Moving from Nigeria to Canada — Your Finance Guide (2026)
20,000+ per year. Here is what every newcomer from Nigeria needs to know about banking, credit, taxes, and money in Canada.
Top things Nigeria newcomers wonder about
- →How to open a bank account before SIN
- →Building credit from zero — fastest path
- →How to send money home to Nigeria
- →Healthcare during the OHIP wait period
Does your Nigeria credit score transfer to Canada?
Nigerian credit scores from First Credit Bureau, CRC Credit Bureau, or XDS do not transfer to Canada. You start fresh. However, many Nigerian newcomers find KOHO or Capital One Secured Mastercard easy to obtain without Canadian history, and they can build a 650+ score within 12 months.
Learn more: Complete Canadian Credit Guide for Newcomers →
Banking in Canada for newcomers from Nigeria
No major Nigerian banks have Canadian branches. You'll need to open an account upon arrival or shortly before. Scotiabank's StartRight and TD's new-to-Canada program are popular choices.
Once in Canada, use a Big Six newcomer banking program for your main chequing account:
- • Scotiabank StartRight — can apply from outside Canada before you land
- • BMO NewStart — strong newcomer onboarding in most cities
- • TD New to Canada — dedicated newcomer advisors
- • CIBC Smart Start — up to $400 bonus for newcomers with direct deposit
Sending money from Canada to Nigeria
Wise and Remitly offer Canada–Nigeria routes. Cash pickup via MoneyGram and Western Union is available in Nigeria. Compare rates carefully — Nigeria corridors can have higher fees and more volatile exchange rates.
Nigeria community in Canada
Toronto (Scarborough, North Etobicoke) and Ottawa have significant Nigerian communities. Nigeria's large English-speaking population means integration is faster from a language standpoint than many other newcomer groups.
Most cities offer IRCC-funded settlement services in multiple languages. Search for English (plus Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa)-speaking settlement agencies in your city at IRCC's settlement service finder.
Tax treaty: Nigeria and Canada
Canada and Nigeria do not have a comprehensive tax treaty. Report worldwide income carefully. Nigerian income earned before arriving in Canada is generally not taxable in Canada if you became a resident during the year.
All Canadian residents must file an annual tax return with CRA by April 30. Even if you arrived mid-year, filing your first return may make you eligible for the GST/HST Credit and Canada Child Benefit. Read our complete tax guide for newcomers →
Where Nigeria newcomers settle in Canada
Most newcomers from Nigeria initially settle in Toronto and Ontario. Established communities mean more English (plus Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa)-speaking services, familiar foods, cultural organizations, and job networks.
See city-specific guides: Newcomer city guides →
Your first 90 days financial checklist
- 1Get your SIN at Service Canada (free, same day)
- 2Open a newcomer chequing account at a Big Six bank
- 3Get a KOHO credit builder card to start your Canadian credit file
- 4Register for provincial health coverage
- 5Set up CRA My Account online
- 6Apply for GST/HST Credit (CRA form RC151 if no T4 yet)
- 7Open a TFSA at Wealthsimple — start saving, even $25/month
- 8File your first tax return by April 30