Canada Approves 3,463 Nigerian Asylum Claims in 2025, Over 21,000 Cases Still Pending

Story: Written by springnewsng April 23,2026
Canada granted asylum to 3,463 Nigerians in 2025, while more than 21,000 applications remained unresolved by the end of the year, according to new data from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).
The figures show that Nigerian nationals submitted 6,765 asylum claims between January and December 2025. Of these, 3,463 were approved, 1,377 rejected, 46 abandoned, and 153 withdrawn or classified under other outcomes—bringing total concluded cases to 5,039.
This translates to an approval rate of about 68 percent, marking a notable increase compared to previous years. Nigeria also ranked among the top countries of origin for asylum seekers in Canada, alongside India, Haiti, Iran, and Mexico.
Under international standards set by the United Nations Refugee Convention, applicants must prove a credible fear of persecution or serious harm based on factors such as religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group.
The IRB explained that claims can be filed at entry points or from within Canada and are assessed based on evidence and Canadian immigration laws. Successful applicants may receive protected status and apply for permanent residency, while unsuccessful ones risk deportation.
In total, Canada handled over 107,000 asylum claims across all nationalities in 2025, with more than 50,000 cases concluded. Authorities say rising global conflicts and instability continue to drive migration, although early 2026 data shows a decline in new applications.
Provinces such as Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia remain the main destinations for asylum seekers in the country.