Canada Visa Application Form, Process & Requirements

The beautiful country of Canada has been the dream destination of many Nigerians over the years. Fulfilling this dream requires carefully applying for and processing your Canada visa.

To begin with, you have to obtain a Canada visa application form and either apply at the Visa Application Center in Nigeria or do it online. Either way, your information must be accurate and up to date.

You also need to pay your visa application fee. This fee varies according to the type of Canada visa you are applying for and how long you wish to stay in the country.

Moreover, the requirements for each visa type differ slightly from the others. Come along as I explain what you must know about your Canada visa application in 2024.

How much is Canada visa application form?

Remember that the Canadian immigration authorities are always thorough with their rules and regulations. So, paying your visa application fees depends on whether you are going alone or with family. 

They sometimes wish to know if it was your first time coming into the country. Therefore, all these points will collectively determine how much you will pay for your Canada visa application form.

Here is a breakdown of the visa application fees for different Canada visa types converted from Canadian dollars to Nigerian Naira as of February 2024.

• Visitor visa, one-person, Single or multiple entry temporary resident visa,

119,010 Nigerian Naira.

• Visitor visa for a family of 5 or more applying at the same time Single or multiple entry temporary resident visa

595,050 Nigerian Naira.

• Extending your stay in Canada to one person

119,010 Nigerian Naira.

• Work permit for one person

184,465 Nigerian Naira.

• Group of three or more persons with work permits (performing artists)

533,396 Nigerian Naira.

• Study permit per person

178,515 Nigerian Naira

• Restore your status as a student.

272,532 Nigerian Naira

• Get a new study permit.

178,515 Nigerian Naira 

• Biometrics for one person

101,158 Nigerian Naira.

• Biometrics for a family of two or more people applying at the same time and place

202,317 Nigerian Naira.

• Biometrics for a group of three or more performing artists

303,475 Nigerian Naira

You can complete your payment with a valid credit or debit card like:

• Visa card (both credit and debit cards)
• Union Pay is used for online applications only. Do not use a debit card
• MasterCard (credit and debit cards)
• American Express
• JCB

Meanwhile, you do not have to necessarily use a personal card. Using a card with another name will reflect in your payment receipt but will not affect your visa application.

What are the requirements for Canada visa application?

Unless you are going for a specific Canada visa, here are the general requirements you must put together before approaching the visa application center.

• Your correctly filled visa application form
• A valid passport that will not expire during your stay in Canada
• Proof of funds that will comfortably sustain you throughout your stay in the country
• Two passport-sized photographs that are in line with Canadian immigration law
• Flight bookings that state your date of exit from the country
• A letter that states the purpose of your travel. It must correspond with your type of visa
• Language proficiency. Your visa type will determine the seriousness of this document
• Your biometric verification documents
• Proof of accommodation. It might be a hotel reservation or the house address of your host.
• A police report showing that you do not have a criminal record

Aside from these general documents, your visa type will require you to provide more documentation. For example, traveling with a visitor visa means you must have your host’s invitation letter.

How to open Canada visa application form?

The Canada visa application form comes in a PDF format. According to what is stated on the immigration website, it is better to download the form through Adobe Reader 10. 

Downloading your Canada visa application form with a mobile device, a tablet, or an iPad is not advisable. Those using a Macbook or PC can successfully download the form if they install Adobe Reader 10.

However, you have to follow the instructions according to your device type. Visiting a Visa Application Center (VAC) is also an option, but you may be asked to fill out the application form at their internet kiosk.

How to submit Canada visa application form online?

Whether you plan to travel through Canada, visit, study, work, immigrate as a permanent resident, apply for citizenship, or as a refugee. You must begin by creating an account with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Nigerians must apply for a visa to Canada. However, you can still verify if you qualify for a visa and the type after answering a few questions on the website. All you need to do is create an account on the website, fill out your application form, and upload it. This step marks the beginning of your visa application process.

How to apply for a Canada visa from Nigeria?

Now, your documents are gathered and ready to start the application process. Everyone at this application stage must follow this process as long as you are in Nigeria. Check the list below.

• Download the Canada visa application form.
• Fill out your application form and either submit it online or take it to the nearest visa application center.
• Pay your Canada visa application fee.
• The visa application center will notify you of payment if there are other outstanding fees.
• Submit your documents
• Wait and collect your receipt. If you wish to track the progress of your application, you can do so with the number on your receipt.

Also Read:  Immigrate From Nigeria to Canada Without a Job Offer

Do we need to show the bank balance for the Canada visa?

Proof of funds is part of the documents you show while applying for your Canada visa. This document is not specific to just one visa type; every traveler to Canada must show this evidence.

Your bank account balance must be at least 11,893,100 Nigerian Naira if you are traveling with a visitor visa. However, your type of visa requires a certain amount of funds, meaning that the bank balance is not general to all Canada visa holders.

How does a Canada embassy verify bank statements?

The embassy would not call the bank to verify your bank balance. Instead, they ask you to submit several bank statements from a few months back.

With these statements, they will look at and assess your financial history and strength.

Is there a direct flight from Lagos to Canada?

There are currently no direct flights going from Lagos to Canada. Flights are connected, and your arrival time depends on your flight’s route.

Also, you can decide on how many layovers you want. The popular airports with connecting flights are Amsterdam AMS, Addis Ababa ADD, New York, Detroit, Washington DC’s IAD, and Paris CDG.

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