Are you looking for a Canadian student visa from Nigeria? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place. This article will provide you with detailed information regarding the process, requirements, and other important details.
Canada has always been known for its welcoming attitude towards international students. In fact, Canada is considered to be one of the top countries for international students. According to the latest data released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Canada was ranked third overall in terms of attracting foreign students in 2017.
So, if you want to study in Canada, then you should start preparing now. There are certain things that you need to consider before applying for a student visa. Let us take a look at some of them below.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is a Canadian Student Visa?
- 2 Why should you study in Canada?
- 3 Nigerian Students in Canada
- 4 Canadian Student Visa Requirements for Nigerians
- 4.1 Valid National Passport
- 4.2 Photographs
- 4.3 Flight Reservation
- 4.4 Hotel Reservation
- 4.5 Motivation/Cover Letter
- 4.6 Proof of Acceptance
- 4.7 Proof of Financial Support
- 4.8 Medical Report
- 4.9 Certificates of Social Ties
- 4.10 Foreword Letter from a Former Employer
- 4.11 Police Certificate
- 4.12 Academic Certificates
- 5 How to apply for a Canadian Student Visa in Nigeria
- 6 Canada student visa for Nigerians Processing Time
- 7 Minimum bank balance for Canada student visa for Nigerians
- 7.1 Frequently Asked Questions
- 7.1.1 How long does it take to get a Canadian student visa from Nigeria?
- 7.1.2 How much does it cost to study in Canada from Nigeria?
- 7.1.3 How do I apply for a Canadian student visa in Nigeria?
- 7.1.4 How much is Canada visa from Nigeria?
- 7.1.5 Is it necessary to take an English Language Proficiency Test? (For example, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
- 7.1.6 Would I be required to take the GMAT or GRE to pursue a master’s degree in Canada?
- 7.1 Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Canadian Student Visa?
A Canadian student visa is a document that allows a foreign national to study at an approved educational institution in Canada. The visa is valid for the length of the student’s program, up to three years.
To be eligible for a student visa, applicants must show that they have enough money to cover their expenses in Canada and that they intend to leave the country once their studies are completed. Student visas typically take four to six weeks to process.
Students with a Canadian student visa are permitted to work part-time while attending classes. Once they have graduated, they can apply for a work permit.
A Canadian student visa is officially known as a student permit, and you can obtain one in Nigeria if you have all of the necessary documents.
In Nigeria, the Canadian Visa Application Centre (CVAC) is authorized to accept applications for and process Canada student visas. Obtaining a Canadian student visa in Nigeria can be simple if you follow their instructions.
Why should you study in Canada?
Studying in Canada can provide students with a wealth of opportunities. Let’s consider some benefits of studying in Canada from Nigeria:
- If you are looking for a world-class education, Canada should be at the top of your list. Canadian universities consistently rank among the best in the world.
- Another reason to consider studying in Canada is the quality of life enjoyed by its citizens. Canada is a safe and peaceful country with a high quality of life.
- A third reason to study in Canada is that it is affordable compared to other countries. International students can qualify for scholarships and funding opportunities.
- The Canadian student visa process is simple and straightforward. You can apply online and receive a decision within minutes.
- Once you have been accepted to a Canadian university, our team of experts will help you through the visa application process quickly and easily.
- Canada offers a diverse range of study programs, from engineering to business administration to arts and humanities.
See also: Study in Canada from Nigeria – Requirements, and Costs
Nigerian Students in Canada
Nigerian students have been flocking to Canada in recent years to take advantage of the country’s world-class education system. In fact, the number of Nigerian students studying in Canada has increased dramatically in recent years. This is primarily due to the fact that Canada offers a high-quality education at a fraction of the cost of schools in the United States and Europe.
In addition, Canadian universities are ranked among the best in the world, and many offer programs that are not available in Nigeria. According to recent statistics, Canada had nearly 622,000 international students as of December 31, 2021. And, Nigerian students constituted approximately 13,745. This means that Nigerian students’ acceptance rate in Canada is high.
Canadian Student Visa Requirements for Nigerians
To study in Canada as a Nigerian, you must first obtain a Canadian student visa. The visa application process is relatively simple, but you must meet a few requirements in order to be eligible. The following are the requirements for a Canadian student visa from Nigeria:
- Valid National Passport
- Photographs
- Flight Reservation
- Hotel Reservation
- Cover/Motivation Letter
- Proof of Acceptance
- Proof of Financial Support
- Medical Report
- Certificates of Social Ties
- Foreword Letter from a Former Employer
- Police Certificate
- Academic Certificates
Valid National Passport
You must present both an original and a photocopied copy of your Nigerian passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months, or the duration of your stay in Canada, and contain at least two blank pages.
Photographs
You’d need two-color photographs that were taken recently. Check that the snapshots show your entire profile.
It must also be visible and photographed against a flat background. Its size should be around 35-40 mm.
Flight Reservation
You’d also have to submit a flight ticket reservation.
This should include your airline, arrival date, and time in Canada.
Hotel Reservation
It’s your first time there, and you most likely don’t know anyone. It is also possible that your school does not provide lodging; in this case, you should make and present evidence of a hotel reservation.
Motivation/Cover Letter
A cover letter explains your background and goals for the study.
