How to Apply for a Canada Student Visa from Nigeria

Canada is a wonderful study destination, especially if you’re looking towards the American continent for top-quality education. It is more affordable, easy application process, scholarship opportunities, student–work permits, and opportunities for work and permanent residency after school.

If you’re considering applying to a Canadian school check out this article on the 10 best schools to study in Canada or if you already got an admission, well here’s a detailed approach on how to apply for a Canadian student visa (study permit) from Nigeria.

Canada Student Visa Immigration Eligibility

• You have been offered provisional admission into a Canadian institution or university.
• You must have proof of sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living costs, return flights, and any other future expenses.
• You must provide proof that you’ve no criminal record or pose a security threat to Canada.
• You must be in good health and mental state of mind.
• You must fulfill and answer all appropriate questions and also prove that you’ll return to Nigeria after your authorized visa expires.

Canada Student Visa Immigration Requirements

1. Original acceptance letter into a Canadian academic institution or university.
2. An international passport with at least 3-6 months validity after your proposed stay.
3. Two recent passport photographs with your name and date of birth written behind each photograph. Click here for specifications.
4. Financial sufficiency proof, to include the following: Original bank statements for four months from your financial institution stating your name, etc. Educational loan documents from a financial institution. Canadian bank account statement in your name, if the money has already been transferred. A bank draft in convertible currency. Receipts of payments of tuition and accommodation fees. Letter of consent from an individual or institution providing funding for you. Proof of funding from a Canadian scholarship body.
5. Letter of mandate explaining why you’re applying for the visa.
6. Police clearance certificate.
7. Medical examination and yellow fever certificate.
8. A duly completed online or offline application form with a generated barcode and signatures page.
9. Print out of visa fees payment receipt, if you paid online.
10. VFS consent form: You have to fill out the VFS consent form and attach it with your application form. Note that non-conformance can lead to forming returns.

Canada Student Visa Fees And Payment

The Canadian visa and immigration fees are paid in local currency via two methods i.e. online payment via credit or prepaid card after application submission and payment at the visa administration office (VFS Global). 

Canada visa fees for a study permit are CAN$150, while biometrics data fees are CAN$85. 

Ensure that you print your receipt (if you paid online) and submit it to the VFS Global office. 

Please note that you will pay an additional service charge of CAN$ 49.73 along with the above-mentioned fees.

Canada Visa Application Processing

1. Create an application account via the Canada visa and immigration website.
2. Proceed to fill your forms online or download and fill offline, if you must fill online, ensure that you have a proper PDF reader software, printer/scanner for documents softcopy generation, a valid prepaid or credit card for online visa fees payments, and a valid email address, print out all documents and receipts for submission at the VFS Global office.
3. Submission of forms, passport, all supporting documents, and biometrics is done at the CVAC Nigerian office; you’ll be issued a receipt that contains a unique tracking number to track your application progress online.
4. Visa applications are accepted on Mondays to Fridays 08:00 am – 03:00 pm; note that you’re not allowed to submit via mail.

How Long Does the Canada Student Visa Permit Take?

The Canada student visa permit takes about fifteen (15) weeks to process; this is excluding the application processing time at the visa administration office (VFS Global). You can also Track your student Visa to know when you can collect it. 

Passport Submission

After review by the Government of Canada immigration, you’ll receive a notification requesting your passport; the passport along with the request letter from IRCC may be submitted through the CVAC office either in person or by courier. 

Please note that all accompanying service charges, courier fees, and a self-addressed prepaid courier envelope should be included as well.

The service charge of CAN$39.79 (N9, 150) should be paid at any GT bank with the details below:

Account Name: CANADA VALUE ADDED SERVICE COLLECTION

Account Number: 0109515451

Forward all details to info.cannig@vfshelpline.com after payment.

The passport will be submitted to The Deputy High Commission of Canada. After review, you’ll be notified of passport retrieval which you can pick up in person or use the self-addressed prepaid courier envelope.

Canada Visa Application Offices In Nigeria

Canada Visa Application Centre, Manor Hall, Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way, Opposite Treasure Garden Estate, Third Roundabout, Lekki Phase I – Lagos.

Silverbird Entertainment Centre, 1161 Memorial Drive, Central Business District, Abuja.

Canada’s COVID-19 border and travel measures

As of October 1, 2022, all travelers, regardless of citizenship, no longer have to:

• Submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website.
• Provide proof of vaccination.
• Undergo pre- or on-arrival testing.
• Carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation.
• Monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving in Canada.
• Undergo health checks for travel on air and rail.
• Wear masks on planes and trains.

Although the masking requirement is being lifted, all travelers are strongly recommended to wear high-quality and well-fitted masks during their journeys.

However, Individuals are reminded that they should not travel if they have symptoms of COVID-19. Please take note that if you feel sick while in transit, you should inform a flight attendant, cruise staff, or a border services officer upon arrival.