How to Apply for Canadian Tourist Visa

Canadian Tourist Visa Application Online; Forms, Requirements, Fees, Waiting Time

Do you know how to apply for Canadian Visa in Nigeria? Located in North America, Canada is really a beautiful country with a bevy of breath-taking places including Jasper National Park, Banff, Niagara Falls, Vancouver, Quebec City, and so on.

With such a mesmerizing array of landscapes and lakes — the country has the highest number of lakes, more than those in the rest of the world combined — visiting Canada as a tourist is, indeed, a riveting experience.

To journey to your favorite destination in this country from Nigeria, you will need a visa. This is a comprehensive guide explaining all you need to know, step-by-step, to expedite your Tourist Visa application process and make it less complicated.

If you are a Nigerian passport holder, you would need a tourist visa to visit Canada. Your application for visa should be submitted online via the online application system of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or through the Canadian Visa Application Centre in Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Global, Lagos or Abuja.

It is advised that you check your eligibility before initiating the application process and submitting your application prior to your flight departure. Once your visa application has been processed successfully, all you need do is to start planning the trip, book your tickets, and then get your luggage!

Please bear this in mind: The procedure described herein is applicable to Nigerian passport holders. Travelrify doesn’t provide visa consultancy services or assist with processing of visa applications. It is advised that you check the website of your embassy PRIOR to applying for Canadian Tourist visa.

Types of Canadian Visas

These are, Visitor Visa (also called Temporary Resident Visa); Student Visa as well as Work Visa. Let’s discuss the last 2 types briefly before we take an in-depth look into the first one. In order to pursue a degree in a school in Canada, you’ll need to get a Canadian study permit that performs the function of a Canadian student visa for the duration of your stay/program in the country. Work visas are issued to applicants, with certain skills and job offers in a Canadian company, to allow them live and work in the country either temporarily or permanently.

Visitor Visa

Canada Tourist Visa, alternatively called Canadian Temporary Resident Visa or Canada Visitor Visa, is a temporary Canadian immigration option that enables tourists to visit the country for tourism and leisure purpose. This type of visa is valid for a maximum period of 6 months. There are two types of Canadian Visitor Visa: single-entry visa and multiple entry visa. The validity of both of these visas lasts for a fixed period, and you will have to get a new visa after expiration.

Single-Entry Visa: As its name implies, this visa type lets you visit Canada once. It is valid for as long as 6 months from the date of arrival. For single entry visa, you need to have a passport, valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the date you returned to Nigeria. Canada Visa Nigeria processing time can last for as long as 30 days, based on the kind of application you submitted, the number of applications received (whether huge or moderate), and whether the application you submitted is complete. Your passport as well as visa can either be collected from the Visa Application Centre that you sent your application to or delivered using courier service.

As earlier stated, once you leave this country, a new visa is required to enter Canada again except if you intend to travel to the US as well as St. Pierre and Miquelon. Furthermore, if you are visiting the US (with its Territories and Possessions inclusive) or St. Pierre and Miquelon as a tourist, you won’t require a new visitor visa for your return to Canada.

Multiple Entry Visa: This type enable you to travel to and from Canada for 6 months at a time, without the need to apply again each time. The validity of multiple entry visas are up to 10 years, or a month before the passport of the visa holder expires, whichever of both takes place earlier.

Fees for Canadian Visa Application

How much is Canada visa fee 2018? The visa fees for a Visitor Visa could be different if you make the payment online than in person at the Visa Application Center (VAC). They have to be paid in naira and could be changed anytime the embassy feels it is necessary. However, generally, you should note that there are 2 types of visa fees: an application processing fee as well as a biometric fee.

Estimated Canada Visa Application fees when making payment on the internet and submitting an application in person:

• Processing fee: approximately ₦28,000 (around $77)
• Biometrics per person: approximately ₦24,000 (around $66)

Estimated fees when submitting an application via the Visa Application Centre in VFS Global:

• Processing fee: around ₦28,000 (approx. $77)
• Biometrics per person: around ₦24,000 (approx. $66)
• Service charge: around ₦17,000 (approx. $47)

Canadian Visa Requirements

So what documents are required for Canada tourist visa? Below are the basic Canada Visa Application forms:

• Completed Visitor Visa (IMM 5257) as well as Family Information (IMM 5645) forms
• A valid Nigerian passport (original and copy) with a validity period of at least 6 months beyond your return date and contains two blank pages, at least
• 2 color photographs that fulfill the visa photo requirements
• Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of your visit such as your bank statement for 3 months, pay slips, proof of investments, etc.
• Evidence of the processing fee of your application and biometric fee, if needed
• If you’re not the onepaying for the trip, a letter is needed from the sponsor of your trip (whether a person or an institution) along with other documents like a copy of their passport as well as a bank statement that serves as proof they’ve sufficient funds
• Copy of provisional flight booking in addition to travel itinerary like accommodation reservations
• Evidence of ties to Nigeria such as letter of employment, proof of businesses or assets and the likes
• Medical history or proof showing you’re in sound health
• Former passports that show travel history
• A return courier envelope that is self-addressed.
• Other documents supporting the application including invitation letters, marriage certificates, and so on
• Minors, below 18, who want to travel alone, will require a letter of authorization, which is signed by their two parents or legal guardians. For minors that are travelling with one of their parents, a letter of authorization obtained from the other parent or legal guardian is needed
• If you intend to visit family or to travel for business, you’ll require a letter of invitation stating, in details, the nature of your visit, duration of stay, personal details of your host person or company, and others

