Canada Approves 3,463 Nigerian Asylum Claims in 2025, Over 21,000 Still Pending
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Canadian immigration authorities approved 3,463 asylum applications from Nigerians in 2025, while tens of thousands of cases remain unresolved, according to newly released data.
The figures, compiled by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, show that a total of 6,765 Nigerians applied for asylum within the year under review. Out of these, 1,377 applications were rejected, while smaller numbers were either withdrawn or abandoned.
In total, 5,039 cases were concluded, leaving a backlog of 21,573 Nigerian asylum claims still awaiting decisions as of December 31, 2025. The acceptance rate stood at approximately 68 per cent, reflecting a notable increase compared to previous years.
Nigeria ranked among the leading countries of origin for asylum seekers in Canada, alongside nations such as India, Haiti, Iran, and Mexico, highlighting ongoing migration pressures linked to insecurity and socio-political challenges.
Under Canadian refugee laws aligned with the 1951 United Nations Convention, individuals may qualify for protection if they demonstrate a credible fear of persecution or risk of serious harm in their home country. Grounds for such claims typically include threats based on religion, ethnicity, political views, or membership in a particular social group.
Asylum requests can be made either at official entry points—such as airports and land borders—or from within Canada. Each application is first screened by officers from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or the Canada Border Services Agency before being forwarded to the refugee board for final determination
Successful applicants are granted protected status, which allows them to apply for permanent residency. Those whose claims are denied may face deportation proceedings.
Across all nationalities, Canada processed 107,802 asylum referrals in 2025, finalising just over 50,000 cases. Officials attribute the rising number of claims to global instability, conflict, and increasing displacement worldwide.
However, early indicators suggest a slowdown in 2026, with significantly fewer asylum applications recorded in the first two months of the year compared to previous periods.
The majority of asylum seekers in Canada are currently concentrated in provinces including Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, where immigration infrastructure and settlement services are more established.
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