Canada Visa from Nigeria – Complete Guide To Canada Visitor Visa Application And Requirements

One of the world’s most popular destinations, Canada sees thousands of holidaymakers flock there every year. There is so much to see and do – fabulous cities like Toronto and Vancouver, just waiting for you to explore. It’s also great to get out into the countryside where beautiful vistas await! In this article, learn more about how to apply for a Canada Visitor Visa from Nigeria – online and in person, processing time at the Canadian visa application center, flight itinerary and Canada visitor visa application process.

Source: canadianvisa.org

Applying for a Canada Visitor Visa from Nigeria

There are 2 ways to apply for a Canada Visitor Visa from Nigeria:

1. Apply online at www.canada.ca
2. Apply through VFS Global located in Abuja and Lagos

Types of visas for Canada

To enter and stay in Canada for up to 6 months, you will need to apply for a temporary resident visa. If you are planning on going to Canada as a tourist, you will need a visitor visa.

If you are going for any other purpose, such as visiting family or to study, you will need a different type of visa. You can find out which visa you need by going to the Government of Canada’s website.

Visitor visas are issued as:

1. Single entry – you can enter Canada once during the visa dates
2. Multiple entry – you can enter Canada as many times as you wish before the visa expires

The Canada Visitor Visa Application Process

The processing time for visitor visa applications from Nigeria is 207 days.

However, it could take longer depending on:

1. The type of application/visa
2. If it is complete when you submit it
3. How many other applications have been received at the same time
4. If the information you have provided can be easily verified
5. How long you take to respond to any requests made by the visa office
6. The time it takes for your application to be sent to the government of Canada from VFS in Nigeria
7. The time it takes you to provide biometric data

It is your responsibility to apply in plenty of time to allow your application to be processed well before your departure date.

How to apply for a Canada visitor visa from Nigeria

You may apply online or in person. Before you decide, you should consider the benefits of applying online:

Whether you apply online or in person, there are 4 steps which you must follow:

1. Gather documents
2. Complete the application
3. Pay the fees
4. Submit the application – either electronically (online application) or at the visa office (paper/in-person application)

How to apply for a Canada visitor visa online

Go to www.canada.ca and click on “Menu” – “Immigration and citizenship” – “Visit”:

Scroll down to “Services and information” and click on “Apply for a visitor visa”:

Click on “Apply”:

Scroll down to “How do you want to apply” and choose “Online” and click on “Get instructions”:

Before you start your application, it’s a good idea to read the instructions so you know what is being asked of you. When you are ready to proceed click on “Apply for a visitor visa”:

You will need to register as a new user:

Then, you can sign in and start your application:

Don’t forget, you can refer to the instruction guide if you are not sure what to key into the fields on the application.

Before you submit your application, you will:

1. Pay the visa and biometric fees
2. Upload your documents

Another reason to apply online is that you will be unable to submit an incomplete application. The system will not allow you to submit it until you have done everything!

How to apply for a Canada visitor visa in person at VFS Global

Go to VFS Global’s website and where it says “Apply for a visa” click on “Start now”:

There are 7 steps to apply for your Canada visitor visa through VFS Global:

1. Step 1 – Identify visa type
2. Step 2 – Begin your application
3. Step 3 – Book an appointment
4. Step 4 – Pay the fees
5. Step 5 – Visit the visa application center
6. Step 6 – Track your application
7. Step 7 – Collect your passport

Step 1 – Identify visa type

You can also make an appointment on your own.

Go to VFS Global’s website and you can book your appointment in the following ways:

1. Online – click on the link for scheduling an appointment
2. By telephone – call the helpline number: 2348150199900
3. By email – click on the link for the correct visa office
4. By Webchat – click on “Chat now”
5. In person – you can visit the visa application center in person

Step 4 – Pay the fees

There are 2 types of fee:

Bio-metric Fee:

Fees are subject to change at any time and will not be refunded even if your application is rejected.

