If you’re planning to go to Canada, whether it’s your first time or you’re going back to enjoy the culture of Montréal or spend Christmas with family in Toronto, you’ll need a Canada visa.
This guide will help you, especially if you have a Nigerian passport, make the visa application process a bit simpler. Canada is a place where big dreams can come true!
Types of Canada Visa
Canada offers various types of visas for different purposes. Here are some of them:
1. Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa):
This visa is for people who want to visit Canada for a temporary stay. It could be for tourism, visiting family or friends, or even for business purposes.
2. Canada Student Visa:
If you plan to study in Canada, you’ll need a student visa. This allows you to stay in Canada while pursuing your education.
3. Canada Work Visa:
If you want to work in Canada, a work visa is essential. It enables you to legally work in the country for a specific job or employer.
Visa Validity:
• A visitor visa, which is also known as a temporary resident visa, can be either multiple entry or single entry.
• A multiple-entry visa permits you to stay in Canada for up to six months at a time and can be valid for as long as ten years.
• A single-entry visa, on the other hand, allows you to visit Canada just once and is valid for up to six months from your date of arrival. If you have a single-entry visa, your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return to Nigeria.
Processing Time:
The processing time for visas varies and can take up to 30 days. It depends on factors such as the type of application you submit, the number of applications being processed, and whether your application is complete.
After the processing is complete, you can collect your passport and visa from the visa application center where you applied, or they can be delivered to you through a courier service.
In simpler terms, Canada has different visas for visiting, studying, or working. The visitor visa can be used for multiple trips and can last a long time, while the student and work visas are for specific purposes.
The processing time depends on various factors, and you can receive your documents either in person or through a courier service.
How to Apply for a Canada Visa Online (Step-by-Step Guide)
Applying for a Canada visa, whether you’re doing it online or in person at a visa application center, involves these straightforward steps:
1. Get the Required Forms:
Start by downloading a set of forms that you’ll need. These include the Document Checklist, Visitor Visa form (IMM 5257), and Family Information form (IMM 5645).
2. Fill in the Forms:
Take your time to complete these application forms, and make sure you have all the documents that are needed to support your application (more on that below).
3. Consent Form (If Needed):
If you’re using a third-party service provider like VFS Global, you might have to complete a VFS consent form. This is essentially permission for them to handle your application. It’s crucial, so don’t forget it, or your application could be sent back to you.
4. Pay Visa Fees:
There are fees associated with your visa application. Make sure you pay these fees as required.
5. Submit Your Application:
Take all your completed forms and the necessary documents to your local visa application center. Be thorough and make sure you have an accepted form of payment with you. Cash is often recommended.
6. Service Charge and Receipt:
Along with the visa fees, you might have to pay a service charge. In return, you’ll receive a receipt with a unique tracking number. This number is essential as it allows you to keep tabs on the progress of your application online.
It’s important to note that if you can’t provide all the required supporting documents, you’ll need to complete a waiver form and attach it to your application. Failing to do so could put your Canada visa at risk of being denied.
In simpler terms,
when you’re applying for a Canada visa, you’ll need to fill out some forms, gather necessary documents, pay fees, and submit your application. If you’re using a third-party service, don’t forget the consent form.
Remember, missing documents can be a problem, so use a waiver form if you can’t provide everything they ask for to avoid getting your visa denied.
Canada Visa Fees
The fees for a Canada Visitor Visa can change and depend on how you pay and where you apply. They must be paid in Naira, and the embassy can adjust them as needed.
There are essentially two types of fees: one for processing your application and another for biometrics (like fingerprinting).
When you pay online or apply in person, here’s what you can expect to pay:
• Application processing fee:
About ₦28,000 (around 68 US Dollars)
• Biometrics fee (for each person): About ₦24,000 (around 58 US Dollars)If you choose to apply through the VFS Global Visa Application Centre, the fees are similar, but there’s an extra service charge:
• Application processing fee:
About ₦28,000 (around 68 US Dollars)
• Biometrics fee (for each person):
About ₦24,000 (around 58 US Dollars)
• Service charge: About ₦17,000 (around 41 US Dollars)Just keep in mind that these amounts can change, so it’s a good idea to check with the embassy for the most up-to-date fees.
Canada Visa Requirements
Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need to apply for a Canada Visa:
1. Fill out two forms: Visitor Visa (IMM 5257) and Family Information (IMM 5645).
2. Have your Nigerian passport (original and a copy) that’s valid for at least six months after your planned return and has two empty pages.
3. Provide two color photos that meet the visa requirements.
4. Show proof of paying the application processing fee and, if needed, the biometric fee.
5. Demonstrate you have enough money for your trip, which could mean sharing three months of bank statements, payslips, or proof of investments.
6. If someone else is funding your trip, you’ll need a letter from them, a copy of their passport, and their bank statement.
7. Prove your ties to Nigeria, like an employment letter or proof of assets.
8. Give a copy of your flight booking and travel plans, including accommodation reservations.
9. You might need to share your medical history or show you’re in good health.
10. Show your previous passports with travel history.
11. Include any extra documents that support your application, like marriage certificates or invitation letters.
12. Include a self-addressed return envelope.
13. If a minor (under 18) is traveling alone, they need a letter of permission from both parents or legal guardians. If traveling with one parent, a letter from the other parent or guardian is required.
14. If you’re visiting family or going for business, you’ll need an invitation letter detailing the purpose, duration, and details of your host.
15. If you have to provide biometrics, paper photos aren’t necessary.
Please note that if you’re applying through VFS Global, the required documents may be different.
When you want to apply for a Canada visitor visa, you have two choices:
you can do it online or through a VFS Global Visa Application Centre. If you have the option, going through a visa application center is a good idea because it can make the process smoother.
Here are the places where you can apply:
1. Canadian Embassy in Nigeria:
You can apply at the Canadian Embassy in Lagos.
• Address: 4 Anifowoshe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
• Telephone: (234) 1 271 5650
• Hours: Monday to Thursday from 7:30AM to 4PM, and on Fridays from 7:30AM to 1PM.
2. 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 from 8AM to 3PM.
3. 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 from 8AM to 3PM.You can also apply online, but for this, you’ll need a scanner to make digital copies of your documents and a credit card to pay the processing and biometric fees. The online application can be completed on the IRCC website.
When it’s time to collect your passport and visa (if granted), you have the option to pick them up at the Visa Application Centre or have them delivered to your address using a courier service. If you go in person, make sure to have the application checklist from VFS Global, your original ID or proof of identification, and a copy of your photo ID.
In simple terms, you can apply for a Canada visitor visa either online or through a Visa Application Centre. Going through a center is a good choice if you can. You can also collect your documents in person or have them delivered by courier. Just be prepared with the right documents and payment options based on your chosen method.