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How To Apply For Canada Visa From Nigeria
If you are planning, a visit, trip, relocation, or vacation from Nigeria to Canada, Here is a step-by-step process that can guide you when applying for a Canada Visa from Nigeria.
If you are planning, a visit, trip, relocation, or vacation from Nigeria to Canada, Here is a step-by-step process that can guide you when applying for a Canada Visa from Nigeria.
Types of Canada Visa
Firstly is it important to note that they are various kinds of Canadian visas, your motive of going to the country determines the kind of visa you get to apply for.
These Visas can be broadly categorized into two sections which are Temporary and Permanent Canadian Visas. The temporary visas allow the applicants to stay in Canada for a specific period of time which is determined by the Canadian Consulate or the Border Services Officers (BSO) while the Permanent visa allows the holder to permanently settle in the country. These are otherwise known as immigrant visas.
Types of Temporary Canada Visa
It is important for you to know that the temporary visa can be a single entry or multiple entry visas, The single entry visa allows the applicants to only enter Canada once, stay for 6 months and then return to their home country. While the multiple entry visa allows the person to enter Canada multiple times until their visa expires and stay temporarily.
- Canada Tourist Visa
- Canada Super Visa
- Diplomatic and Official Visa
- Courtesy Visa
- Canada Business Visa
- Visa to Give Birth in Canada
- Intending Organ Donors Visa
- Canada Facilitation Visa
- Student Visa
- Canada Temporary Work Visa
- Temporary Residence Permit
- Working Holiday Visa
Types of Permanent Canada Visas
- Immigrant Investor Program
- Startup Visa Program
- Self-employed Persons Visa
- Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
- Family-Sponsorship Program
- Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP)
Requirements for Canada Visa
- Completed Visitor Visa (IMM 5257) and Family Information (IMM 5645) forms.
- 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.
- Two colored 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 months’ bank statements, payslips, proof of investments, etc.).
- 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).
- Proof of ties to Nigeria (i.e. employment letter, proof of businesses 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 passports 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) traveling alone will need a letter of authorization signed by both parents or legal guardians. For minors traveling with one parent, a letter of authorization from the non-accompanying parent or legal guardian is required.
- If you are visiting family or traveling 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.
How to Apply for a Canada Visa
There are two options when applying for a Canada visitor visa, You can apply online or through a VFS Global Visa Application Centre.
Online applications can be done through the IRCC website. while the physical application can be done at the Canadian Visa Application Centre in Abuja and Lagos
Whether you are applying online through the IRCC online application system or in-person through a visa application center, you will need to follow these steps:
- Download the Document Checklist, Visitor Visa (IMM 5257), and Family Information (IMM 5645) forms.
- Fill out the application forms and gather all your supporting documents (as listed below).
- 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.
- Pay the visa fees.
- Submit your application to your local visa application center. Be sure to bring along all the documents stated in the document checklist and an accepted form of payment (cash is recommended).
- 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.
How much does the Canada Visa Cost
When applying for a Canada Visa there are two types of fees: an application processing fee and a biometric fee, They are to be paid in Naira and are subject to change whenever the embassy deems it fit.
- Processing fee – ₦28,000
- Biometrics (per person) – ₦24,000
However, there is a Service charge of about ₦17,000 extra for those applying through the VFS Global Visa Application Centre.