How long does it take to get a Canadian visa from Nigeria? Have you ever imagined how long it takes for a Nigerian to get a Canadian visa? What are the process and requirement needed to get the visa? In this article, we will shed light on everything a Nigerian must know about Canadian visa.
For many Nigerians, moving to Canada isn’t just about exploring the world, it’s about seeking better life, opportunities, reuniting with their loved ones, or pursuing higher education in a well-developed country.
Nigerians over the past few years have migrated to different part of the world but statistics have shown that majority are in Canada. A look at the history book shows that Nigerians began migrating to Canada in during the 1967–1970 Nigerian Civil War and the trend has continued till date.
In 2019, Nigeria became the fourth-leading source country of new immigrants to Canada, behind India, China, and the Philippines. A total of 12,600 Nigerians gained permanent residence in 2019, which represents a tripling of Nigerian immigration to Canada since 2015.
That figure has continued to increase every year and in 2022, 22,085 Nigerians were admitted to Canada as permanent residents. Nigeria has a large base in Canada, in fact, there are many more Nigerians in Canada, who identified themselves by their tribe instead of their country.
With millions of Nigerians still seeking for a greener pasture in Canada, we will be outlining steps you need to take and everything about Canadian visa.
How long does it take to get a Canadian visa from Nigeria?
Getting a Canadian visa is not as difficult as they say. You will be granted a visa once you fulfill all the requirement laid down by the authorities. Let’s take a deeper look at the Canadian Visa and what it entails.
What is Canadian visa?
A Canada visa is a stamp on your passport which allows you to enter the country of Canada. Without the Canadian visa, you will not be allowed entrance into the country.
Canadian visa is a permission for you to travel to the country and legally be able to stay either temporarily or permanently. Getting a visa to Canada means that the Canadian Consulate or Embassy in your home country decided that you are eligible and fulfill the requirements for entry.
However, once you are at the Canadian border and customs, it is up to the officers at the border to evaluate whether you are fit to enter. Having understand what we mean by a Canadian visa, lets check out how long it takes to get a Canadian visa in Nigeria.
How long does it take to get a Canadian visa from Nigeria?
The duration for getting a Canadian visa from Nigeria depends on the type of Visa you are opting for. Your Canadian visa begins to process only after the Canadian authorities have received your complete application. There are various type of Canadian visa available and we will be sharing more insights on them.
Types of Canadian Visa
Temporary Canada Visas
The temporary Canada visas allow the person to stay in Canada for a specific period of time which is determined by the Canadian Consulate or the Border Services Officers (BSO). This time is usually up to 6 months. The temporary visa can be single entry or multiple entry visa.
Single entry visa allows the person to only enter Canada once, stay for 6 months and then return to their home country. A multiple entry visa allows the person to enter Canada multiple times until their visa expires and stay temporarily.
The Canadian temporary visa can be of different types. Below are the details you should know.
Student Visa
A Canada student visa is a permit that allows foreign nationals to study in Canada at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). The visa is issued to students who meet all requirement to study in Canada and it is valid for the period of learning and an extra 90 days.
Canada Visitor Visa.
The Visitor Visa or the Tourist visa allows the holder to enter Canada for the purposes of tourism in the country.
Diplomatic and Official Visa.
The Diplomatic and Official visa gives permission to officials and diplomats from foreign countries to enter Canada for official duties and purposes.
Courtesy Visa.
The Courtesy visa is given to all those people who do not qualify for a Diplomatic and Official Visa but are considered of importance due to their ranks and positions. This includes for example, members of trade missions or diplomats with touristic intent.
Canada Business Visa.
The Business Visa is given to those who are travelling to Canada with business purposes as individuals or as a group of business people.
Visa to Give Birth in Canada.
This visa is given to people who fulfill all the criteria to stay temporarily in Canada and who are pregnant and want to give birth in the country. Understand that giving birth in Canada makes the baby automatically a Canadian citizen.
Intending Organ Donors Visa
This visa is given to a person who is traveling to Canada with the purpose of donating an organ to a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident.
Canada Facilitation Visa
Facilitation Visas are given to Canadian citizens with dual nationalities who do not have a Canadian passport but have a passport of another nationality. The facilitation visa is stamped on the person’s other nationality visa due to extreme hardships of the person getting a Canadian passport.
Permanent Canada Visas
Just as the name implies, the permanent Canada visas are visas which allow the holder to permanently settle in the country.
Express Entry Visas
The Canada Express Entry Program is an electronic immigration program designed by the Government of Canada. It allows people from all over the world to apply for immigration to Canada based on their specific skills.
