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:

1. No courier fees or mail delivery time
2. Online applications may be processed more quickly
3. Avoid processing delays
4. If we need to ask for more documents, you can submit them online
5. No need to submit your passport immediately
6. Get updates on the status of your application

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

Find out whether you need a visa and what type of visa you need to apply for. You can follow the steps mentioned above to complete this step

Step 2 – Begin your application

You can either download and complete the application form OR submit it electronically.

Click on the link for the application form and choose IMM 5257 – Application for Temporary Resident Visa. You still need to print the completed form along with 2 copies of the 2D barcode:

Step 3 – Book an appointment

You only need to book an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at the visa application center. If you do not need to provide this biometric data and are simply submitting your visa application, you can just visit the center during their business hours. If you are not sure whether you need to provide biometric data, you can check on the Government of Canada’s website.

Making appointments with the visa application center is generally free and can be done yourself. However, If you are running short of time or not sure where to apply to or have no idea on how to get this done yourself then not to worry, we will make the appointment for you for a small service fee!

Booking a visa appointment using our services is pretty simple! All you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:

1. Visit the link to schedule the visa appointment
2. Submit the appointment details, visa you are applying for, visa office you need the appointment for, the country you need the appointment IN and make the payment
3. Receive appointment confirmation in email

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:

1. Application processing fee
2. Biometric fee

As mentioned above, the fees must be paid before you submit your application online or when you attend your appointment at the visa application center. The fee required may be paid in your local currency.

Type of Visa	Fee in Can $	Fee in NGN
Visitor visa (including super visa) – per person Single or multiple entry temporary resident visa	$100	27,500
Visitor visa – per family (1 fee per family of 5 or more people) Single or multiple entry temporary resident visa. Maximum fee for a family of 5 or more people applying at the same time and place	$500	137,500

Bio-metric Fee:

Biometric Fees	CAN$	NGN
Biometrics (per person)	$85	23,370
Biometrics (per family) (2 or more people) Maximum fee for a family of 2 or more people applying at the same time and place	$170	46,750

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:

How to pay the fees for your application

To pay the fees for your application you’ll need:

1. An email address
2. Access to a printer
3. A credit card

Click on the link which you’ll find on the visa website:

You will be directed to the Government of Canada’s website where you can pay for the fees online:

Remember to print off 2 copies of the receipt. You will need to submit 1 alongside your visa application and the other is your proof of payment.

If you are unable to make online payments, you can pay the fee at the visa application center.

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

After a visa application decision has been made, you can pick up your documents from VFS Global or have your documents returned to you by courier. Please note, there may be a fee for this service, so you should check with the visa office.

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

After you submit your documents

Once you have submitted your application, the Canadian visa office will review your application. They may do any of the following things:

1. Return your application if it is not complete without being processed
2. Ask you to verify any of the information you have provided
3. Ask you to send more documentation
4. Call you in to attend an interview

If your visa application is approved you can:

1. Have your passport with the attached visa returned by courier
2. Pick up your passport from the VFS office

If your visa application has been rejected, you will receive a letter with an explanation

The following reasons may result in a rejected application:

1. Giving false documentation – please do not do this! You will be found out and you may not be allowed to enter Canada for 5 years
2. Submitting an incomplete application – make sure you read all the instructions and checklists carefully to avoid doing this
3. A criminal or security problem – if you have been involved in any criminal activity in the past, it’s best to declare this and be upfront and honest
4. The visa officer is concerned you will not return to Nigeria after the visa expires – you can provide documents that prove you have ties to your home country, such as an employment contract

Contact details for VFS Global

Email: info.cannig@vfshelpline.com

Helpline Number: 2348150199900

Abuja

Address:

Visa Application Centre, Sterling Bank Plaza, 3rd Floor, Plot No 1083, Mohammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District, Abuja, Nigeria

Opening Hours:

Business hours	Monday to Friday	07:30 – 16:00
Passport collection	Monday to Friday	07:30 – 16:00
Walk-in hours	Monday to Friday	07:30 – 16:00

Lagos

Address:

Visa Application Centre, Ground Floor, The Manor, Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria

Opening Hours:

Business hours	Monday to Friday	07:30 – 16:00
Passport collection	Monday to Friday	07:30 – 16:00
Walk-in hours	Monday to Friday	07:30 – 16:00

FAQs

1. How can I apply for a Canada visitor visa from Nigeria?

You can apply online at www.canada.ca OR in person at one of the local VFS offices in Abuja or Lagos

2. Can I get a visitor visa when I arrive in Canada?

No, you must obtain a visitor visa before you arrive in Canada

3. What fees do I need to pay?

You will pay fees for:

1. Canada visa
2. Biometrics
3. Any additional services at VFS Global

4. Where do I submit my visa application?

You may submit your application online or at either of the VFS Offices located in Nigeria

5. I have already provided biometric data on my last visa application. Do I need to do this again?

If you have provided biometrics within the last 10 years, you do not have to do so again

6. Do I need an appointment if I am submitting my application in person?

As long as you do not have to provide biometric data, you do not need an appointment to submit your application

7. How do I get my passport back?

Once a decision has been made about your visa application, you can either:

1. Collect your passport from the visa application center
2. Have it returned by courier

8. What happens after I submit my application?

Your application will be checked to make sure it is complete and then reviewed in order for a decision to be made. You can track the progress of your application online

9. Can I work in Canada with a visitor visa?

No, you are not permitted to undertake any kind of work with a visitor visa unless you apply for a study permit beforehand

10. What documents do I need for a visa application?

Documents such as passport, proof of residency in your home country, travel itinerary. For the full list of required documents, you can refer to both the document checklist and the visa office instruction document mentioned above

Conclusion

To apply for your Canada Visitor Visa online:

1. Create an account
2. Complete your application online
3. Pay the fees
4. Submit your application

If you are applying in person:

1. Gather your documents
2. Complete your application form
3. Make an appointment (if biometrics are required)
4. Pay the fee
5. Submit your application

Once you get your visa, you can start the countdown to your wonderful trip to Canada!