If you are hoping to travel to a country like Canada either to visit a friend, or work, study, then you would definitely need a Visa for that purpose, it’s a must and that’s because you just can’t walk down there or fly down there, don’t even think of teleporting, if there are other ways you are thinking of going to Canada without getting a Visa, just stop thinking about it because you might be thinking of something illegal, “what about about through the desert???” Don’t you dare!!! NOW LET’S GO GET A VISA….FOLLOW ME
If this is your first time reading about travel and gathering every knowledge you can about it, then i bet i met help you out with all the information i’ve gathered online, to save you time, stress and hours, days or maybe months of research. So let’s begin with the first question? I search on the internet.
What is the Difference Between a Passport and a Visa?
WHAT IS A VISA?
In a short an simple explanation from wikipedia, A visa is a conditional authorization granted by a territory to a foreigner, allowing them to enter, remain within, or to leave that territory.
Great now you are wondering, so what then is a Passport? do i need both, or just one would do? can i use one in place of the other? all this questions were bugging my mind, and i couldn’t ask it out because i thought i would sound silly doing so. My advice to you is, don’t be afraid to ask questions, you would get use to it and most times you would get the answers you seek for. With that being said, let’s check out a simple definition for what a passport is.
WHAT IS A PASSPORT?
A passport is an official travel document issued by a government that contains a given person’s identity. It enables its holder travel to and from foreign countries and to access consular assistance while overseas. The document certifies the personal identity and nationality of its holder. Wikipedia
So right now, i hope you understand what a Passport and Visa is, and the difference between then. So going back to Visa, let’s see the types of Visa we have and their uses
Types of Visas
- Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
- Student Visa
- Work Visa
A visitor visa (temporary resident visa) may be multiple or single entry. A multiple-entry visa will allow you to stay in Canada for six months at a time and can be valid for up to ten years.
A single-entry visa allows you to visit Canada once and is valid for up to six months from your date of arrival. For single entry visas, your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your date of return to Nigeria.
The processing time for visas can take up to 30 days depending on the type of application submitted, the volume of applications received and whether the application is complete. Your passport and visa can be collected from the visa application centre you applied at or delivered via courier service.
Whether you are applying online through the IRCC online application system or in person through a visa application centre, you will need to follow these steps:
- Download the Document Checklist, Visitor Visa (IMM 5257), and Family Information (IMM 5645) forms.
- Fill out the application forms and gather all your supporting documents (as listed below).
- If applicable, complete the VFS consent form. When using a third-party provider, such as VFS Global, you will need to submit a consent form along with your application or your application will be returned to you.
- Pay the visa fees.
- Submit your application to your local visa application centre. Be sure to bring along all the documents stated in the document checklist and an accepted form of payment (cash is recommended).
- Pay the service charge and obtain a receipt with a unique tracking number which you can use to track the progress of your application online.
If you are unable to provide all the supporting documents, you will need to complete a waiver form and attach it to your application or you risk being denied your Canada visa.
Canada Visa Fees
The visa fees for a Visitor Visa may vary depending on if you pay online or in person at a visa application centre. They should be paid in Naira and are subject to change whenever the embassy deems it fit. But generally, there are two types of fees: an application processing fee and a biometric fee.
Estimated fees when paying online and applying in person:
- Processing fee – about ₦28,000 (about 68 US Dollars)
- Biometrics (per person) – about ₦24,000 (about 58 US Dollars)
Estimated fees when applying through the VFS Global Visa Application Centre:
- Processing fee – about ₦28,000 (about 68 US Dollars)
- Biometrics (per person) – about ₦24,000 (about 58 US Dollars)
- Service charge – about ₦17,000 (about 41 US Dollars)
Canada Visa Requirements
- Completed Visitor Visa (IMM 5257) and Family Information (IMM 5645) forms.
- Your original and copy of your Nigerian passport. The passport will need to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of return and have at least two blank pages.
- Two colour photographs that meet the visa photo requirements.
- Proof of application processing fee and, if applicable, biometric fee.
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the trip (i.e. three months’ bank statements, payslips, proof of investments etc.).
- If you are not paying for the trip you will need a letter from the person or institution sponsoring your trip and additional documents (i.e. a copy of their passport and a bank statement proving they have sufficient funds).
- Proof of ties to Nigeria (i.e. employment letter, proof of businesses or assets etc.).
- Copy of provisional flight booking and travel itinerary (i.e. accommodation reservations).
- You may need to provide a medical history or proof of good health.
- Previous passports showing travel history.
- Additional documents to support your application (i.e. marriage certificates, invitation letters etc.).
- A self-addressed return courier envelope.
- Minors (under 18) travelling alone will need a letter of authorisation signed by both parents or legal guardians. For minors travelling with one parent, a letter of authorisation from the non-accompanying parent or legal guardian is required.
- If you are visiting family or travelling for business you will need an invitation letter detailing the nature of the visit, length of stay, details of the host person or business, etc.
Paper photographs are not required if you need to supply biometrics.
Detailed document checklist for Visitor Visa.
Documents may vary if you are applying through VFS Global.
Where to Apply For Canada Visa
There are two options when applying for a Canada visitor visa: online or through a VFS Global Visa Application Centre. The visa process can take some time so using a visa application centre is recommended if you have the option
Address:
4 Anifowoshe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Telephone:
(234) 1 271 5650
Hours:
Monday to Thursday 7:30AM – 4PM
Friday 7:30AM – 1PM
Address:
Silverbird Entertainment Centre, Plot 1161, Memorial Drive, Central Business District, Abuja
Telephone:
(234) 815 019 9900
Hours:
Monday to Friday 8AM – 3PM
Address:
Manor Hall, Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way, Third Roundabout, Lekki Phase I – Lagos
Telephone:
(234) 815 019 9900
Hours:
Monday to Friday 8AM – 3PM
Online
To apply online you will need to have access to a scanner to create digital copies of your documents and a credit card to pay the processing and biometric fees.
Online applications can be done through the IRCC website.
Courier service
Once your passport and visa (if applicable) are ready for collection, you have the option of collecting it from the Visa Application Centre or having it couriered to your chosen address. The courier service will be paid for when you submit your application.
When collecting your passport in person, you will need the following documents:
- The application checklist provided to you by VFS Global when you submitted your application.
- Your original identity card or other official proof of identification.
- A copy of your photographic ID.
