If you want to travel to Canada, for say, vacation, tourism, study or work, then this will be the best-detailed guide you have been searching for on applying for a Canadian visa.
This Canada Visa information blog post is meant to help anyone who wants to travel to Canada as an immigrant, so sit back, grab a cup of coffee and read through.
Before I talk about what to expect for the Canadian Visa application, you might want to know a thing or two about your host country (assuming you’ve already gotten the visa, lol). Canada, which is situated in the northern part of the North-American continent is known to be the second largest country in terms of land mass, second to Russia. It has two official languages (a bilingual country), which are English and French, and in recent times, a lot of immigrants have actually visited this country for job opportunities and a better life.
There is a lot diversity for this singular fact that people of all facets of life and ethnicity tend to flock to this country, and this is usually because it’s considerably harder to get into the United States of America, and this is the country closest that gives more opportunities on the continent.
One thing for sure this has proven is that, as long as immigrants are willing to bring on their workforce, there is a place and opportunity for skilful workers.
Detailed Guide for Canada Visa Application
After a little bit of history on the country of Canada, here is the Canada Immigration Application guide you are here for.
Before we begin, it’s important to note that missing important information can cause delays in the visa application process.
To avoid any complications, it might be a good idea to seek help from visa centers when applying for a Canadian visa. Now, let’s proceed.
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 return date. 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
If you’re planning on travelling to Canada and you’re from Nigeria, there’s an important thing you should know. The process of applying for a Canadian visa in Nigeria can take a while, so it’s essential to plan ahead. As a Nigerian passport holder, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa to visit Canada, and you can do this by submitting an online application through the IRCC system or by visiting the VFS Global Canadian Visa Application Center in Lagos or Abuja.
Before starting your application, make sure to check your eligibility and apply well in advance of your planned departure date. Keep in mind that this process only applies to those with Nigerian passports.
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
If you are a skilled worker, this country, Canada is the only country that can consider your application for the Skilled Worker Immigration Program.
Other ways to apply for immigration could include but isn’t limited to the International Student scheme, or even a job offer from a Canadian firm. You can visit Human Resources and Skills Development in Canada to verify your job category. Be sure to pass the assessment test online.
After your passport and visa (if applicable) are processed, you can choose to pick it up from the Visa Application Centre or have it delivered to your preferred address via courier service.
The cost of the courier service will be added when you submit your application and is around N9000 (approximately $23). If you decide to collect your passport in person, make sure to bring 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.
Hope this guide was helpful for your Canada Visa Application journey as an immigrant. Leave your questions in the comments.