Why This Canada Visa Checklist Matters for Nigerians

Nigerians apply for Canada visas every day. Visitor, student, or worker—each type needs careful prep. A checklist helps you stay organized.

This guide focuses on the visitor visa, the most common for Nigerians. It covers steps to check eligibility, gather documents, and submit without errors.

Use these checklists to see if you qualify. They draw from official sources like IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). Cross-check everything yourself.

What you’ll learn:

• Step-by-step eligibility checks tailored for Nigerians.
• Full documents list with tips on what to prepare.
• Process timeline, fees, and refusal pitfalls.
• Ways to spot scams and avoid common errors.
• Key FAQs and next actions.

Eligibility Checklist

Start here. If you fail these checks, your application may get refused. Tick each box as you verify.

Basic Requirements

• Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Canada. Renew yours at a Nigerian immigration office if needed.
• Purpose of visit: Clear reason, like tourism, family visit, or business. Write a strong invitation letter if visiting family.
• No criminal record: Declare any issues. Canada checks this.
• Good health: No serious conditions that burden public health. Get a medical exam if staying over 6 months.
• Age 18+ or guardian: Minors need parental consent.

Financial Proof

Show you can support yourself. Nigerians often face scrutiny here.

• Bank statements: Last 6 months, showing steady funds. Minimum CAD 2,500–5,000 for short trips (verify current on IRCC site).
• Sponsors: If someone pays, include their proof.
• Income proof: Payslips or tax returns from Nigeria.

Ties to Nigeria

Prove you’ll return home. This is key for Nigerians.

• Job letter: From employer stating your role and return date.
• Property or family: Deeds, birth certificates of kids in Nigeria.
• Community ties: Church or club letters.

Documents Checklist

Gather these originals and copies. Scan clearly for online upload.

Core Documents

• Passport: Bio page and all pages with stamps.
• Visa application form: IMM 5257, completed online.
• Photos: 35x45mm, white background, recent.
• Proof of purpose: Itinerary, hotel bookings, or invitation letter.
• Travel history: Old passports or stamps.

Supporting Papers

• Financial docs: Statements, sponsor affidavit.
• Ties proof: Employment letter, school transcripts if student.
• Biometrics letter: You’ll get this after online submission.
• Medical exam: If required (check IRCC tool).
• Police certificate: From Nigeria Police if requested.

Print this checklist and tick off:

• Passport copy
• Forms signed
• 2 photos
• Bank statements (6 months)
• Job letter
• Invitation (if any)
• Itinerary
• Ties evidence
• Police clearance (if needed)

Nigerians: Get police certificate from Force Headquarters in Abuja. It takes time—start early.

Application Process Checklist

Apply online via IRCC portal. Paper apps are rare now.

Online Steps

• Create account: At canada.ca/immigration (GCKey or Sign-In Partner).
• Fill forms: Answer truthfully. Use simple English.
• Upload docs: High-quality scans, under size limits.
• Pay fees: Credit card only.
• Submit: Get application number.

Biometrics and Submission

• Book biometrics: At VFS Global in Lagos or Abuja. Nigerians must do this within 30 days.
• Attend appointment: Fingers and photo.
• Track status: Use UCI number online.
• Passport submission: If approved, send to VFS.

Process checklist:

1. Register online.
2. Complete forms.
3. Upload all docs.
4. Pay and submit.
5. Book biometrics.
6. Wait for decision.
7. Submit passport if approved.

Fees, Timelines, and Costs Checklist

Fees change. Check IRCC site.

• Visa fee: CAD 100 per person [Source: official government site].
• Biometrics: CAD 85.
• Other: VFS service fee (~NGN 20,000), medicals (NGN 50,000+), courier.

Timelines: 2–8 weeks for Nigerians, but delays happen. Apply 3 months early.

Total for solo applicant: NGN 250,000+. Budget extra for docs.

Common Refusal Reasons and How to Avoid Them

Nigerians see refusals often. Top general reasons:

• Weak ties to home.
• Insufficient funds.
• Inconsistent info.
• Missing docs.
• Poor purpose proof.

Avoid by double-checking against checklists. Use IRCC webform for questions pre-submission.

Scam Warnings for Visa Services

Nigerians lose money to fake agents. Red flags:

• Promises of approval.
• Requests for cash upfront.
• Fake websites mimicking IRCC.
• No RCIC license (for Canadian consultants).

Verify agents via ICCRC site. Use only VFS for submissions. DIY is safest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting expired docs.
• Poor photo quality—use studio.
• Weak letter of explanation.
• Forgetting family ties proof.
• Applying too close to travel date.
• Using agents without checks.
• Incomplete online forms.
• Ignoring biometrics deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can Nigerians get Canada visa without bank statement?
A: No. You need financial proof or sponsor docs. Verify on IRCC.

Q2: How long does Canada visa take for Nigerians?
A: 2–8 weeks average. Track online [Source: official government site].

Q3: Do I need an interview for Canada visitor visa?
A: Rare. Mostly online decisions.

Q4: What if my Canada visa is refused?
A: Reapply with stronger docs after 6 months. No appeals for visitor visas.

Q5: Can I work on a visitor visa?
A: No. Apply for work permit separately.

Q6: Where do Nigerians do biometrics?
A: VFS in Lagos (Victoria Island) or Abuja.

Q7: Is invitation letter mandatory?
A: Not always, but helps for family visits.

Q8: How to prove funds for family group?
A: One sponsor’s statements cover all, with ties proof.

Next Steps and Conclusion

You now have checklists to prep your Canada visa app. Print them, tick off items, and verify on canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html.

Make your own timeline. Compare options like DIY or trusted services.

Bookmark this page. Start gathering docs today.