Canadian Visa Application in Nigeria: A Step-by-step Guide
Key Points:
- The Canadian visa application process in Nigeria, while comprehensive, is straightforward.
- Preconditions like a valid international passport and adequate funds for your Canadian stay are crucial.
- Various visa types exist, each with its own application procedure.
In this detailed guide, we will explore every part of applying for a Canadian visa. We will explain each step, from checking if you qualify to getting your passport, in a way that is easy to understand.
1. Checking Eligibility
The preliminary step before initiating your application process is to assess your eligibility for a Canadian visa. The eligibility criteria entail:
- Valid International Passport: Canadian immigration authorities necessitate a valid international passport for visa applications.
- Good Health: A prerequisite for travel and stay in Canada is being in sound health.
- Proof of Nigeria ties: Evidence of strong ties (such as a job, business, assets, or family) to Nigeria, indicating your intention to return post-visit, must be presented.
- Sufficient Funds: Ensure you have enough money to support your expenses during your stay in Canada.
Certain conditions can lead to disqualification from visiting Canada.
These include posing a security risk, involvement in human rights violations, criminal convictions, severe health or financial issues, or having an ineligible family member accompanying you to Canada.
Providing false information on your application or during your interview will lead to rejection.
2. Selecting the Right Visa and Filling the Application Form
Determine the type of visa you need: a temporary resident visa, student visa, or work permit before you begin filling your application form.
Your application form can be completed in two ways:
- Online: You can fill the form online but you’ll need a scanner or camera to create digital copies of your documents for uploading and a valid credit card for fee payment.
- Offline: This approach is often suggested for Nigerians. Download the Temporary Resident Visa application forms and the Instruction Guide, which offers essential information to successfully complete your application form. Remember to include the barcode page with your finished application.
3. Completing the Consent Form
Download, fill, and attach the VFS consent form with your application form.
If this completed and signed form isn’t included, your application will be returned.
4. Paying Visa Application Fees
Visit the Canada Visa Application Center (CVAC) to pay the necessary visa processing fees and biometric fees.
The CVAC is located at No 16, Billings way, Oregun Industrial area, Ikeja, Lagos.
Note that an additional service charge might apply at the CVAC.
Payments should be made in person, by cash only, at the Bank Counter in the CVAC, along with your application submission.
5. Submitting Your Application Package
Submit your filled application form and other necessary documents at the CVAC, providing proof of your visa processing and biometric fees payment.
Note that your biometrics will be taken at the visa application center.
Visa applications are accepted from 8am to 3pm from Monday to Friday. After fee payment, you will receive receipts.
One of these receipts will carry a unique tracking number to check the status of your application online.
6. Tracking Your Application
Using the unique tracking number on your receipt, monitor the status of your application online.
7. Awaiting Processing
The processing of a temporary resident visa to Canada typically takes about 14 days. Patience is vital during this phase.
8. Submitting Your Passport
Upon receipt of a request from the Canadian Government for your passport, submit it alongside the request letter.
This can be done in person at the CVAC or by courier to the CVAC address.
Pay a passport transmission service charge at any GTBank counter, and include this payment with your passport.
Once received, your passport will be forwarded to The Deputy High Commission of Canada, Lagos.
Include a self-addressed courier return envelope with your passport if you want it mailed back once ready.
9. Receiving Your Passport
You’ll receive a notification when your passport is ready for collection. You can either collect it in person or send a self-addressed courier return envelope with your passport and request letter.
In conclusion, applying for a Canadian visa from Nigeria may seem daunting and time-consuming, but with careful attention to these steps, the process becomes manageable.
It’s paramount to ensure the accuracy of your information and the completeness of your documents to avoid any setbacks.
Though it may take time, with patience and diligence, the process will be navigated smoothly.
We hope this guide proves useful in your pursuit of a Canadian visa from Nigeria. Best of luck!