For most people, leaving Nigeria for Canada is a dream, but they do not envisage that the process of getting this dream actualized may not be a walk in the park. However, as rigorous as the process might be, the dream is still achievable if you follow the right process. This process may involve consulting with a regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant to determine whether you meet the basic requirements to make your first move from Nigeria to Canada and to begin setting up your preliminary immigration profile. So before migrating from Nigeria to Canada, they must have a successful visa application. The process of visa application is what this article hopes to unravel.
But first, it is important to know the different types of visas available to any person looking to move to Canada from Nigeria.
Types of Canada Visa from Nigeria
These are the different types of visas for people looking to migrate to Canada from Nigeria:
- Visitor visa: A visitor visa is also known as a temporary resident visa. This type of visa can either be multiple-entry 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. While a single-entry visa allows you to visit Canada once and is valid for up to six 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.
- Student visa: A student visa is a legal immigration document issued to students by another country that allows them to study for a period of time. Students commonly use student visas at colleges, universities, and specialty institutions. Prospective students are generally required to apply for and obtain a student visa before they start school in the host country.
- Work visa: This is a visa for citizens of a foreign country who wish to work in another country. If the employment is for a fixed period, the applicant can apply for a work visa or permit.
Applying for a Canada Visa from Nigeria
There are two (2) major ways to apply for a Canada visa. It is either to apply in person through a visa application centre or to apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online application system. Whichever method you choose to use, you will need to follow these steps:
- Download the Document Checklist and Family Information forms.
- Fill out the application forms and gather all your supporting documents.
- Complete a consent form.
- Pay the visa fees.
- Submit your application to your local visa application centre. Be sure to carry along all the documents stated in the document checklist and an accepted form of payment (precisely, cash payment is recommended).
- Pay the service charge and obtain a receipt with a unique tracking number. You can use this number to track the progress of your application online.
Note: 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.
Visa Fees from Nigeria to Canada
Generally, there are two (2) types of visa fees: an application fee and a biometric fee. The visa fees for a visitor visa may vary depending on if you pay online or in person at a visa application centre. Payment should be made in Naira and are subject to change whenever the embassy deems fit.
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Estimated fees when paying online and applying in person:
- Processing fee – about ₦28,000 (about $68 US Dollars)
- Biometrics (per person)- about ₦24,000 (about $58 US Dollars)
Estimated fees when applying through a visa application centre:
- Processing fee- about ₦28,000 (about $68 US Dollars)
- Biometrics (per person) – about ₦24, 000 (about $58 US Dollars)
- Service Charge- about ₦17,000 (about $41 US Dollars)
Visa requirements to obtain a Canada visa from Nigeria:
- Completed visitor visa and family information forms.
- Your original and copy of your Nigerian passport. The passport will need to be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your date of return and have at least two (2) blank pages.
- Two colour photographs that meet the visa photo requirements.
- Proof of application processing fee and, if applicable, biometric fee.
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the trip (i.e., three (3) months’ bank statements, payslips, proof of investments, etc.).
- Suppose you are not paying for the trip. In that case, 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).
- Proof of ties to Nigeria (i.e., employment letter, proof of business or assets, etc.).
- Copy of provisional flight booking and travel itinerary (i.e., accommodation reservations).
- You may need to provide a medical history or proof of good health.
- Previous passport showing travel history.
- Additional documents to support your application (i.e., marriage certificates, invitation letters, etc.).
- A self-addressed return courier envelope.
- 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.
- 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 for a Canada visa in Nigeria:
There are two (2) options when applying for a Canada visa in Nigeria. You can either apply 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. You can apply in person at the Canadian Embassy in Nigeria, the Canadian Visa Application Centre in Abuja, or the Canadian Visa Application Centre in Lagos. If you want 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 the IRCC website.
Additional information
Once your passport and visa (if applicable) are ready for collection, you can collect them from the Visa Application Centre or have them 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:
- The application checklist was provided to you by the Visa Application Centre when you submitted your application.
- Your original identity card or other official proof of identification.
- A copy of your photographic ID.
Conclusion
There is a ‘HOW’ to carry out anything you aim to do, and the dream of leaving Nigeria for Canada also has its ‘HOW.’ So, following the process outlined in this article, applying for a Canada visa from Nigeria will be a walk in the park.
