Canada Visa Guide

Simple Step-by-step Guide To Getting a Canada Visa

Whether you are visiting Canada for the first time or returning to rediscover the cultural buzz of Montréal or seeing family in Toronto for your traditional Christmas gathering, you will need a Canada visa to enter the country. Your ambitions of visiting this land where no dream is too great and anything is possible have just become a little less complicated with our step-by-step guide to the Canada Visa application process.


These procedures only apply to Nigerian passport holders.

Types of Canada Visa

There are numerous types of visas available in Canada:

  • Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
  • Students Visa
  • Work Visa

Canada Visa Validity:

A visitor visa (temporary resident visa) can be issued for numerous or single entries. A multiple-entry visa allows you to stay in Canada for six months at a time and is valid for up to ten years.

A single-entry visa allows you to visit Canada only once and is valid for up to six months from your arrival date. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date to Nigeria for single entry visas.

Visas can take up to 30 days to process, depending on the type of application filed, the number of applications received, and whether the application is complete. Your passport and visa can be picked up at the visa application center where you applied, or they can be delivered by courier service.

How to Apply for a Visa to Canada Online

Whether you apply online through the IRCC online application system or in person at a visa application center, you must complete the following steps:

  1. Download the forms for the Document Checklist, Visitor Visa (IMM 5257), and Family Information (IMM 5645)
  2. Complete the application forms and gather all of your supporting documentation (as listed below).
  3. Fill out the VFS consent form if applicable. When using a third-party supplier, such as VFS Global, you must submit a consent form with your application or your application will be returned to you.
  4. Pay your visa fees.
  5. Send your application to your nearest visa application center. Bring all of the documents listed on the document checklist, as well as an accepted form of payment (cash is recommended).
  6. Pay the service fee and receive a receipt with a unique tracking number that you may use to track the status of your application online.
  7. If you are unable to produce all of the required documents, you must complete a waiver form and attach it to your application or risk having your Canada visa denied.

Canada Visa Fees

The Visitor Visa visa may differ based on whether you pay online or in person at a visa application center. They should be paid in Naira and are subject to change at the embassy’s discretion. However, there are two types of expenses: application processing fees and biometric fees.

Fees for paying online and applying in person:

  • The processing charge is approximately $28,000. (about 68 US Dollars)
  • Biometrics (per individual) – about 24,000 (about 58 US Dollars)

Fees to apply through the VFS Global Visa Application Centre:

  • The processing charge is approximately $28,000. (about 68 US Dollars)
  • Biometrics (per individual) – about 24,000 (about 58 US Dollars)
  • Approximately 17,000 in service charges (about 41 US Dollars)

Visa Requirements for Canada

  • Visitor Visa (IMM 5257) and Family Information (IMM 5645) forms must be completed.
  • Your Nigerian passport, both original and duplicate. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date and contain at least two blank pages.
  • Two passport-sized color images that meet the visa photo requirements.
  • Application processing cost and, if applicable, biometric fee proof
  • Proof of sufficient cash for the duration of the trip (for example, three months’ bank statements, payslips, investment proof, etc.).
  • If you are not paying for the trip, you will need a letter from the person or institution that is supporting it, as well as extra papers (i.e. a copy of their passport and a bank statement proving they have sufficient funds).
  • Evidence of Nigerian ties (i.e. employment letter, proof of businesses or assets etc.).
  • a copy of the provisional flight booking and itinerary (i.e. accommodation reservations).
  • A medical history or confirmation of excellent health may be required.
  • Previous passports demonstrating travel history
  • Documents to supplement your application (i.e. marriage certificates, invitation letters etc.).
  • A return courier envelope with your return address.

Minors (those under the age of 18) traveling alone must have a letter of authorization signed by both parents or legal guardians. A letter of authorization from the non-accompanying parent or legal guardian is required for minors traveling with one parent.

If you are visiting family or traveling for business, you will need an invitation letter outlining the purpose of your visit, the length of your stay, the host person or business, and so on.

If you need to provide biometrics, paper photos are not necessary.

Where Can I Apply?

When applying for a visitor visa to Canada, you have two options: online or at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre. The visa application process might be time-consuming, therefore if possible, use a visa application center.

Embassy of Canada in Nigeria

Address:

Victoria Island, 4 Anifowoshe Street, Lagos

Telephone:

(234) 1 271 5650

Hours:

Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Abuja Canadian Visa Application Center

Address:

Plot 1161, Memorial Drive, Abuja Central Business District, Silverbird Entertainment Centre

Telephone:

(234) 815 019 9900

Hours:

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lagos Canadian Visa Application Center.

Address:

Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way, Third Roundabout, Lekki Phase I, Lagos

Telephone:

(234) 815 019 9900

Hours:

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Online

To apply online, you need need a scanner to make digital copies of your documents, as well as a credit card to pay the processing and biometric fees.

Online applications are accepted via the IRCC website.

Delivery service

When your passport and visa (if applicable) are available for collection, you can pick them up at the Visa Application Centre or have them couriered to your preferred address. When you submit your application, you will be charged for the courier service.

You will need the following documents to pick up your passport in person:

  • VFS Global provided you with an application checklist when you submitted your application.
  • Your original identity card or another formal identification document.
  • A photocopy of your identification.

How to Extend a Visitor Visa to Canada

If you are currently in Canada and want to stay through the expiration date of your visa, you can apply for an extension. An IMM 5708 Form must be completed in order to apply for an extension.

You will be given a visitor record if your application to extend your stay in Canada is approved.

A visitor log:

  • is a document that states how long you are permitted to stay in Canada.
  • involves a deadline

That is the deadline for leaving Canada.

A visitor record does not ensure admission to Canada. If you intend to travel outside of Canada or the United States, you must return to Canada with a valid entry document.

What are the Requirements for Extending a Visitor Visa to Canada?

  • You must be currently residing in Canada.
  • You must have a current passport that is valid for the duration of your stay.
  • Pay the associated cost for Form IMM 5708.
  • You must ensure that any other licenses you hold (study or job) remain valid and do not conflict with your visitor’s permission.

Canada Visitor Visa Renewal

When your current visitor visa expires, you are no longer permitted to extend it. If you want to stay in Canada, you must apply to have your status restored or leave the country. You must apply for a Restoration of Status within 90 days after the expiration date of your visitor visa.

  • Restored Status Requirements
  • Payment of Restoration Fees

Give specifics on:

  • Why do you want to stay in Canada for a longer period of time?
  • Proof of current Canadian residency
  • Financial proof that you can support yourself in Canada
  • A schedule of when you intend to leave Canada, including departure dates and times.
  • Demonstrate that your stay in Canada is only temporary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tourist Visas in Canada

What if you leave and then return to Canada before your visitor visa expires?

Visitor visas differ in their “features.” Some are single entry visas, which allow for only one visit to Canada. Unless you are traveling to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you will need to apply for another visa if you leave Canada and want to return. However, some visas are multiple entry visas that allow persons to leave and return to Canada while their visas are valid.

Is it possible to extend my visitor status?

If you are in Canada on a visitor visa and want to extend your stay, you must first obtain visitor status. From within Canada, you can apply for visitor status at a Canadian immigration office. However, you should apply before your existing visitor status expires. In general, if you travel to Canada as a ‘visitor,’ you will be granted visitor status for six months. If your visitor status expires but you have previously applied for an extension and are waiting for your renewal, you have what is known as implied status until a final decision is reached on your extension application. If your application for an extension is denied, you may apply for restoration of status if you do so within 90 days of the denial date.

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