Canada is known as one of the most welcoming and diverse countries in the world, with a robust economy, quality education system, and a high standard of living. Many Nigerians aspire to live, work or study in Canada, and obtaining a visa to Canada is the first step towards realizing that dream.
In this article, we will discuss the various visa types available for Nigerians, the application process, and tips for increasing your chances of success.
Types of Canadian Visas Available to Nigerians
There are several types of Canadian visas available to Nigerians depending on the purpose of their visit. The most common types are:
Visit Visa: This type of visa is for Nigerians who want to visit Canada for tourism, visiting friends or family, or attending business meetings. The visit visa is valid for up to six (6) months and can be extended in Canada if necessary.
A visitor visa (temporary resident visa) may be multiple or single entry. A multiple-entry visa will allow you to stay in Canada for six months at a time and can be valid for up to ten years.
A single-entry visa allows you to visit Canada once and is valid for up to six (6) months from your date of arrival. For single entry visas, your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your date of return to Nigeria.
Study Visa: This type of visa is for Nigerians who want to study in Canada. To obtain a study visa, you must first receive an acceptance letter from a Canadian educational institution.
Work Visa: This type of visa is for Nigerians who want to work in Canada. To obtain a work visa, you must first receive a job offer from a Canadian employer.
Provincial Nominee Program: This is a program for individuals who want to immigrate to a specific province in Canada. Each province has its own selection criteria and application process. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is the other major option for Nigerian immigration candidates.
Canada is a federal country with ten (10) provinces and three territories, the majority of which administer the PNP. The program allows each province and territory, with its own population and economy, to design immigration pathways based on its economic and demographic needs.
Through the PNP, provinces and territories can nominate skilled worker candidates for immigration to their respective jurisdictions.
Application Process
The application process for a Canadian visa can be done online or through a paper application.
Here are the steps to follow:
Determine your eligibility: Before you apply, you must determine which type of visa is suitable for your purpose of travel. You can check the Canadian government’s website to see the requirements and eligibility criteria for each type of visa.
Gather your documents: You will need to gather several documents, including your passport, photographs, proof of funds, and any other supporting documents required for your specific visa type. The specific documents required will depend on the type of visa you are applying for. However, in general, you will need the following documents:
Passport: You will need a valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Canada.
Photographs: You will need two passport-sized photographs that meet the Canadian visa photo requirements.
Application form: You will need to fill out an application form and provide all required information.
Proof of funds: You will need to provide proof that you have enough funds to cover your expenses while in Canada, including accommodation, food, and transportation.
Purpose of travel: You will need to provide information on the purpose of your visit to Canada, including any planned activities or events.
Supporting documents: Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may also need to provide additional supporting documents. For example, if you are applying for a study permit, you will need to provide a letter of acceptance from a Canadian educational institution.
It is important to ensure that all documents are valid and up-to-date.
Complete the application form: You can fill out the application form online or download and complete a paper application. The application form will ask for personal information, travel plans, and details about your purpose of travel.
Pay the application fee: You will need to pay the application fee, which varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
Submit your application: After completing the application form and paying the fee, you can submit your application online or through a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Wait for processing: The processing time for a Canadian visa can vary depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications. It is important to check the processing times on the Government of Canada's website to ensure that you allow enough time for your application to be processed.
During the processing time, the Canadian government may request additional information or documentation from you. It is important to respond to any requests in a timely manner to avoid delays in processing your application. You can check the status of your application online or by contacting the VAC.
Receive a decision: The final step in obtaining a Canadian visa is to receive a decision. If your application is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction, which you will need to present to a Canadian border services officer when you arrive in Canada.
The officer will verify your identity and determine if you are admissible to Canada. If your application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reason for the denial.
How to Apply for a Canada Visa Online
Whether you are applying online through the IRCC online application system or in person through a visa application centre, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Download the Document Checklist, Visitor Visa (IMM 5257), and Family Information (IMM 5645) forms.
2. Fill out the application forms and gather all your supporting documents (as listed below).
3. If applicable, complete the VFS consent form. When using a third-party provider, such as VFS Global, you will need to submit a consent form along with your application or your application will be returned to you.
4. Pay the visa fees.
5. Submit your application to your local visa application centre. Be sure to bring along all the documents stated in the document checklist and an accepted form of payment (cash is recommended).
