Nigerians are known for their energetic and ambitious nature. When you choose to settle somewhere, you want it to be promising.
And where else could be better than Canada? However, their requirements for visiting Canada depend on the type of visa which is determined by your purposes of visit.
This article is here to give you, as a Nigerian, important details on visa types, costs, and requirements for migrating to Canada. Ready? Let’s begin.
Purposes of Visiting Canada and types of visas required
There are majorly 3 categories why an individual should migrate to Canada and Nigerians usually top the figures. These routes are:
- Visiting Canada for Tourism: Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
- Visiting for Academic Reasons: Student Visa
- Visiting Canada for Work: Work Visa
Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) can be multiple or single entry. A multiple-entry visa allows stays of up to six months at a time and can be valid for up to ten years.
A single-entry visa permits one visit and is valid for up to six months from your arrival date. For single-entry visas, your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your return date to Nigeria.
How to Apply for a Canada
To apply for a Canada visa online, follow these steps:
- Download the required forms: Get the Document Checklist, Visitor Visa (IMM 5257), and Family Information (IMM 5645) forms.
- Fill out the application forms and gather all supporting documents as listed below.
- If needed, complete the VFS consent form. This is necessary when using a third-party provider like VFS Global.
- Pay the visa fees.
- Submit your application to your local visa application center. Bring all required documents and payment (cash is recommended).
- Pay the service charge and get a receipt with a unique tracking number for online progress tracking.
If you can’t provide all documents, complete a waiver form and attach it to your application to avoid being denied your Canada visa.
Estimated Canada Visa Fees
The visa fees for a Visitor Visa can change based on whether you pay online or in person at a visa application center.
You pay in Naira, and the fees may change when the embassy decides. Generally, there are two types of fees: an application processing fee and a biometric fee.
Estimated fees when paying online or 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 the VFS Global 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)
Requirements before Visiting Canada
To visit Canada, certain requirements are a must.
The requirements may differ from person to person based on official or personal conditions.
However, here are the general requirements you need:
- Completed Visitor Visa (IMM 5257) and Family Information (IMM 5645) forms.
- Your original copy of your Nigerian passport, valid for at least six months beyond your return date, with two blank pages.
- Two color photographs meeting visa photo requirements.
- Proof of application processing fee and, if needed, biometric fee.
- Proof of enough funds for the trip (e.g. three months’ bank statements, payslips, proof of investments).
- If someone else is funding your trip, a sponsorship letter with additional documents (e.g. copy of their passport, bank statement).
- Proof of ties to Nigeria (e.g. employment letter, proof of businesses/assets).
- Copy of provisional flight booking and travel itinerary (e.g. accommodation reservations).
- Possibly, medical history or proof of good health.
- Previous passports showing travel history.
- Additional supporting documents (e.g. marriage certificates, invitation letters).
- A self-addressed return courier envelope.
- For minors (under 18): authorization letter signed by both parents/legal guardians or from the non-accompanying parent/legal guardian if traveling with one parent.
- If visiting family or for business, an invitation letter detailing the visit’s nature, stay length, host person/business details, etc.
- Paper photographs aren’t needed if biometrics are required.
Check the detailed document list for the Canadian Visitor Visa. Requirements may differ for applications through VFS Global.
Where to Apply for a Canadian Visa in Nigeria
You have two options to apply for a Canada visitor visa: online or through a VFS Global Visa Application Centre.
It’s better to use the visa application center if you can, as the process may take some time.
Canadian Embassy in Nigeria
Address:
4 Anifowoshe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
- Telephone: (234) 1 271 5650
- Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:30 AM – 4 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM – 1 PM
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: 8 AM – 3 PM
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: 8 AM – 3 PM.
Conclusion
Visa processing times can vary, taking up to 30 days depending on the type of application, the number of applications, and if the application is complete.
Passports and visas can be collected from the visa application center or delivered via courier service.
