In a move that signals shifting priorities in its immigration system, Canada has announced increases in fees for permanent residence and citizenship applications, changes that could reshape the financial realities for prospective migrants.

A Dream Repriced

For many Nigerians, relocating to Canada is not just a decision, it is a carefully calculated journey involving years of planning, savings, and sacrifice.

But as of 2026, that journey comes with a higher price tag. The Canadian government confirmed that new fee adjustments will take effect between March and April 2026, affecting applicants across multiple immigration categories, including permanent residency and citizenship.

While the policy applies globally, its ripple effects are particularly significant in Nigeria, where Canada remains one of the most sought-after destinations for migration.

What the Numbers Reveal

Even before the increase, the cost of migrating to Canada was already substantial.

A single applicant, for instance, typically pays around CAD $1,525 for permanent residence processing, excluding additional expenses such as biometrics, medical tests, and language assessments.

Citizenship applications also carry notable costs, with adult applicants paying approximately CAD $649.75.

When combined with other requirements, proof of funds, travel costs, and settlement expenses, the total cost of relocation from Nigeria can range between ₦6 million and ₦25 million, depending on the pathway.

The fee increase, therefore, does not exist in isolation, it compounds an already expensive process.

Who It Affects, and Who it Doesn’t

There is, however, a narrow window of relief.

Applicants who submitted their applications before the new fees take effect will not be impacted by the increase, preserving the costs they originally paid. But for new applicants, the message is clear: timing matters more than ever.

Nigeria’s Migration Reality

The development comes at a time when migration, popularly referred to as “japa”, continues to shape conversations among Nigerian youth and professionals.

Canada, in particular, has remained a top destination due to its structured immigration pathways, economic opportunities, and openness to skilled workers.

With plans to admit hundreds of thousands of new immigrants annually, Canada still needs foreign talent.

However, the rising costs may act as a filter, potentially limiting access for lower-income applicants while favouring those with stronger financial capacity.

Beyond Fees: A Strategic Shift

The increase in fees also reflects a broader recalibration of Canada’s immigration system.

By adjusting costs, the government may be seeking to:

• Manage application volumes
• Improve processing efficiency
• Increase revenue to support immigration infrastructure

For applicants, however, the interpretation is more personal, it raises the bar for entry.

For many Nigerians, the journey to Canada has always required resilience. From writing IELTS exams to gathering proof of funds, the process is as demanding as it is aspirational.

Now, with higher fees, that journey demands even greater financial readiness. Yet, despite the rising costs, the appeal of Canada remains strong.

Because beyond the numbers lies a deeper pursuit, of stability, opportunity, and a better future.

As Canada recalibrates its immigration system, Nigerian applicants must now navigate a more expensive pathway to relocation.

The rules have not changed, but the cost of the dream has. And in a world where migration is increasingly competitive, preparation, timing, and financial strategy will determine who crosses the threshold, and who waits.

Recall, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), last Monday released the results of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UMTE), raising concerns about mass failure as more than 1.5 million out of 1.9 million candidates whose results were released scored below 200.

The UTME is graded over 400, with each candidate assessed in four subjects scored over 100 marks each.

A breakdown of the results released by JAMB on Monday showed that 983,187 candidates (50.29%) scored between 160 and 199, while 488,197 candidates (24.97%) scored between 140 and 159.

Additionally, 57,419 candidates (2.94%) scored between 120 and 139.

However, Glo, in a statement in Lagos over the weekend, highlighted the benefits of its Examination Preparatory Service, including innovative solutions designed to help students excel in examination such as JAMB, WAEC, and IELTS, adding that it would help reverse poor performance of students in CBT exams such as the one witnessed in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

“The Glo Examination Preparatory Service provides students with practical tips and strategies to improve their performance in exams. By subscribing to the service, students can access practice materials, educational videos, and targeted exam preparation content. This comprehensive approach enables students to familiarize themselves with exam formats, identify areas of weakness, and develop effective exam-taking strategies”, said Globacom.

Globacom’s Examination Preparatory Service gives practical tips on how to become familiar with the format, structure, and type of questions asked in the exams, and reinforce their understanding of key concepts, address challenges, thereby increasing their success rates when they participate in the exams.

