How to apply for a Canada student Visa from Nigeria

How to apply for a Canadian student visa from Nigeria, you will need to follow several steps. Here’s a general outline of the process:

Receive acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): Before applying for a study permit, you must first receive a letter of acceptance from a recognized Canadian educational institution.

Make sure the institution you choose is on the list of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

Gather necessary documents: The documents required may vary slightly depending on your specific circumstances and the Canadian visa office in Nigeria. However, common documents typically include:

• Completed study permit application form (available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website).
• Valid passport.
• Passport-sized photographs meet the IRCC specifications.
• Proof of acceptance from the DLI.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.
• Proof of ties to Nigeria, such as family, job, property, or assets, to demonstrate your intent to return after studies.
• Medical exam results (if required).
• Police clearance certificate (if required).
• Provincial Attestation Letter(PAL) for Undergraduate and Non Degree levels( Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate)

Complete the online application: Fill out the study permit application form online through the IRCC website. Follow the instructions carefully and ensure that all information provided is accurate and up-to-date.

Pay the application fee: You will need to pay the required visa application fee. Payment methods may vary depending on the visa office. Make sure to check the current fee and accepted payment methods on the official IRCC website.

Submit your application: Once you have completed the online application and paid the fees, you will need to submit your application along with the required documents to the visa office responsible for processing applications from Nigeria.

You may be required to submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) as part of the application process.

Wait for processing: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for it to be processed. Processing times can vary depending on various factors such as the time of year, the volume of applications, and your circumstances. You can check the status of your application online using the unique application number provided to you.

Attend an interview (if required): In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview at the Canadian visa office in Nigeria. If an interview is required, make sure to prepare thoroughly and bring all necessary documents and information.

Receive a decision: Once your application has been processed, you will receive a decision on your study permit application. If approved, you will receive a letter of introduction (LOI) or a Port of Entry (POE) letter, which you will need to present to Canadian immigration officials when you arrive in Canada.

Arrival in Canada: Upon arrival in Canada, you will need to present your study permit and other supporting documents to the Canadian border services officer.

How long does it take to get a Canadian student visa in Nigeria?        

There’s no exact processing time for the Canada Student visa for Nigeria-based applicants. Your application may be processed within 20 days, but the visa processing time usually takes 90 days or more.

How much bank balance is required for a Canada student visa?

In 2023, the minimum funds required, aside from the GIC, were CAD 10,000 per year. However, effective January 1, 2024, this amount has increased to CAD 20,635 per year, excluding the first year’s tuition fee.

How much is a flight ticket from Nigeria to Canada?

Flights from Nigeria to Canada range from USD1,667*

 Additional fees for optional products and services may apply.

Is Canada giving student visas easily now?   

In 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 329,213 study permits, and 60 percent of all student visa applications were approved. In contrast, the study permit approval rate declined to 55 percent in the first quarter of 2022 and further till 2023/04.

Is an interview required for a Canada student visa?

Before you can start your studies, you’ll need to obtain a student visa. The good news is that the visa application process is relatively straightforward. However, one of the requirements is an interview with a Canadian visa officer. 

What is the minimum bank balance for a Canada student visa in 2024?   

Starting January 1, 2024, a single applicant studying in Canada (but outside Quebec) must demonstrate they have at least CAN$20,635, in addition to the first year’s tuition and travel expenses.

How many years’ visa does Canada give for students?

The student visa is valid for the duration of the study program, plus an extra 90 days in case you need to extend the study permit or arrange to leave Canada.

How to pay tuition fees in Canada from Nigeria?

EverTry is not just a solution; it is the most reliable way for Nigerians to make international payments. Its virtual cards offer a convenient and accessible means to transact globally, ensuring that aspiring students can seamlessly pay their Canadian school application fees without unnecessary complications.

Does the Canadian Embassy verify the bank balance?

Contrary to common assumptions, the embassy does not verify your bank account directly. Instead, they request a few months of bank statements to assess your financial stability and history. Importantly, the embassy lacks the authorization to contact your bank directly, ensuring your financial privacy remains intact.

What are the new rules in Canada for international students in 2024?  

How is the international student process changing in Canada?

In January 2024, the Canadian government announced a temporary two-year cap on Canadian study permits. This study permit cap means the number of approved study permits (also often called Canadian student visas) in 2024 will be limited to around 360,000.

Which airlines fly from Nigeria to Canada?

The Lagos to Canada route is primarily served by Delta Air Lines, Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, United Airlines, and Air France. Non-stop flights are currently unavailable, but a connecting flight with one stop-over will get you from Lagos to Canada. 

How do I know if my Canadian visa is approved?

How to check Canada visa status online

• Visit the official Government of Canada website
• Find the “Check your application status” page
• Enter your application details
• Submit your application details
• Check your visa status.

Can I apply for a Canada student visa without IELTS?        

Yes, you can apply for a work or student visa without IELTS. The visa requirements do not specify whether to take the IELTS as the language proficiency exam.

You can opt out of any test to satisfy the eligibility criteria. However, you need to submit all the essential documents for the same.

Can international students borrow money from banks in Canada?

Yes- protected persons may be eligible to apply for federal Canada Student Loans, however, federal student loans are mostly limited to Canadian citizens.

There are private loans available to international students attending universities supported by a private lender.

Conclusion

Concluding on how to apply for a Canadian student visa from Nigeria, Kindly start the application process well in advance of your intended start date for studies to allow for processing times and any additional requirements that may arise.

Additionally, make sure to regularly check the official IRCC website for updates and changes to the application process and requirements.