Canada eta visa requirements for Nigerian citizens

Nigerians need a visa to enter Canada either for a visit or for permanent residence. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of the trip; there are business, tourist, student, employment and visitor visas.

Although the requirements for each type of visa differ, it is always mandatory to have a valid passport and all necessary documents.

Choosing the right visa should take into account the purpose and duration of your stay in Canada. It is important that you provide accurate and honest information when submitting your application, as any false document can lead to consequences such as visa rejection, delay or even a ban on entry.

Contact an immigration professional for more information about which visa best suits your needs.

Do Nigerian Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Canada?

Yes, Nigerian citizens need a visa to travel to Canada for tourism, business or to visit family. Since Nigeria is not one of Canada's visa-exempt countries, Nigerian nationals must obtain a visa in advance to legally enter the country. Visa requirements apply to all Nigerian citizens, regardless of the purpose or duration of their visit.
Before applying, they need to know the specific type of visa that best suits their travel needs. For example, if they plan to visit Canada for a short period of time, such as to travel or visit friends and family, they will need a temporary resident visa (TRV), commonly known as a visitor visa. On the other hand, if they are traveling for business purposes, they may need a business visa. For Nigerian citizens who are students or workers, a study or work permit is required.

To apply for a Canadian visa from Nigeria, you must go through an application process that includes submitting the necessary documents, paying the appropriate fees and attending an on-site interview (if required). The whole process can take weeks or even months, so it is vital that you plan your application well in advance of your planned travel dates.

You need a visa to visit Canada and the type of visa required depends on the purpose and duration of the visit. By understanding the visa requirements and starting the application process early, Nigerian travelers can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Canada.

Check Canada eta visa requirements for Nigerian citizens

Nigeria passport holders are NOT ELIGIBLE for eTA

Below is a list of requirements for a Canada Visa:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Completed visa application form
• Two colour passport photographs
• Proof of payment (receipt) of the visa application fee and (if required) the biometrics fee
• Bank statement dated within the last three months showing that you have sufficient funds to pay for your trip
• Copies of travel plans and airline tickets
• Any previous passport
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of Nigerian relationship (e.g. employment letter, investment, business or asset certificates, etc.)

All documents must be in English or French. If not, you must send them along with a copy of the original document, its translation into English or French and a sworn statement from the translator.

It is not necessary to submit the original documents unless specifically requested by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Certified copies are usually sufficient.

Types of Visas Available for Canada

Canada Study Permit

You can study in Canada with a study permit, which has a processing time of 38 to 4 months and is good for an additional 90 days following the study term. You'll need an entrance letter, evidence of school fees, a transcript for the Master's program, and, if necessary, a bank statement from your sponsor.

Business Visa for Canada.

A Canada business visa is primarily meant for commercial purposes; it does not authorize you to issue an invitation to anyone. This is a temporary visa. The embassy establishes visa validity, and a letter of invitation from the host or conference organizer is necessary.

Canada Work Permit

To work in Canada, you must first get a Canadian work permit. If your work permit expires and you are currently employed in Canada and have applied for permanent residence, you may be eligible for a bridging open work visa. This means you may continue working while determining whether to accept your permanent residency application.

Canada Visa Requirements for Nigerian Minors

In Canada, children under the age of 18 are called minors. They are subject to the same rules as other travellers entering Canada. If minors are accompanied by an adult other than a parent and enter Canada without the required documents, they are subject to stricter controls.

If the minor is travelling alone, they must present a passport (which will not be accepted even if the child's information is in the parent's passport), a copy of the child's birth certificate and an authorization form signed by both parents or legal guardians, which must include the address, name and telephone number of the parents, as well as the telephone number and address of the adult who will care for the child in Canada.

If the child is travelling with only one parent, the child's passport, a copy of the parent's national identity card or passport, a copy of the child's birth certificate and an authorization signed by the parent who is not travelling with the child must also be provided.

If the parents have joint custody of the child and are separated or divorced, the parent traveling with the child must bring a copy of the legal custody documents. If the child is traveling with adoptive parents or legal guardians, a copy of the guardianship or adoption document, as applicable, must be provided to the child.

2. How To Apply Canada eTA For Nigerian Citizens

Citizens of Nigeria need to apply for a visa at the Canada Embassy in Nigeria

Determine Visa Type:

Determine the purpose of your visit to Canada and select the appropriate visa category.

Complete the Visa Application Form:

Visit the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the Canadian Embassy/Consulate in Nigeria to complete the visa application form.

Gather Supporting Documents:

Gather all necessary documents including passport, photographs, travel itinerary, financial documents, travel insurance and accommodation details.

Submit Application:

Submit your completed application form and supporting documents online or through the designated Visa Application Centre.

Pay Visa Fee:

Pay the applicable visa fee through an acceptable payment method.

Biometric Appointment (if required):

Biometrics may be required for certain visa categories. If applicable, schedule an appointment to provide your fingerprints and photographs.

Waiting for processing:

Visa processing times vary, so please track the status of your application online or through your designated application center.

Collecting your passport and visa:

Once your visa is approved, collect your passport with visa stamps from the embassy, ​​consulate, or application center.

Embark on a journey to Canada where you will discover the beauty of Canada’s North and its diverse, warm and welcoming communities. Understanding the visa requirements is the first step towards making this dream come true. By following this comprehensive guide, Nigerian travelers can confidently complete the Canada visa application process.

Plan ahead, provide accurate information, and stay informed of any updates to the visa application process. Your Canadian adventure awaits - make it a journey filled with breathtaking scenery, friendly encounters and unforgettable moments!

3. How much bank balance is required for a Canada visitor visa from Nigeria?

You'll require at least 1,230 CAD every month to remain in Canada.

To demonstrate that you satisfy this condition and can afford expenditures for the length of your stay, you must supply the following:

Bank statements displaying the transactions from the last three months and the average balance for the last six months.

Additional documents that may be important to your application, such as an employment letter, pay stubs, evidence of pension, and so on.

If someone else is paying for your vacation instead of you, you must present documentation demonstrating how your stay will be supported, such as bank statements from your parent's account. The  person paying for your travel must also sign a document establishing their relationship to you. A photocopy of the person's passport or other picture ID document should be included in the letter.

4. Entering Canada With a Visa

When you enter Canada on a Visitor Visa, your identification will be verified to confirm you are the same person who was granted the visa. Your fingerprints will be automatically examined at the airport and compared to the information you supplied when submitting your application. In some situations, travelers may be required to undergo a secondary inspection, which includes a fingerprint check by a border services officer.