• The right to vote and run for public office.
• A Canadian passport (one of the most powerful in the world).
• No need to renew PR status every 5 years.
• Access to certain government jobs and benefits.

General Path to Canadian Citizenship for Nigerians

Before applying for citizenship, most Nigerians first go through:

1. Immigration to Canada via a program such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), study route, or family sponsorship.
2. Becoming a Permanent Resident — you must have PR status before applying for citizenship.
3. Meeting the citizenship requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Citizenship Requirements for Nigerians in Canada (2025)

To qualify for Canadian citizenship as a Nigerian citizen, you must meet all of the following:

1. Permanent Resident Status

You must be a permanent resident (PR) of Canada.

• Your PR status must not be under review for fraud or immigration violations.
• You must not be under a removal order (deportation).

2. Physical Presence in Canada

You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the 5 years before your application.

• Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident (student, visitor, or worker) before becoming PR may count for half days, up to a maximum of 1 year.

3. Filing Taxes

You must have filed your income taxes for at least 3 years within the 5-year period before your application, if required under Canadian tax law.

4. Language Proficiency

If you are between 18 and 54 years old, you must prove your ability to communicate in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 or higher.

• Proof can be an approved language test result, a Canadian education certificate, or proof of studying in English/French.

5. Knowledge of Canada

If you are between 18 and 54 years old, you must pass the Canadian citizenship test, which covers:

• Rights and responsibilities of citizens.
• Canada’s history, geography, government, and laws.
• Symbols of Canada.

The test has 20 multiple-choice questions, and you need at least 15 correct answers to pass.

ALSO READ: How to Get a Tourist Visa to the UK from Nigeria

6. Prohibitions

You may not qualify if, in the past few years, you:

• Have been convicted of certain crimes.
• Are in prison, on parole, or probation.
• Have been ordered to leave Canada.

How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship as a Nigerian

Step 1 – Gather Your Documents

• PR card (or other proof of PR status).
• Nigerian passport(s) showing travel history.
• Language proof (if applicable).
• Tax documents.
• Identification (driver’s license, provincial ID).

Step 2 – Complete the Application Form

Download the latest Canadian citizenship application package from the IRCC website. Fill it carefully and truthfully.

Step 3 – Pay the Application Fee

As of 2025:

• Adult (18 and above): CAD $630 (processing fee + right of citizenship fee).
• Minor (under 18): CAD $100.

Fees are paid online via the IRCC payment portal.

Step 4 – Submit Your Application

Mail your completed application to the address specified by IRCC for Nigerian citizens living in Canada.

Step 5 – Attend the Citizenship Test and Interview

If required, you will receive a test date. The interview may follow immediately after your test.

Step 6 – Take the Oath of Citizenship

If approved, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony where you take the oath and officially become a Canadian citizen.

Dual Citizenship: Can Nigerians Keep Their Citizenship?

Yes. Nigeria allows dual citizenship for citizens by birth. This means if you were born Nigerian, you can hold both Nigerian and Canadian passports. However, if you became a Nigerian citizen by naturalization, you may have to renounce your Nigerian citizenship to get another one.

Canada also allows dual citizenship, so you won’t have to give up your Nigerian citizenship if you meet Nigeria’s rules.

Processing Time for Canadian Citizenship

As of 2025, processing takes about 10–12 months from the time your application is received — but it can be faster or slower depending on the complexity of your case.

Final Tips for Nigerians Applying for Canadian Citizenship

• Keep all travel and residency records organized.
• File taxes on time each year.
• Improve your English or French if you’re unsure about the test.
• Be honest — misrepresentation can lead to denial and even PR revocation.
• Apply early once you meet the 1,095-day requirement.

FAQs on Nigerian Citizenship Requirements in Canada

1. Can I apply for Canadian citizenship directly from Nigeria?

No. You must first become a permanent resident and live in Canada before applying for citizenship.

2. Can I hold both Nigerian and Canadian passports?

Yes, if you are a Nigerian citizen by birth.

3. How long do I have to live in Canada before becoming a citizen?

At least 3 years (1,095 days) in the past 5 years before applying.

4. Is there an age limit for Canadian citizenship?

No, but language and knowledge test requirements apply for applicants aged 18–54.

5. How much is the Canadian citizenship fee for Nigerians?

CAD $630 for adults and CAD $100 for minors as of 2025.