To subscribe to the service which covers up to twenty subjects with links to educational videos, students can dial *20791*6#, on their mobile lines and select their intended exam from the menu.

The content is supplied on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, and users are charged at the applicable price for each successful subscription.

Additionally, customers who opt-in for this service will have access to trivia questions built around the exam syllabus, with top scorers winning fantastic airtime, data, and cash prizes.

The Company explained that this service will help combat poor examination performances among secondary school students and candidates sitting for entrance undergraduate examinations by providing students with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

The hike comes amidst ongoing concerns about the exchange rates of the Nigerian Naira against other foreign currencies.

An update on the Council’s website on Thursday attributed the new rates to what it described as “prevailing market dynamics.”

“The change in fees is due to the evolving market dynamics and increased costs in the delivery of our exams.”

The Council added that the new prices for the IELTS range of tests are effective from March 1.

With the new prices adjustment, applicants willing to write IELTS computer academic and general training modules will now pay N266,000, while those opting for paper academic and general training modules are required to pay N256,500; UK visas and immigration (UKVI) applicants will pay N285,500 and IELTS life skills now costs N249,000.

The Council had only in January effected a 29 per cent increment on the price of writing the test from the initial N107,500 being paid for the test prior to last month.

The January prices had the IELTS on computer academic and general training modules set at N139,000; IELTS on paper academic and general training modules pegged at N134,000; while the UKVI was increased to N149,000, Life skills, N130,000; and one skill retake (O.S.R) at N87,570.

IELTS scores are internationally recognized English language assessments for migrants aspiring to study overseas and skilled workers applying for jobs abroad.

The Nigerian government has been at the centre of criticism over the recent weakening of the Nigeria Naira against other foreign currencies.

This week on #TwitterNG is a recap of the latest in music, movies, sports, and entertainment you might have missed on Twitter.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles knocked out of AFCON

Even in defeat #TwitterNG makes the best of every moment with savage comments and premium bants. Well, it’s no longer news that Nigeria’s Super Eagles crashed out of the ongoing 33rd Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after losing their Round 16 match to Tunisia on Sunday.

Following the loss, Tweeters shared reactions, blaming different parties for the loss. With the #AFCON2021 tournament still on, Tweeters in Nigeria are still active in the conversations.

Spaces in Twitter NG host exciting #AFCON2021 conversations

Despite being out of the ongoing AFCON, Nigerian football lovers on Twitter continue to show interest in the conversations and sports highlights, using hashtags like #AFCON2021 and by listening to Twitter Spaces.

Sports outlets like Soccernet and Goal Africa have hosted Spaces, providing commentary and in-depth analysis on the games, with many fans listening in and staying engaged with up-to-the-minute news on the tournament.

Davido and Wizkid thrill fans with reconciliation.

On #TwitterNG, Nigeria’s biggest music stars Davido and Wizkid seem to have resolved their differences after years of alleged feuding, after the award-winning artists were spotted hugging each other at a nightclub on Saturday.

This is a big one for the entertainment industry as the 30BG and Wizkid FC fan bases have spent years exchanging bants in support of their favorite music star.

The viral video has been a hit on Twitter, with popular internet mimickers, Ikorodu Bois posting a parody video to Twitter reenacting the moment.

Following the release of the video, Instablog9ja reported that Davido’s aide, Israel DMW, was claiming credit for the reconciliation.

Olamide responds to fan with a savage clap back

Renowned rapper Olamide Badoo sparked reactions on Twitter after he insulted a fan who publicly asked him for a car.

The music legend, whose popular aliases olamide and baddo trended following the incident, was criticized by some fans who considered the response as ‘harsh’, while others hailed him as “the king of the streets”.

Nigerians sign petition to stop IELTS

Thousands of Nigerians signed a petition to stop foreign educational institutions from demanding an English proficiency test, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), from Nigerians.

The petition was initiated by a youth-led open-source platform for policy ideas called Policy Shapers. Using the hashtag #ReformIELTSPolicy, well-meaning Nigerians have added their voice to the campaign.  A TwitterSpaces hosted by Akwari Charles also gave Tweeters the opportunity to have an insightful conversation on the issue.

@Twitter remains your official source for what’s happening!