This is the most comprehensive advice you’ve been looking for on how to apply for a Canadian visa, whether you want to visit Canada for travel, business, tourism, study or work. This Canada visa information blog post is intended to help anyone planning to immigrate to Canada, so sit back, grab a coffee, and read on.
You may want to learn a bit about your host country before discussing what to anticipate during the Canadian visa application (assuming you already have the visa, hehe). Canada, which is located in the northern region of the North American continent, is considered to have the second largest land area after Russia.
It is a bilingual nation with English and French as its two official languages, and many immigrants have recently traveled there in search of employment and a better life.
READ MORE: How much does the UK visa in Nigeria cost? – Inform yourself before Japa To UK
There is a lot of diversity due to the fact that people from all walks of life and ethnicities tend to immigrate to this nation. This is typical because it is much more difficult to enter the United States of America and because it is the closest nation that offers the most opportunities on the continent.
This has undoubtedly shown that there is a place and an opportunity for skilled employees as long as immigrants are prepared to bring their skills with them.
Detailed Guide to Canada Visa Application
After a brief history of Canada, below is the guide to the Canada immigration application you are looking for.
Before you start, it is crucial to note that omitting crucial details can lead to delays in the visa application procedure.
When applying for a Canadian visa, it may be a good idea to get help from a visa center to avoid any problems. So let’s continue.
Canadian visa types
Understanding the type of visa you are seeking can help you make the best decision and speed up the process. There are different types of visas for Canada: visitor visa (temporary resident visa), student visa, and work visa.
A Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): A visitor visa, often known as a temporary resident visa, can be issued with one or more entries. A single entry visa allows you to visit Canada only once and is valid for up to six months from the date of arrival, while a multiple entry visa allows you to stay in Canada for up to ten years at a time.
For single-entry visas, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your return date. These are the forms that are included in a visitor visa.
- Student visa
- super visa
- Tourist visa
- Visa for business people and business delegations
- diplomatic visa
- Potential Organ Donor Visa
Permanent Residence Visa: This form of Canadian visa is intended for immigrants/foreigners who want to stay in Canada permanently. And some of the programs that offer such include;
- The Federal Skilled Worker
- Canadian class experience
- Provincial Nominees Program
- Federal Skilled Trades
Visa processing time 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 required Canadian visa information/documents for eligibility below:
- Completed visitor visa forms (IMM 5257) and family information (IMM 5645).
- Provide a valid International Passport.
- Two recent passport photos of you.
- Be healthy (may require providing your medical history, also if you have HIV and AIDS).
- You must provide proof that you have a job, family, home, business, or assets. If you wish to visit Canada for a short period, these assets will serve as proof that you will return to Nigeria.
- You must provide proof that you have enough money to stay in Canada.
- You must provide all required documents to a Visa Application Center.
- Attach application fee. Please note that money paid can never be refunded, even if your request was not granted.
Eligibility requirement for a learner permit
- Acceptance test.
- Means of identification.
- Legal proof of financial support.
- Explanation letter (indicating the reason for your studies in Canada).
- Visa fee to be paid by bank draft.
- Copies of academic report cards and certificates
There may still be a requirement to provide additional critical information in addition to the learner permit information, such as:
Before applying for a Canadian visa, you must obtain a re-entry permit if issued by the country that issued your travel documents.
How to apply
Applying for a visitor visa to Canada has two options: online or at a VFS Global Visa Application Center.
Online: You must have access to a scanner to scan your documents digitally, as well as a credit card to pay biometric and processing fees. Through the IRCC website, applications can be submitted online.
Canadian visa fees
Estimated fees when paying online and applying in person:
- Processing fee: around N28,000 (around $77)
- Biometrics (per person): about N24,000 (about $66)
- Estimated fees when applying through the VFS Global Visa Application Center:
- Processing fee: around N28,000 (around $77)
- Biometrics (per person): about N24,000 (about $66)
- Service charge: around N17,000 (around $47)
If you choose to pay online or in person at a visa application center, the cost of a visitor visa may change. They must be paid in naira and are subject to change at the discretion of the embassy. However, there are typically two different types of fees: a biometric fee and an application processing fee.
How to apply for a Canadian visa in Nigeria
There is one crucial thing you need to know if you are from Nigeria considering traveling to Canada. Advance planning is crucial because obtaining a Canadian visa in Nigeria can take some time. If you have a Nigerian passport and want to travel to Canada, you will need to apply for a tourist visa.
You can do this online through the IRCC system or by going in person to the VFS Global Canadian Visa Application Center in Lagos or Abuja.
Check your eligibility before you start your application and submit it well in advance of your planned departure date. Please note that only Nigerian passport holders are subject to this procedure.
Embassy of Canada 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 Center in Abuja
- Address: Silverbird Entertainment Center, Plot 1161, Memorial Drive,
- Central business district, Abuja
- Telephone: (234) 815 019 9900
- Hours: Monday to Friday 8 AM – 3 PM
Canadian Visa Application Center 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 will consider your application for the Skilled Worker Immigration Program if you are a skilled worker.
A job offer from a Canadian company or the International Student Program are two more options for applying for immigration. To confirm your job category, go to Human Resources and Skills Development in Canada. Make sure you succeed in the online assessment test.
You have the option of picking up your passport and visa (if required) at the Visa Application Center or mailing it to the address of your choice when they have been processed.
The courier cost will be added when you submit your application and is around N9000 (approximately $23). If you decide to pick up your passport in person, be sure to bring the following documents:
- VFS Global provided you with the application checklist when you submitted your application.
- Your original identity document or other official proof of identification.
- A copy of your photo identification.
I hope this guide has been helpful in your Canada visa application journey as an immigrant. Leave your questions in the comments.
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