Please bear this in mind: You do not need paper photographs if you’ve to provide biometrics. Check here for comprehensive document checklist for Visitor Visa. Also, the required documents may be different from those stated above if you’re applying via VFS Global.

Locations to Apply

As said earlier, 2 options are available when applying for a Canadian Tourist Visa: online or via the Visa Application Centre in VFS Global. This process can last for some time; thus, making use of a Visa Application Center is advised if you’ve the option.

Online: To submit an application online, you’ll have to gain access to a scanner for creating digital copies of your documents. You will also need a credit card for making payment for the processing and biometric fees. Online applications can be carried out via the IRCC website. We will give more information about this shortly.

Canadian Embassy in Nigeria

Address: No. 4 Anifowose Str., V.I., Lagos

Telephone: (+234) 1-271-5650

Office hours:  7:30AM – 4PM, Mon – Thurs & 7:30 AM – 1 PM, Fri

Canadian Visa Application Centre in Abuja

Address: Plot 1161, Silverbird Entertainment Center, Memorial Drive, Central Business District, Abuja

Telephone: (+234) 815-019-9900

Office hours: 8AM – 3PM, Mon to Fri

Canadian Visa Application Centre in Lagos

Address: Plot 110, Manor Hall, Admiral Ayinla Way, Third Round-about, Lekki Phase I – Lagos

Telephone: (+234) 815-019-9900

Office hours: 8 AM – 3 PM, Mon to Fri

Parking Options

There are parking spaces at the CVAC located in Abuja and Lagos. However, parking is limited at the VFS Global office in the latter. There are buses as well as taxis to convey you to the Visa Application Center.

Courier Service: Immediately you have been notified that your passport and visa, if needed, are ready to be collected; you can either collect it from the Visa Application Centre or have it delivered to your preferred address via courier. The payment for this courier service will be made when you submit an application. The cost of the return courier service is in the neighborhood of ₦8,060 (around $23).

The following documents are required when collecting your passport in person:

• Your application checklist given by VFS Global when you completed the application
• Your original ID card or another suitable official proof of identification
• Your photographic ID (a copy)

Submit Your Visa Application in-Person

From 31st of July, 2018, you may be required to provide your fingerprints as well as photos (biometrics) at a VAC when you intend applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit, or permanent residence if you’re from a country or territory in Africa, Europe, the Middle East or if you’re from a country, which is biometrics required already. Click this link for more info.

It is not mandatory that you schedule an appointment for Biometric Enrolment as walk-in applicants are always encouraged to submit their biometrics (fingerprints and photos) without any prior appointment. But you should note that a planned visit with a convenient time slot through an appointment at VAC guarantees fast service, thereby preventing longer waiting time that could cause inconvenience. Schedule an appointment at your local VAC, either via their website or by contacting the call center at +2348150199900.

Please Note:

• Applicants for permanent residence will have to supply their biometrics with each application
• If you’ve previously submitted an application for a visitor visa, study or work permit and are doubtful that your biometrics have been supplied; kindly check IRCC websiteto confirm if the biometrics are still valid
• Go to IRCC sitefor a list of countries that require visa for temporary residents
• For the purpose of the collection of biometrics, nationality is based on that particular nationality that you’ve stated in question no. 6 (“Citizenship”) on your IRCC application form
• Applicants that have applied to IRCC online have to supply a Biometric Instruction Letter for enrolling their biometrics. Please check IRCC site for further info
• Applicants that are submitting their application in person at a Visa Application Center need not provide a Biometric Instruction Letter

Nationals from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, as well as those that are biometrics required already from Asia, along with the Americas should just present their biometrics once in 10 years for applications for visitor visa, study permit or work permit. But permanent resident applicants will have to provide their biometrics irrespective of whether they previously presented their biometrics.

Step 1: Read the detailed info on the requirements for visa/permit on IRCC website and download the relevant application forms as well as checklist that is appropriate for the purpose of your trip. Refer to this page  to get details on visas/permits. Check if you are required to present your biometrics.

Step 2: Fill out your application form, as well as other necessary documents electronically, and then print. Ensure that you print forms (the barcoded sheets inclusive) on a white, bond quality, non-glossy paper with the aid of a laser printer.

