For many Nigerians, moving to the UK, US or Canada has become one of the biggest life goals of the last decade.
Every year, thousands of people leave Nigeria in search of better career opportunities, higher education, improved healthcare, safer environments, and a higher quality of life.
Funny thing is, social media often makes the journey look simple. They’ll make you see pictures of beautiful apartments in London, snowy streets in Toronto, and exciting city life in New York. You’ll also see the post graduation photos of different people, their new jobs, permanent residency approvals, as well as family reunions.
What you hardly see, however, are the struggles that happen behind the scenes. I’m talking about the following:
· The loneliness.
· The culture shock.
· The financial pressure.
· The endless paperwork.
· The jobs that don’t match people’s qualifications.
· The emotional burden of starting life all over again.
If you’re considering moving to the UK, US or Canada, this guide will tell you some of the things many migrants wish they had known before they packed their bags.
More importantly, you’ll find useful official links, settlement resources, immigration information, and practical advice that can help make your journey smoother.
Why So Many Nigerians Are Moving Abroad
There are several reasons why Nigerians continue to relocate to countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. Some people move for education. Others move for work opportunities. Many are also seeking better healthcare, security, infrastructure, and long-term stability for their families.
According to immigration and international education statistics, Nigerians are among the largest groups of international students and skilled migrants in many Western countries.
These helpful resources will give you more information on moving from Nigeria to the USA:
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
It is important to know that even though the opportunities are real, there are also realities that many people do not discuss openly.
Nobody Warns You About How Expensive the First Few Months Can Be
One of the biggest surprises for many Nigerians abroad is how quickly money disappears during the first few months.
Before you even settle down, you may have to pay for:
· Rent deposits
· Utility bills
· Transportation
· Winter clothing
· Food
· Immigration fees
· Health insurance (depending on your destination)
· Furniture and household items
Many new arrivals assume that once they arrive, finding work will immediately solve their financial challenges. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. A Nigerian who moved to Canada in 2023 shared this on a newcomer forum:
‘I came with what I thought was enough money. Within three months, most of it was gone because housing costs were much higher than I expected.’
Helpful resources:
Numbeo Cost of Living Calculator
Your Degree May Not Immediately Open Doors
This is one of the hardest truths many migrants discover. A degree from Nigeria is valuable, but some professions require additional certification before you can work in your field.
This is particularly common in:
· Medicine
· Nursing
· Pharmacy
· Law
· Engineering
· Teaching
Many professionals spend months or even years obtaining licenses, writing exams, and meeting local requirements.
Helpful links:
World Education Services (WES) Credential Evaluation
UK ENIC Qualifications Recognition
The Weather Can Affect Your Mental Health
Most Nigerians underestimate the impact of long winters, especially in parts of Canada and northern regions of the United States, where winter can last for several months and even temperatures may fall far below freezing.
Sunlight Becomes Limited.
Many newcomers report feelings of isolation and low energy during their first winter abroad. People who grew up in tropical climates often need time to adjust.
One Nigerian student in Winnipeg described her first winter as:
‘The cold wasn’t just physical. The darkness affected my mood in ways I wasn’t expecting.’ Before relocating, remember to learn about the climate of your destination.
Helpful resources:
Environment Canada Weather Information
Making Friends Is Harder Than You Think
Back home, friendships often develop naturally. Neighbours know one another. Family members visit frequently and social events happen regularly. Abroad, however, life can feel very different, as people are often busy with work, school, and family commitments. You may actually spend weeks without having meaningful conversations outside work or class. This is why so many migrants have described loneliness as one of the most difficult parts of relocation.
Helpful communities:
Joining cultural groups, churches, professional associations, and volunteer organisations can make a huge difference.
Homesickness Can Hit When You Least Expect It
Most people expect to miss family.
What they however don’t expect is missing the little things like:
· The food.
· The language.
· The sounds.
· The humour.
· The celebrations.
· The convenience of calling a relative for help.
Many migrants say homesickness often appears months after arrival rather than immediately. Please understand that this emotional adjustment is completely normal.
Credit Scores Matter More Than Most Nigerians Realise
In Nigeria, people often focus on cash transactions. In countries like Canada, the UK, and the US, your credit history can affect:
· Renting an apartment
· Buying a car
· Getting a mortgage
· Obtaining credit cards
· Accessing certain financial products
Many newcomers arrive with no credit history at all. This is not okay, because building good credit early is extremely important.
Helpful resources:
Equifax Canada Credit Education
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (US)
Immigration Rules Change More Often Than People Think
A visa route available today may change next year, just as requirements frequently change too. Application fees increase.
Eligibility rules even get updated.
This is why relying solely on social media advice can be risky. Always verify information, using official government websites.
These helpful official links can guide you properly:
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
The “Dream Life” Takes Time
One of the biggest misconceptions about migration is that success happens immediately. It actually doesn’t favor most people, it doesn’t. Many successful migrants spent years doing the following:
· Studying
· Working multiple jobs
· Upgrading qualifications
· Saving money
· Building networks
· Learning new systems
What social media does is that it often shows the destination, but not the journey. A Nigerian engineer in the UK once explained: ‘People see where I am now, but they didn’t see the years I spent working nights while studying for professional exams.’
Understanding Healthcare Is Important
Healthcare systems abroad operate differently from Nigeria.
In the UK, healthcare is largely provided through the National Health Service (NHS). In Canada, healthcare varies by province.
In the United States, health insurance is often critical because medical expenses can be extremely expensive without coverage.
In order to gain more insight on these facts, check out the links below:
HealthCare.gov (United States)
Employment Searches Can Take Longer Than Expected
Many people arrive expecting employment within weeks.
Some find jobs quickly.
Others spend several months applying and interviewing.
Networking is often just as important as qualifications.
Check out the following links to find jobs quicker in your new country:
Important Documents You Should Prepare Before Moving
Many relocation problems can be avoided by preparing documents early.
Consider gathering:
· International Passport
· Birth Certificate
· Academic Certificates
· University Transcripts
· Professional Licenses
· Employment Reference Letters
· Police Clearance Certificates
· Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
· Vaccination Records
· Financial Documents
· Updated CV or Resume
Remember to store both the physical and digital copies.
Practical Tips From Nigerians Who Have Successfully Relocated
People who have made the move often give similar advice:
· Save More Than You Think You’ll Need
· Unexpected expenses happen.
· A financial cushion provides peace of mind.
· Research Your Destination Thoroughly
· Don’t rely solely on TikTok, YouTube, or Facebook groups.
· Use official government sources.