It should also include information that will persuade the consular officer that you are enthusiastic about your program of study and thus deserve a study visa.
Proof of Acceptance
If you want to study in Canada, you must apply for it. The university where you intend to study will send you a letter of acceptance as proof that you have been accepted to study there. This letter should be accompanied by your application for a student permit.
Proof of Financial Support
Before you can be granted a Canadian student visa, you must demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that you have sufficient funds to cover your needs while living and studying in Canada.
Aside from tuition, Canadian administrations anticipate that you will set aside around CAD 11,000 for food.
Your proof of financial ability can be in the form of a bank statement or one of your app posters. You should attach a supporting affidavit to your papers if you submit your sponsor’s bank statement.
Medical Report
Your medical report is extremely important. The report should include your medical history as well as proof of your good health.
Certificates of Social Ties
They are as follows:
- If you are married, your marriage certificate.
- If you have children, bring their birth certificates.
Foreword Letter from a Former Employer
It is expected that you have worked in organizations or corporations, that you have some experience with followership, and that your employer will testify to your character and behavior at work. This letter will be used as part of the visa application process.
Police Certificate
A police station statement stating that you have no illegal records of any kind will be required.
Academic Certificates
These are the most crucial. You will be required to obtain all of the certificates that you have obtained from previous institutions that you have attended.
How to apply for a Canadian Student Visa in Nigeria
If you want to study in Canada, you will need a Canadian student visa. The process of applying for a Canadian student visa from Nigeria is not difficult, but there are a few things you need to know. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of applying for a Canadian student visa from Nigeria.
The following is a step-by-step guide to ensure quick processing and approval:
- Gain Admission
- Gather Supporting Documents
- Submit at the CVAC
- Collecting Your Passport
Gain Admission
The first step is to apply for admission to a Canadian academic institution.
Significantly, you must first obtain admission before proceeding because a letter of admission and approval from a Canadian institution is one of the basic requirements for a Canadian student visa application.
Gather Supporting Documents
The second step after admission is to complete the student license form. Then you gather all of the documents listed above.
These documents are significant because they represent your application to the embassy. Make photocopies of each paper and scan them into an electronic device such as a computer or a flash drive.
Submit at the CVAC
The next step is to apply at the Canadian Visa Application Center.
Following this submission and payment, you will be given an acknowledgment slip that includes a tracking number.
You will use the tracking number to track the status of your visa application. Begin preparing for an interview at that point.
Collecting Your Passport
The final step is to go to the visa application center and pick up your visa as soon as it is available. When it is finished, you will be notified.
Canada student visa for Nigerians Processing Time
It is important to note that the processing time for a Canadian student visa from Nigeria may vary, depending on the individual circumstances of each case. However, in general, applicants can expect to wait for at least six weeks before their application is processed. The Canadian High Commission in Abuja will only start processing an application once all of the required documents have been submitted.
To ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible, you must provide all required documentation and answer all questions accurately and completely. Any discrepancies or incomplete information on your application may cause a delay in processing time.
It’s also worth noting that applications for a Canadian student visa from Nigeria must be made in person at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja.
Minimum bank balance for Canada student visa for Nigerians
A student visa for Canada is issued to a Nigerian who wishes to study at an accredited Canadian educational institution. The visa is usually valid for the length of the study program, up to a maximum of five years.
You must have been accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and have proof of sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses while in Canada to be eligible for a Canadian student visa. In addition, you must meet certain health and character requirements.
The amount of money required as proof of funds varies depending on the province or territory in which you will be studying. The minimum bank balance required for a Canadian student visa from Nigeria is CAD10,000 ($7,600 USD) as of 2019.
Summing Up
In conclusion, obtaining a Canadian student visa from Nigeria is not an easy process, but it is certainly doable. You can improve your chances of approval by providing accurate information on your application and gathering all required documents. You should be able to obtain the visa and begin your studies in Canada if you follow these steps and are patient throughout the process.
See also: Complete list of Canada Visa Requirements for Nigerian Students
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are answers to some important questions about Canadian student visas in Nigeria:
How long does it take to get a Canadian student visa from Nigeria?
The time it takes to obtain a Canadian student visa from Nigeria varies, but it usually takes around 3 months. You must submit several documents, including your passport, application form, proof of funds, and letter of acceptance from a Canadian school.
How much does it cost to study in Canada from Nigeria?
The cost of studying in Canada from Nigeria varies according to the school and program selected. Tuition and other associated costs typically range from $10,000 to $50,000 per year. Some scholarships and financial aid are available, so make sure to look into your options.
How do I apply for a Canadian student visa in Nigeria?
You can apply for a visa either online or in person. If you apply on paper, you must submit your documents at a visa application center in Nigeria. Regardless of how you apply for a visa, your biometrics will be taken at the visa application center.
How much is Canada visa from Nigeria?
The visa fee for a Canadian visa from Nigeria is currently $100 CAD.
Is it necessary to take an English Language Proficiency Test? (For example, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
Some universities waive the requirement for Nigerians to submit proof of English language proficiency. Others, however, do not.
Would I be required to take the GMAT or GRE to pursue a master’s degree in Canada?
Some educational institutions do not require a GMAT/GRE for a master’s Degree. However, if you want more options, you must take the GMAT/GRE.