6. Pay the service charge and obtain a receipt with a unique tracking number which you can use to track the progress of your application online.
If you are unable to provide all the supporting documents, you will need to complete a waiver form and attach it to your application or you risk being denied your Canada visa.
Canada Visa Fees
There are different visa fees depending on the visa type. The visa fees for a Visitor Visa may vary depending on if you pay online or in person at a visa application centre. They should be paid in Naira and are subject to change whenever the embassy deems it fit.
But generally, there are two types of fees: an application processing fee and a biometric fee.
Estimated fees when paying online and applying in person:
1. Processing fee – about ₦ 28,000 (about 68 US Dollars)
2. Biometrics (per person) – about ₦ 24,000 (about 58 US Dollars)
Estimated fees when applying through the VFS Global Visa Application Centre:
1. Processing fee – about ₦ 28,000 (about 68 US Dollars)
2. Biometrics (per person) – about ₦ 24,000 (about 58 US Dollars)
3. Service charge – about ₦ 17,000 (about 41 US Dollars)
Canada Visa Requirements
1. Completed Visitor Visa (IMM 5257) and Family Information (IMM 5645) forms.
2. Your original and copy of your Nigerian passport. The passport will need to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of return and have at least two blank pages.
3. Two colour photographs that meet the visa photo requirements.
4. Proof of application processing fee and, if applicable, biometric fee.
5. Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the trip (i.e. three months’ bank statements, payslips, proof of investments etc.).
6. If you are not paying for the trip you will need a letter from the person or institution sponsoring your trip and additional documents (i.e. a copy of their passport and a bank statement proving they have sufficient funds).
7. Proof of ties to Nigeria (i.e. employment letter, proof of businesses or assets etc.).
8. Copy of provisional flight booking and travel itinerary (i.e. accommodation reservations).
9. You may need to provide a medical history or proof of good health.
10. Previous passports showing travel history.
11. Additional documents to support your application (i.e. marriage certificates, invitation letters etc.).
12. A self-addressed return courier envelope.
13. Minors (under 18) travelling alone will need a letter of authorisation signed by both parents or legal guardians. For minors travelling with one parent, a letter of authorisation from the non-accompanying parent or legal guardian is required.
14. If you are visiting family or travelling for business you will need an invitation letter detailing the nature of the visit, length of stay, details of the host person or business, etc.
Where to Apply
There are two options when applying for a Canada visitor visa: online or through a VFS Global Visa Application Centre. The visa process can take some time so using a visa application centre is recommended if you have the option.
Canadian Embassy in Nigeria
Address:4 Anifowoshe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Telephone: (234) 1 271 5650
Hours: Monday to Thursday 7:30AM – 4PM
Friday 7:30AM – 1PM
Canadian Visa Application Centre in Abuja
Address: Silverbird Entertainment Centre, Plot 1161, Memorial Drive, Central Business District, Abuja.
Telephone: (234) 815 019 9900
Hours: Monday to Friday 8AM – 3PM
Canadian Visa Application Centre in Lagos
Address: Manor Hall, Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way, Third Roundabout, Lekki Phase I – Lagos
Telephone: (234) 815 019 9900
Hours: Monday to Friday 8AM – 3PM
Online
To apply online you will need to have access to a scanner to create digital copies of your documents and a credit card to pay the processing and biometric fees.
Online applications can be done through this link https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html.
Courier service
Once your passport and visa (if applicable) are ready for collection, you have the option of collecting it from the Visa Application Centre or having it couriered to your chosen address. The courier service will be paid for when you submit your application.
When collecting your passport in person, you will need the following documents:
1. The application checklist provided to you by VFS Global when you submitted your application.
2. Your original identity card or other official proof of identification.
3. A copy of your photographic ID.
Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Success
Here are some tips to increase your chances of success when applying for a Canadian visa:
Apply early: It is recommended that you apply for your visa at least three months before your intended travel date. This allows enough time for processing and any necessary follow-up.
Provide accurate information: It is important to provide accurate and truthful information on your application form. Providing false information or withholding information can result in your application being rejected.
Include all necessary documents: Make sure to include all necessary documents with your application, including supporting documents that demonstrate your ties to Nigeria, such as employment or property ownership.
Demonstrate financial stability: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support your trip to Canada. This includes funds for transportation, accommodation, and other expenses.
