Do you wish to travel to Canada, probably for study or vacation? Whatever the reason is, here’s a detailed step by step guide on how to apply for Canada Visa for immigrants coming from any part of the world.
Let’s talk about the country first off. Canada is known as the second-largest country in the world with a 10million square kilometers, located in the northern part of America, its capital is Ottawa and its three largest metropolitan areas are Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Canada is officially bilingual which means they speak two official languages which are English and French with a lot of diversities.
There are obviously a ton of great opportunities for immigrants with Canada having very much friendly immigration policies that are favorable for foreigners who are willing to work with a personal and highly skilled workforce.
Step by Step Guide for Canada Visa Application
Well, let’s come back to the main reason for this post. Canada Immigration Application.
First off, it is necessary to note that visa applications could be delayed if you missed out on important information that could have the process go smoothly, hence if you have an option to use Visa centers to help you with procuring a Canadian Visa, you might want to consider doing so. Otherwise, let’s move on.
Types of Canadian Visas
There are several types of visas for Canada: Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa), Student Visa, and Work Visa and the first way to getting it right with your application is to understand which you are applying for to help you make the right decision and expedite the process.
A Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): This may be multiple or single entries type. A multiple-entry visa will allow you to stay in Canada for six months at a time and can be valid for up to 10 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. Here are the forms that fall under visitor visa.
- Student visa
- Super visa
- Visitor visa
- Business persons and Business delegations visa
- Diplomatic visa
- Intending organ donors visa
Permanent Residence Visa: This form of Canadian visa is meant for immigrants/foreigners who wish to stay in Canada permanently. And some of the programs that offer such include;
- The Federal Skilled Worker
- Canadian Class Experience
- Provincial nomination program
- The Federal skilled trades
The processing time for visas can take up to 30 days depending on the type of application submitted, the volume of applications received, and whether the application is complete.
Canadian Visa Requirements
Here is the Canadian Visa required Information/Documents for eligibility below:
- Completed Visitor Visa (IMM 5257) and Family Information (IMM 5645) forms.
- Provide a valid International Passport.
- Two recent passport photos of you.
- Be healthy (it may require providing your medical history, also if you have HIV and AIDS).
- You must provide proof that you have a job, family, houses, businesses or assets. If you want to visit Canada for a short period, these assets will serve as proof that you will return to Nigeria.
- You should provide proof that you have enough money to stay in Canada.
- You should provide all the required documents to a Visa Application Center.
- Enclose the application fee. Note that, the money paid can never be refunded even if your application was not granted
Eligibility Requirement for a Student Permit
- Proof of acceptance.
- Means of identification.
- Legal proof of financial support.
- Letter of explanation (stating the reason for your studying in Canada).
- Visa fee to be paid by bank draft.
- Copies of academic mark sheets and certificates
In addition to the information on student permit, their might still be a need to provide other vital information:
If the government that issued your travel documents requires a re-entry permit, you must obtain one before you apply for a Canadian visa.
How To Apply
There are two options when applying for a Canadian visitor visa: online or through a VFS Global Visa Application Centre.
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 the IRCC website.
Canadian Visa Fees
Estimated fees when paying online and applying in person:
- Processing fee – about N28,000 (about $77)
- Biometrics (per person) – about N24,000 (about $66)
- Estimated fees when applying through the VFS Global Visa Application Centre:
- Processing fee – about N28,000 (about $77)
- Biometrics (per person) – about N24,000 (about $66)
- Service charge – about N17,000 (about $47)
The visa fees for a Visitor Visa may vary depending on if you pay online or in-person at a visa application center. 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.
How to Apply for Canadian Visa in Nigeria
There is something you need to be aware of, which is, the procedure for applying for a Canadian Visa in Nigeria can take a long time.
Nigerian passport holders do require a tourist visa to visit Canada and the applications need to be submitted online through the IRCC online application system or through the VFS Global Canadian Visa Application Center in Lagos or Abuja. We recommend checking your eligibility before beginning the application process and submitting your application in advance of flight departure. Please note this process is applicable to Nigerian passport holders.
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
Canadian Citizenship and Immigration
Canada is the only country that can consider your application for the Skilled Worker Immigration Program. It`s possible to apply if you are in Canada as an international student. You can also apply for this program if you have a job offer from Canada. Visit the Human Resources and Skills Development in Canada to verify your job category. Be sure to pass the assessment test online.
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.
This return courier service costs about N9000 (about $23). When collecting your passport in person, you will need the following documents:
- The application checklist provided to you by VFS Global when you submitted your application.
- Your original identity card or other official proof of identification.
- A copy of your photographic ID.
I hope you did find this on applying for a Canadian Visa helpful. Some other posts you might like, include: