Are you planning to relocate, study, or start a new life in Canada from Nigeria in 2025? If yes, then understanding how to apply for Canada visa from Nigeria is a crucial step to take. This complete guide will show you everything you need to know from visa types, documents required, application steps, processing time, and expert tips to improve your chances.
About the Canada Visa from Nigeria
The Canada visa allows Nigerian citizens to legally enter Canada either temporarily or permanently. Depending on your goal — whether to visit, study, work, or live in Canada — there is a specific visa type for you. Canada is one of the top destinations for Nigerians due to its strong economy, peaceful environment, and immigration-friendly policies.
Many Nigerians apply every year, but only those who follow the process correctly and submit complete applications stand a good chance of getting approved. That is why knowing how to apply for Canada visa from Nigeria is very important.
Types of Canada Visas for Nigerians
There are different types of Canada visas you can apply for from Nigeria. These include:
1. Visitor Visa
Also called a tourist visa, this is for people who want to visit Canada for tourism, business, or to see family and friends. It is usually valid for up to 6 months.
2. Study Permit
This visa is for Nigerians who want to study in Canada at a recognized school, college, or university. It allows you to stay for the length of your program.
3. Work Permit
This visa allows you to work in Canada legally. You must have a job offer from a Canadian employer before applying.
4. Express Entry (Permanent Residency)
This is for skilled workers who want to move to Canada permanently. It uses a point-based system, and you will need to take a language test and show proof of education and work experience.
5. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Each Canadian province has its own immigration program to attract skilled workers. You can apply through any province that suits your skills and job.
Who Can Apply for Canada Visa from Nigeria?
To apply for Canada visa from Nigeria, you must:
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Have a valid Nigerian passport
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Be in good health and may be required to undergo a medical exam
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Have no criminal record (a police clearance certificate is usually required)
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Show strong ties to Nigeria (like a job, family, or property)
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Prove you will leave Canada at the end of your visit or visa period
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Have enough funds to cover your stay, fees, and travel
Each visa type has its specific requirements, so it's important to choose the right visa before applying.
Documents Required for Canada Visa Application
When applying for a Canada visa from Nigeria, these are the key documents you will need:
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A valid Nigerian passport (with at least two blank pages)
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Recent passport-sized photographs (according to Canada specifications)
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Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor letter, salary slips, or fixed deposits)
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Letter of invitation (if you are visiting a friend or family member)
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Acceptance letter from a Canadian school (for study permit)
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Employment letter or job offer (for work permit)
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Proof of ties to Nigeria (job letter, property documents, family details)
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Police clearance certificate
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Medical exam result (depending on visa type)
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Visa application forms (IMM 5257, IMM 1294, etc.)
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Proof of visa fee payment
Make sure all documents are clear, complete, and up to date. Submitting fake or incomplete documents can lead to a visa refusal.
How to Apply for Canada Visa from Nigeria: Step-by-Step Process
Follow these steps to successfully apply for your Canada visa:
Step 1: Decide the Type of Visa
Know exactly why you want to go to Canada. This helps you choose the correct visa (visitor, study, work, or permanent residency).
Step 2: Create an IRCC Online Account
Go to the official Canada immigration website and create a GCKey or IRCC account to start your online application.
Step 3: Fill and Submit Your Application Form
Complete the right application form based on your visa type. Answer all questions truthfully and double-check for errors.
Step 4: Upload Your Documents
Scan and upload all the required documents. Make sure each file is clear and in PDF or JPEG format as specified.
Step 5: Pay the Visa Application Fees
Pay your fees online using a Nigerian Mastercard or Visa card. The amount depends on your visa type (e.g., CAD 100 for visitor visa, CAD 150 for study permit).
Step 6: Schedule and Attend Biometrics Appointment
After paying, you’ll receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL). Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Lagos or Abuja to submit your fingerprints and photo.
Step 7: Complete Medical Exam (If Required)
You may be asked to go for a medical test. Visit only IRCC-approved hospitals or clinics in Nigeria.
Step 8: Wait for Processing
Login to your IRCC account to check your application status. Processing time depends on the visa type and application volume.
Step 9: Submit Your Passport
If your visa is approved, you’ll receive a request to submit your passport to VFS for visa stamping.
Step 10: Get Your Visa and Travel
Your passport will be returned with the visa stamped in it. Make sure to travel before the expiry date on the visa.
How Much Is Canada Visa Fee in Nigeria?
Here is a breakdown of the Canada visa application fees in 2025:
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Visitor Visa: CAD 100
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Study Permit: CAD 150
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Work Permit: CAD 155
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Biometrics: CAD 85
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Express Entry PR Application: CAD 550
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Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD 515
Fees must be paid in Canadian Dollars (CAD), and the equivalent in Naira will depend on the current exchange rate. Always check the official IRCC website for up-to-date fees.
How Long Does It Take to Process Canada Visa from Nigeria?