VFS Global may charge you additional fees for other services:

Step 5 – Visit the visa application center

You should arrive at the visa application center at least 15 minutes before your designated time. You will:

1. Hand over your application and supporting documents
2. Provide biometric data
3. Pay the fee
4. Receive a receipt – this will have a unique tracking number so you can get updates about your application

Don’t forget to bring a printed copy of your visa application, as well as a valid passport or travel document with at least 2 pages that are blank on both sides.

Step 6 – Track your application

You can track your application in the following ways:

1. On VFS Global’s website
2. Webchat: Chat Now
3. Email: info.cannig@vfshelpline.com
4. Helpline number: 2348150199900
5. Visit the visa application center in person

Step 7 – Collect your passport

Required documents

Whether you are applying online or in person, there is a list of required documents that you will need to submit with your visa application. There is a document checklist you can refer to, but documents include

1. Completed application form for a Temporary Resident Visa – IMM 5257
2. Family information form
3. Valid passport and a copy of your current and previous passports including the biographic page and all pages that are not blank
   
4. 2 photos with your name and date of birth written on the back. Must have been taken within the last 6 months
5. Purpose of travel
   
6. Proof of legal residency status in Nigeria
7. Travel authorization letter (if the applicant is a minor) including parent (s) passport
8. Visa fee

It is important to note that further documents may be required depending on your nationality and where you are applying from. Applicants applying from Nigeria will need to submit other specific documents.

On the “Apply online” page, click on “Read the instruction guide”:

Go to the “Gather documents” section and click on the link for “Application for a visitor visa”:

Scroll down to “Select a country/territory” choose Nigeria and click on “Get documents”:

Please note, you MUST select the country/territory from where you are applying to get your local visa office instructions. If you do not, you might submit an incomplete application which will result in a rejected or delayed application.

On the next page, click on “Visa office instructions – Visit (IMM 5873)”:

You will then be directed to the visa office instruction document:

Please remember, this document must be used in conjunction with the document checklist IMM 5484 (see above). You also need to place the visa office instruction checklist on top of your application pack, so don’t forget to do this.

Read the instructions carefully! In addition to the above documents, applicants from Nigeria need to provide the following documents:

1. Consent to verification of documents form – contact VFS Global in Nigeria for more information
2. Schedule 1 form – IMM 5257B – if you have answered “yes” to any of the background information questions on the application form
3. Explanation of the purpose of your trip – details of your itinerary including the length of stay, destination and contacts along with a provisional airline booking
4. Letter of invitation from the person/business you will visit – must include dates, duration of visit, purpose and contact information
5. Proof of financial support – bank statements for the past three months and/or employment letter, pay-slips, proof of pension, business registration, investments, etc. If you are not paying for your own trip: a letter signed by the person paying and a photocopy of their passport. You must also explain how this person is related to you. Documents should be dated within the last 3 months
6. If you are traveling to Canada to attend a seminar/trade show/conference – proof of invitation, registration and hotel booking
7. For business travel – letter of employment stating the purpose of travel, your itinerary and who will be paying for your trip. Plus, a letter from the Canadian business stating duration and nature of your business
8. Proof of business. Self-employed – business registration, tax clearance certificates, trade certificates, licence and financial documents such as business bank accounts for the last 6 months
9. Proof of employment – letter from employer stating occupation, salary, start dates etc., as well as authorization of leave AND last 3 payslips
10. Proof of study – confirmation/proof of registration
11. Marriage certificate/birth certificate for each family member (whether or not they are applying for a visa)
12. For parents and grandparents super visa – medical insurance – 1 year cover and from a Canadian insurance company. Covers health care, hospitalization and repatriation for at least $100,000. It should be valid for each entry to Canada and available for review by border control. A letter of invitation that states financial support will be available during your visit along with payslips, bank statements etc. A list of people in the inviter’s household. Plus, proof of residency of inviter

All documents should be in English or French. If not, you should provide the English or French translation and an affidavit from the person who completed the translation and a certified copy of the original document.

Make sure you have all the required documents for your visa to prevent your application from being delayed or rejected.

If you’re planning to obtain your flight reservation for visa without paying for the ticket, all you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:

1. Visit the Visa Reservation website to choose the right package
2.  Submit the travel details and make the payment online
3. Receive flight itinerary in email