Introduction
If you’re planning to apply for a Canada visa from Nigeria, it’s essential to understand the various visa types available and their corresponding fees. Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit, or permanent residency, the fees can vary significantly depending on the type of application and processing times.
In this guide, we’ll break down the Canada visa fees for Nigerian applicants in 2024, covering popular visa types, additional costs, and important steps in the application process.
1. Canada Visitor Visa Fee in Nigeria
A visitor visa (also known as a temporary resident visa or TRV) allows Nigerian citizens to visit Canada for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. Here’s the breakdown of the cost:
- Visitor Visa Application Fee: $100 CAD (approximately ₦60,000 NGN) per person.
- Family Rate (applying together): $500 CAD (approximately ₦300,000 NGN) for a family of five or more.
In addition to the application fee, there is also a biometric fee (fingerprints and photo) required for Nigerian applicants:
- Biometric Fee: $85 CAD (approximately ₦51,000 NGN) per person.
- Family Biometric Fee: $170 CAD (approximately ₦102,000 NGN) for a family applying together.
Processing Time for Visitor Visas
The processing time for a Canadian visitor visa from Nigeria can vary but generally takes between 15 to 30 days.
2. Canada Study Permit Fee in Nigeria
A study permit is required for Nigerian students who plan to pursue education at a Canadian university or college.
- Study Permit Application Fee: $150 CAD (approximately ₦90,000 NGN) per person.
- Biometric Fee: $85 CAD (approximately ₦51,000 NGN).
Additional Costs for Nigerian Students:
- Medical Exams: Some Nigerian applicants may be required to undergo a medical exam as part of the application process. The cost for a medical exam in Nigeria typically ranges from ₦40,000 to ₦60,000 NGN.
- Police Certificate: You may also need to provide a police clearance certificate, which usually costs between ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 NGN.
Processing Time for Study Permits
The processing time for a study permit from Nigeria can range from 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the time of year and the volume of applications.
3. Canada Work Permit Fee in Nigeria
If you’re applying for a Canada work permit from Nigeria, the fees are as follows:
- Work Permit Application Fee: $155 CAD (approximately ₦93,000 NGN) per person.
- Biometric Fee: $85 CAD (approximately ₦51,000 NGN).
Types of Work Permits:
- Employer-Specific Work Permit: For individuals with a job offer from a specific Canadian employer.
- Open Work Permit: Allows you to work for any employer in Canada and is often granted to spouses of international students or skilled workers.
Processing Time for Work Permits
Processing times for work permits can range from 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the type of work permit and the complexity of the application.
4. Canada Permanent Residency Visa Fee in Nigeria
If you’re applying for permanent residency in Canada through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), the fees are higher compared to temporary visas.
- Permanent Residency Application Fee: $850 CAD (approximately ₦510,000 NGN) per person.
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $515 CAD (approximately ₦310,000 NGN) per person (paid only after your application is approved).
- Biometric Fee: $85 CAD (approximately ₦51,000 NGN) per person.
Family Sponsorship
For family sponsorship applications (e.g., sponsoring a spouse or child):
- Sponsorship Fee: $1,080 CAD (approximately ₦650,000 NGN) for a spouse or partner.
- Child Sponsorship Fee: $150 CAD (approximately ₦90,000 NGN) per dependent child.
Processing Time for Permanent Residency
The processing time for Express Entry applications is typically 6 months once the full application has been submitted, but other permanent residency programs can take 12 months or more.
5. Biometrics Requirement for Nigerian Applicants
Most Nigerian applicants will be required to submit biometric information (fingerprints and photos) as part of their visa or permit application.
- Biometric Fee: $85 CAD (approximately ₦51,000 NGN) per person.
- Family Rate: $170 CAD (approximately ₦102,000 NGN) for a family applying together.
6. Additional Costs to Consider
Apart from visa fees, there are other costs you may need to consider when applying for a Canada visa from Nigeria:
Medical Examination
If required, you will need to undergo a medical exam by a designated physician. The cost for this can range between ₦40,000 to ₦60,000 NGN depending on the clinic.
Police Certificate
A police clearance certificate is sometimes required to show that you have no criminal record. In Nigeria, this typically costs between ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 NGN.
Visa Processing Centers
Visa applications are processed at Visa Application Centers (VAC) in Nigeria, located in Lagos and Abuja. Additional VAC service fees may apply when submitting your application, including courier fees or passport collection fees.
7. How to Pay Canada Visa Fees in Nigeria
You can pay Canada visa fees online using a credit card or debit card through the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. After paying, you will receive a receipt that you must include with your visa application.
For those submitting their applications through the Visa Application Center (VAC), fees can also be paid in person at the VAC office via bank transfer or direct deposit.
Conclusion: Canada Visa Fees for Nigerian Applicants
Applying for a Canada visa from Nigeria involves several costs, depending on the visa type and your specific circumstances. From visitor visas to work permits and permanent residency applications, understanding the fee structure and additional costs will help you prepare for the application process.
Make sure to double-check all fees on the IRCC website or with your local Visa Application Center in Nigeria, as exchange rates and additional fees can impact the final cost.