If you can’t supply all the required supporting documents as enumerated in the official IRCC document checklist, you need to fill out as well as sign the waiver form and make sure it’s attached with your application form. If you fail to present a completed and signed waiver form, you may encounter additional delays or your application for a visa, travel document or permit may be refused.

Step 3:  Go through the attached privacy policy; complete the VFS consent form and then attach the form with your application form. You should bear in mind that if you fail to include a completed and signed VFS consent form with your application, your application will NOT be processed and will be returned to you.

Step 4: Make payment for visa fees as well as biometric fee, if needed, depending on the instructions in the Canadian Visa Office site. When you’re applying via the Canadian Visa Application Center, either in person or by mail, visa fees have to be paid along with the service charge of CVAC (VFS Global).

Step 5: Visit the nearest CVAC and ensure that you go with your documents including completed forms, passport, photographs, and every other supporting document and photocopy as stated in the checklist. Don’t forget IRCC fee and payment instructions as well. Do note that applicable service charges will be levied, and make sure you provide an accepted payment method.

Please Note: If you are required to present your biometrics, the Canadian Visa Application Center will collect them simultaneously with your complete application. DON’T send the application via mail to the CVAC.

Step 6: Once you get to the center, make payment for the service charges; submit your complete application and then get a receipt. The receipt has a unique tracking number, needed for monitoring the progress of your application online.

Please Note: If you are required to present your biometrics, the $85 CAD biometric fee you paid covers the service charge of CVAC for application handling.

Printing and Photographs

You can make use of these services at the VFS Global application centers for an extra fee:

• Photography Services (per applicant) goes for around ₦2,340 (approximately $6.50)
• Photocopy Services (per page) costs around ₦40 (approximately $0.10)

You can print all relevant documents and photographs for your Canada Tourist Visa at these places:

Lagos

Kodak Express

Address: Palms Shopping Mall, No. 1 Bisway Street, Maroko, Lagos

Telephone: (+234) 803-473-3069

Or

Address: No. 1 Balogun Street, Off Awolowo Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos

Telephone: (+234) 815-814-7738

Abuja

Fotogold Studio Limited

Address: Plot 10, Lagos Crescent, Garki, Abuja

Telephone: (+234) 803-705-3201

Photo Works Lab

Address: Suite C86, Murg Shopping Mall, Akwa Street, Area 10, Garki, Abuja

Telephone: (+234) 809-812-9319

Clin Cyber Cafe and Business Center

Address: Suite CDS2, Ground Floor, No. 354 Mike Akhigbe Way, Jabi, Abuja

Telephone: (+234) 703-196-2009

Cyber Café

Address: No. 78 Abidjan Street & Off Herbert Marcaulay Way, Zone 3, Wuse, Abuja

Telephone: (+234) 803-597-5901

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cost of visa processing fee for Canadian Tourist Visa Application?

Processing fee alone goes for 100 CAD. If your visa application has been granted approval, you should pay the service charge of VFS which is 543.15 Php as well as Courier Fee, 293.95 Php. You can also decide to pick up your passport.

2. How long does it take to process visa?

It normally lasts for 10 – 14 days. However, occasionally, it can last for as long as 30 days.

3. Is it necessary that I have a showmoney?

Your financial capacity is definitely among the requirements. But it isn’t clear the specific amount of money that should be in your account. People opine 200 CAD per day of stay is more than enough. Just ensure you’ve enough funds that will cover your accommodation as well as flight expenses.

4. What do I do if my visa is not approved?

You can always submit another application. However, this time, you should ensure that all the areas that caused the denial are determined so as not repeat the same mistakes and errors. Make use of your old CIC Account for re-applying.

5. Is there any limit to the size of files that are to be uploaded?

Yes! The size of every file shall not be more than 4MB.

6. My US Visa is valid; is it necessary to apply for a Tourist Visa to Canada?

Yes, majority of travelers are required to get a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to visit, or transit via, Canada.

7. I forgot to include a document in my visa application; is there any means through which I can send them after my application is submitted already?

No, unless they request for the document (which is not so likely). This is why you must carefully go through your documents and ensure that all relevant ones are attached with your application.

8. Is it possible to have my authorized length of stay extended?

Yes. If, for one reason or the other, you intend staying longer than the period specified on your visa, you can apply for an extension at least one month prior to the authorized end of your stay in Canada.

9. Is travel insuranceneeded?

This isn’t mandatory but it is advised that you get one to prevent any unforeseen circumstances.

10. Do you recommend that I use the services of a tour agency?

Personally, it makes no difference if you employ services. You can do all by yourself. The services of tour agency, apart from the fact that they could be exorbitant, do not guarantee visa approval. It is always up to you, and those documents that you’ve submitted are also important.

Disclaimer: Every piece of information stated on this blog page was accurate as at the time of publishing and could change any time without any prior notice. Travelrify has no affiliation with any immigration authority or their application centers, and will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of this information. Also, Travelrify cannot be held responsible if the Canadian Embassy does not approve your visa and/or you forfeit any payment during the transaction.