Canadian tourist/visitor visa application process

Whether you are embarking on your maiden voyage to Canada or revisiting to experience the vibrant cultural scene of Montréal or join your family in Toronto for your annual Christmas gathering, obtaining a Canada visa is essential for your journey. With this comprehensive guide to the application process for a Tourist Visa, your aspirations of exploring a land where dreams know no bounds and possibilities are endless will be made simpler.

Kindly be aware that the following procedure is specifically designed for individuals holding Nigerian passport

Types of Visas

There are several types of visas for Canada:

• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
• Student Visa
• Work Visa

Validity:

How to Apply for a Canada Visa Online

Regardless of whether you choose to apply online using the IRCC online application system or in person at a visa application centre, the following steps must be followed:

1. Download the Document Checklist, Visitor Visa (IMM 5257), and Family Information (IMM 5645) forms.
2. Complete the application forms and collect all the necessary supporting documents as mentioned below.
3. If applicable, fill out the  VFS consent form. If you choose to use a third-party provider like VFS Global, you must include a consent form with your application; otherwise, your application will be returned to you.
4. Make the payment for the visa fees.
5. Submit your application at the local visa application centre. Remember to bring all the documents listed in the document checklist and an accepted form of payment (cash is recommended).
6. Pay the service charge and receive a receipt containing a unique tracking number. You can use this number to monitor the progress of your application online.

In the event that you are unable to furnish all the necessary supporting documents, it will be necessary for you to fill out a  waiver form  and include it with your Canada visa application. Failure to do so may result in the possibility of your visa being denied.

Canada Visa Fees

The fees for a Visitor Visa can differ depending on whether you make the payment online or in person at a visa application center. These fees must be paid in Naira and are subject to change at the discretion of the embassy. Generally, there are two types of fees involved: an application processing fee and a biometric fee.

Estimated fees when paying online and applying in person:

• Visa Processing fee – about ₦34,139 (about 74 US Dollars)
• Biometrics (per person) – about ₦27,675 (about 60 US Dollars)

Estimated fees when applying through the VFS Global Visa Application Centre:

• Visa Processing fee – about ₦34,139 (about 74 US Dollars)
• Biometrics (per person) – about ₦27,675 (about 60 US Dollars)
• Service charge – about ₦20,756 (about 41 US Dollars)

Canada Visa Requirements

Rephrased:

• Fully completed forms for the Visitor Visa (IMM 5257) and Family Information (IMM 5645).
• Original and photocopy of your Nigerian passport. The passport should remain valid for at least six months beyond the date of your return and have at least two blank pages.
• Two color photographs that meet the requirements for visa photos.
• Proof of payment for the application processing fee and, if applicable, the biometric fee.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses throughout the duration of your trip, such as three months’ worth of bank statements, payslips, or proof of investments.
• If someone else is covering the expenses, a sponsorship letter from the person or institution, along with additional documents such as a copy of their passport and bank statement demonstrating sufficient funds.
• Supporting evidence of ties to Nigeria, such as an employment letter, proof of business ownership, or evidence of assets.
• Copy of provisional flight booking and travel itinerary, including accommodation reservations.
• It may be necessary to provide a medical history or proof of good health.
• Previous passports showing your travel history.
• Additional documents to support your application, such as marriage certificates or invitation letters.
• A self-addressed return courier envelope.
• For minors (under 18) traveling alone, a letter of authorization signed by both parents or legal guardians is required. If traveling with one parent, a letter of authorization from the non-accompanying parent or legal guardian is necessary.
• If visiting family or traveling for business, an invitation letter outlining the purpose of the visit, duration of stay, details of the host person or business, etc., will be needed.

If you need to provide biometrics, there is no need for paper photographs.

Detailed document checklist for Visitor Visa.

Documents may vary if you are applying through VFS Global.

Where to Apply

When applying for a visitor visa to Canada, you have two choices: submitting your application online or going through a VFS Global Visa Application Centre. It is advisable to utilize the visa application centre if possible, as the visa process may require a significant amount of time.

Online

In order to submit your application online, it is necessary for you to possess a scanner to generate digital versions of your documents, as well as a credit card for payment of the processing and biometric charges.

The IRCC website offers a platform for conducting IRCC website.

Courier service

Once your passport and, if necessary, visa are prepared for retrieval, you can choose to collect them either from the Visa Application Centre or have them delivered to your preferred address through a courier service. The payment for the courier service will be made during the application submission process.

For in-person passport collection, you must have the following documents with you:

1. The application checklist given to you by VFS Global when you submitted your application.
2. Your authentic identification card or any other official document serving as proof of identity.
3. A photocopy of your identification document displaying your photograph.

The information presented on this page was accurate when it was published and is subject to change without prior notice. Global Scholars Blog is an independent entity and is not associated with immigration authorities or their application centers. We cannot be held responsible for any loss or inconvenience caused by relying on this dynamic information.

Please note that Global Scholars Blog does not offer assistance in visa processing. The content provided on this page is based on research and is intended as a recommendation. We strongly advise you to visit the embassy’s official website and verify the information before applying for your visa.