Canada Visa Application Process For Africans – Requirement and How To APPLY

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In search of education, employment, vacation, tourism, and medical care, Nigerian citizens frequently visit Canada, a vast North American nation with a large landmass and a well-developed tourist industry.

In this article, we explain the requisites for obtaining a Canada visa for Nigerians and the steps involved.

Canada Visa Application Requirements for Nigerians

For Nigerians seeking a Canadian visa, the prerequisites vary based on the visa type, but they generally include:

  1. International passport:

    • The data page contains the passport number, personal information (name, date of birth, and place of birth), and expiration and issuance dates.

    • A valid visa for at least two blank visa stamp pages during application is required, with a validity of more than six months.

    • Copies of old international passports and visa pages, if applicable, must be submitted.

  2. Passport photographs:

    • You need two recent passport photos, either in color or black and white, taken within the last six months.

  3. Canada Visa Application Form:

    • Download and complete the appropriate application form according to the visit’s purpose.

  4. Evidence of Canadian Visa Payment:

    • A non-refundable fee must be paid with proof attached to the visa application.

  5. Medical Report:

    • For stays over six months or jobs involving close interaction with others; requires a comprehensive medical examination by a medical panel.

  6. Police report:

    • You must provide documentation that confirms that you have no criminal record acquired in Nigeria or any other country where you have lived for more than six months.

  7. Evidence of Sufficient Funds:

    • Display financial capability through the submission of recent bank statements spanning the past three months.

  8. Proof of accommodation:

    • If you do not reside with friends or family, you must provide proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation with a refundable deposit.

  9. Proof of Ties to Nigeria and Civil Status:

    • Evidence that the applicant intends to return to Nigeria, such as marriage or family connections, employment details, or property ownership.

    • National identity cards, birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, and annulment certificates are examples of civil status documents.

  10. Cover Letter:

  • In a detailed letter, please describe the purpose of your visit and your travel itinerary and provide any requisite documents.

  • A letter of invitation (if applicable) from a Canadian citizen or permanent resident outlines the visitor’s information and the writer’s.

Canada Visa Requirements for Minors:

For Nigerians under 18 years, additional documents are required:

  1. Authorization Letter:

    • If traveling alone or with a non-parent or guardian, signed by both parents/guardians with contact details.

    • If with one parent, the other parent’s authorization letter, contact details, and passport/national identity card copy.

  2. Legal custody documents:

    • In cases of divorce, providing the custody document or decree; shared custody necessitates an authorization letter from the other parent.

  3. Death certificate:

    • If one parent is deceased.

  4. Guardianship/Adoption papers:

    • For adopted minors.

Canada Visa Types: Before applying, ascertain the desired Canadian visa type:

  • Canada Visitor visas.

  • Canada student visas.

  • Canada Work visas.

  • Canada Tourist Visa.

  • Canada Permanent Residence visas.

  • Express Entry Program visas.

Where to Apply for a Canadian Visa in Nigeria: Online applications can be submitted on Canada’s official website. VFS Global Limited manages the Visa Application Centres in Lagos and Abuja.

  1. VFS Lagos Visa Application Centre:

    • Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way, Opposite Treasure Garden Estate, Third Roundabout, Lekki Phase I, Lagos, Nigeria.

  2. VFS Abuja Visa Application Centre:

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

The steps to apply for a Canadian visa online are as follows:

  1. Preparation of documentation:

    • Ensure that all documents are collected and scanned.

  2. Create an Account:

    • Create or log in to your account on Canada’s official website.

  3. Complete Application Form:

    • Ensure that the appropriate visa application form is filled out accurately.

    • Please upload all the necessary documents.

Please note that incomplete applications may be rejected.

  1. Submit and Pay Fees:

    • Fees are non-refundable when the application is submitted online.

  2. Appointment for biometrics:

    • You will need to attend a biometric appointment at the Nigerian Visa Application Center.

  3. Await Approval or Denial:

    • A successful applicant receives approval and instructions for submitting a passport application.

    • A refusal letter is sent to unsuccessful applicants with an explanation for the refusal.

Online and offline visa applications are similar, but with some differences:

  1. Download Form:

    • Download and print the application form and checklist.

  2. Send your submission:

    • You can submit requirements to either Abuja or Lagos on behalf of VFS Global.

  3. How to pay:

    • You can make payments at VFS Global or on the official website.

  4. Biometric Capture:

    • Conducted in person at VFS Global.

It is important to note that minors traveling alone or with another person require additional documentation.

Visa type, application location, and biometrics influence processing time. Usually takes 1 to 6 weeks.

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