The average processing time depends on the type of visa:
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Visitor Visa: 2 to 4 weeks
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Study Permit: 4 to 8 weeks
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Work Permit: 6 to 12 weeks
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Express Entry PR: Around 6 months
Processing time can be faster or slower depending on the season, your documents, and visa office workload. Apply early to avoid delays.
Canada Immigration Medical Exam for Nigerians
Some visa types require a medical exam. You’ll be notified if you need one after applying.
Important Points:
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Only IRCC-approved clinics are accepted
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Your exam results are sent directly to IRCC
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The exam is valid for 1 year
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It includes tests like chest x-ray, blood tests, and physical exam
Canada Biometrics for Nigerian Applicants
Biometrics means you will give your fingerprints and take a digital photo. This is done at Canada VAC offices in Lagos or Abuja.
You must:
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Book an appointment online after receiving the BIL
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Attend on time and take your passport
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Pay CAD 85 for the biometrics fee
Once taken, your biometrics remain valid for 10 years.
Why Your Visa Can Be Refused
Even after applying, your Canada visa from Nigeria can be refused for reasons like:
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Incomplete or fake documents
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Insufficient funds
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Weak ties to Nigeria
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Wrong visa type
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Inconsistencies in your form
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Low IELTS score (for study or PR)
If your visa is refused, you can reapply after fixing the issue. Carefully study the refusal letter and avoid repeating the same mistake.
Tips to Get Canada Visa Approved from Nigeria
Here are some important tips to boost your approval chances:
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Apply early and fill the form carefully
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Provide a strong financial statement
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Attach a cover letter explaining your purpose of travel
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Be honest in all your documents
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Prepare well for your medical and biometrics
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Check your email regularly for updates
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Upload clear and complete documents
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Show strong ties to Nigeria (job, family, property)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on How to Apply for Canada Visa from Nigeria
1. What is the easiest way to apply for a Canada visa from Nigeria?
The easiest way is to apply online through the official IRCC website. Create an account, fill out the form, upload your documents, and submit. You’ll then go for biometrics and possibly a medical exam. It is faster, safer, and easier to track online.
2. How much is Canada visa fee from Nigeria in 2025?
The visa fee depends on the type:
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Visitor visa: CAD 100
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Study permit: CAD 150
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Work permit: CAD 155
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Express Entry PR: CAD 550
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Biometrics: CAD 85
The Naira equivalent depends on the exchange rate at the time of payment.
3. Can I apply for Canada visa without an agent?
Yes. Many Nigerians successfully apply without using agents. If you follow the correct steps, prepare your documents, and understand how to apply for Canada visa from Nigeria, you can do it yourself without paying extra to third parties.
4. How long does it take to get Canada visa from Nigeria?
It depends on your visa type:
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Visitor visa: 2 to 4 weeks
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Study permit: 4 to 8 weeks
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Work permit: 6 to 12 weeks
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Express Entry PR: 6 months or more
It’s best to apply early and monitor your application status online.
5. Do I need IELTS to apply for a Canada visa from Nigeria?
Not always. IELTS is only required for student visas (study permits), work permits (in some cases), and Express Entry (PR). You don’t need it for a visitor visa or short-term business trips.
6. Can I apply for Canada visa from Nigeria without a bank statement?
No. A bank statement is one of the key documents. It proves that you can support yourself financially during your stay. If someone else is sponsoring you, you still need their bank statement and a letter of sponsorship.
7. What can I do if my Canada visa is refused?
If your visa is refused, don’t panic. First, study the refusal letter carefully. Then correct the issues (e.g., incomplete documents, low funds, or unclear purpose). You can reapply when ready. Avoid rushing into a new application without fixing the problem.
8. Where can I do biometrics in Nigeria for Canada visa?
Canada has two official Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Nigeria:
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Lagos: Victoria Island
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Abuja: Central Business District
Once you receive your Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL), book an appointment and attend with your documents.
9. Can I reapply for a Canada visa immediately after refusal?
Yes, but only if you have corrected the issue that caused the refusal. Reapplying with the same errors will most likely lead to another rejection. Take your time to fix all the mistakes before applying again.
10. Do I need a medical exam for a Canada visa?
It depends. Medical exams are usually required for:
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Study permits (if your course is more than 6 months)
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Work permits in healthcare or childcare
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Permanent residency (PR)
You will be told if a medical is needed. Only do it at an IRCC-approved clinic in Nigeria.
Final Thoughts on How to Apply for Canada Visa from Nigeria
Canada offers great opportunities for Nigerians, but the visa process must be followed carefully. Whether you want to visit, study, work, or stay permanently, it is important to understand how to apply for Canada visa from Nigeria and meet all requirements.
Start early, gather your documents, and follow the steps one after another. With proper preparation, you can successfully get your Canada visa and take the next big step in your life.
If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with others who are also interested in applying for a Canada visa from Nigeria.