How to Travel to Canada from Nigeria with a Visitor Visa

Canada is a popular destination for many Nigerians who want to explore its diverse culture, natural beauty, and economic opportunities. However, before you can board a flight to Canada, you need to obtain a valid visa that allows you to enter the country as a visitor.

A visitor visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is a type of visa that lets you stay in Canada for up to six months for tourism, business, or family visits. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of applying for a visitor visa from Nigeria and what to expect during the process.

Step 1: Check if you need a visa or an eTA

The first thing you need to do is to check if you need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. An eTA is a simpler and cheaper alternative to a visa that only requires your valid passport and an online application. However, not everyone is eligible for an eTA.

According to the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), most people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents need a visa to enter Canada. However, some people may only need an eTA if they meet certain criteria, such as:

• They are from a visa-exempt country, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, or Japan.
• They are travelling to Canada by air and have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country.
• They have a valid Canadian visa or a Canadian permanent resident card.

If you are not sure if you need a visa or an eTA, you can use the online tool on the IRCC website to find out. You will need to answer a few questions about your nationality, travel purpose, and travel documents.

Step 2: Apply online or on paper for a visitor visa

If you need a visa to enter Canada, you can apply online or on paper for a visitor visa. The online application is faster and more convenient, as you can submit your documents electronically and pay the fees online. However, you will still need to visit a visa application centre (VAC) in Nigeria to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photo).

To apply online, you will need to create an account on the IRCC website and fill out the application form. You will also need to upload the following documents:

• A copy of your passport
• A passport-sized photo
• A proof of financial support, such as bank statements, pay slips, or tax returns
• A proof of travel purpose, such as a letter of invitation, a hotel reservation, or a flight itinerary
• A proof of ties to Nigeria, such as a letter from your employer, a property deed, or a family certificate
• A medical exam report, if you are planning to stay in Canada for more than six months or have a medical condition
• A police certificate, if you have a criminal record or have lived in another country for more than six months

The online application fee for a visitor visa is $100 CAD, plus an additional $85 CAD for biometrics. You can pay the fees using a credit card or a debit card.

To apply on paper, you will need to download and print the application form and the document checklist from the IRCC website. You will also need to gather the same documents as the online application, plus two passport-sized photos. You will need to submit your application and pay the fees at a VAC in Nigeria. You can find the nearest VAC on the IRCC website.

The paper application fee for a visitor visa is the same as the online application fee, but you will need to pay in Nigerian naira. You can pay the fees using cash, a bank draft, or a certified cheque.

Step 3: Wait for the processing of your application

After you submit your application, you will need to wait for the processing of your application by the IRCC. The processing time may vary depending on your country and the type of visa you applied for. You can check the current processing times on the IRCC website.

The average processing time for a visitor visa from Nigeria is about 8 weeks, but it may take longer or shorter depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of your case. You can check the status of your application online or contact the visa office where you applied.

If the IRCC needs more information or documents from you, they will contact you by email or phone. You should respond to their requests as soon as possible to avoid delays in your application.

Step 4: Receive your visa and prepare for your trip

If your application is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction and a visa sticker in your passport. The letter of introduction is not your visa, but a confirmation that you are authorized to travel to Canada. The visa sticker is your actual visa, which shows the validity period and the conditions of your stay.

You must present both the letter of introduction and the visa sticker to the border officer when you arrive in Canada. You may also need to show proof of funds, health insurance, and a return ticket. The border officer will decide whether to grant you entry or not based on your documents and your answers to their questions.

If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal and your options to appeal or reapply. You should read the letter carefully and understand why your application was rejected. You may be able to appeal the decision if you think there was an error or a misunderstanding in your application. You may also be able to reapply if you can address the issues that led to the refusal and provide new or updated information or documents.

Conclusion

Travelling to Canada from Nigeria with a visitor visa is not a simple process, but it is possible if you follow the steps and prepare the required documents. You should start your application as early as possible and check the IRCC website for the latest information and updates. You should also be honest and consistent in your application and your communication with the IRCC and the border officer.

We hope this article has helped you understand how to travel to Canada from Nigeria with a visitor visa.