The programs are in four categories: Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP) and Canadian Experience Class.
All these are the different types of visa you can apply for. As earlier stated, The Canada visa processing time varies for each specific case. It can take anywhere between two to four weeks, or even longer.
How To Apply For Canada Visa
Step 1: Check your eligibility status
The first step towards applying for a Canadian visa is checking your eligibility status. Check the requirement listed below to see if you are qualified. You should also visit Canada official website for confirmation.
Step 2: Compile your documents
Once your eligibility status is confirmed, the next step is to compile your documents. Here are the documents needed. Ensure the document are well scanned and neat.
- Your passport.
- Appropriate Canada visa application form.
- Proof of paid Canada visa fees.
- Proof of clean criminal record.
- Proof of being in good health through a medical exam.
- Photographs in accordance with the photo requirements for Canada visa.
- Proof of financial means.
- Proof you will return to your home country once the Canadian visa expires.
- Identity and Civil Status Documents.
- A cover letter that explains the purpose of your travel to Canada.
- Letter of support/invitation to Canada.
Apply Online
The Canadian authority has provided an application portal for everyone willing to apply for Canada visa. Visit Canadian immigration authority’s official website.
Your first task is creating an account. Your valid email address will be needed for this cause. Once your account is created, you begin your application process. Login to your created account to start your application. Fill in your personal information, ensure all fields are correct and well filled.
Pay the Required Visa Fee
You will be required to pay for your visa before you can submit the Canada visa form. A processing fee and biometric fee will be deducted from your account. You can make payment via electronic means.
You must remember that the fees are non-refundable regardless of the decision on your Canadian visa application. Moreover, fees are liable to change without notice at any given time.
Wait for processing of your Canadian Visa
The Canadian Embassy will then process your Canada visa application for two or more weeks depending on the type of visa. Additionally, they might ask for more documents, or for you to submit your biometrics and have an interview.
If they ask for your biometrics and an interview, this means you will have to visit the Embassy in person even if you applied online. You will be given an appointment and you must adhere to it.
Submit your application
The next step is submitting your application. Upon submission, the system will cross check for any missing documents which you will be asked to provide.
Submit your passport and processing fees
If you receive a notification that your Canada visa application was successful, the next step is to submit your passport to the Canadian Embassy.
The processing fees depend on the type of visa you are applying for and will range from $20 to $50, which you must pay by check or money order. You must also pay for a return envelope for your passport.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a Canadian visa from Nigeria?
The Canada visa processing time varies for each specific case. It can take anywhere between two to four weeks, or even longer.
How much is Canada visa fee?
The Canada visa fee depends on the type of visa you are applying for. There are also different types of fees you must pay; this includes the processing fee and a biometrics fee.
What happens if my Canada visa application is rejected?
If your Canada visa application is rejected, you can re-apply again at any time, provided that your rejection letter does not forbid you from re-applying.
Will I get a refund if my application is rejected?
Canada visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. Understand that you’re paying a fee for the visa application to be processed, not for the visa itself
How long is the Canadian Student Visa valid?
A Canadian student visa is valid only for the length of the study program and an additional 90 days. The additional 90 days will allow you to prepare for leaving Canada or to apply for extending your Canada study visa.
Are you allowed to visit your home country with the Canada student visa?
The Canadian school system has many breaks in between the school years during the summer and winter. Foreign students are allowed to visit their home country during this period.
Can my family accompany me to Canada with a student visa?
Your close family, so your spouse or common-law partner and minor children can accompany you to Canada when you go there to study. However, they will have to apply for their own visas, a visitor visa.
Conclusion
How long does it take to get a Canadian visa from Nigeria? Getting a Canadian visa from Nigeria depends on the type of visa you are applying for. However, it can take anywhere between two to four weeks, or even longer.
Nigerians can apply for different type of Canadian visa based on their reasons for visiting the country. Topping the list of Canadia visa you can apply for is the student visa, Canada Facilitation Visa, visitor visa, courtesy visa, visa to give birth in Canada, express entry visas and so on.
It’s important you understand that you won’t be refunded any money if your visa application fails. To ensure this does not happen, check your eligibility status before applying, also ensure that all your documents are in place, this includes your ban statements, your valid passport amongst other.
Canada is a home of opportunity and Nigerans have taken advantage of the great relationship that exist between both countries. Nigeria has a large community in Canada, you can search for this communities online to ask questions before moving down to Canada where you are promised a better life.
