Canada Student Visa: Application, Requirements, Processing Time For Nigerian Students

Higher studies in Canada at an institution of post-secondary education statutorily requires you to obtain a Canadian study permit from Nigeria, which in turn, allows you to reside in the country during the full course of the program and further for an extended fixed duration if required. The Canadian government has made it easier to obtain a Canadian student visa for Nigerian students along with students of some selective countries by formulating various mechanisms to ensure quick and faster processing of applications. This blog aims to elaborate on what a study permit is as well as the essential details pertaining to the application process for a Canada visa for Nigerians, eligibility criteria and essential documents required.

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Canada Visa for Nigerians-Latest Updates

International students: as of January 15, 2022, you will need to be fully vaccinated to enter Canada. If you are unvaccinated, you will be able to enter Canada until January 14 as long as the DLI you are attending has a #Covid19 readiness plan in place. https://t.co/XGrYfkUbya

— IRCC (@CitImmCanada) November 19, 2021

Listed below are the important pointers for Canada visa news for Nigerian students-

• Fully vaccinated students are exempted from the three-night stay at a government-approved hotel. Students have to self-isolate themselves for 10 days after arriving in Canada.
• Students have to submit a negative RT-PCR test before boarding the flight to Canada and can be subjected to random testing after arriving in the country.

Also Read: Bachelors in Canada

Why Study In Canada?

Canada is one of the top countries in the world for higher education, attracting thousands of students from all over the world each year. Canada’s universities offer a world-class education that is recognized across the world, and research is one of the most important aspects of every graduate programme. Universities give support to students who come up with the greatest research ideas, and scholarships are awarded based on their research efforts. Other reasons to study in Canada include the following:

• Affordable Education
• Innovative and Abundant Research Opportunities
• Immigration Possibilities
• Exciting Campus Lifestyle
• Healthy and Safe Communities
• Work and internship opportunities for international students while they study

Upcoming Intakes In Canada

To study in Canada, universities offer three popular entry points or intakes for admissions. These are Fall, Winter, and Summer. The fall intake is the most popular in the country followed by Winter and Summer. Summer intake is the least popular intake because of the limited courses and students applying to universities.

Intakes	Applications Begin	Starting Month
Fall	June	September
Winter	November	January
Summer	February	April- May

Canada Visa for Nigerians: What is a Study Permit?

The Citizen and Immigration (CIC) issued a study permit to all the interested students who have received an offer from an accredited institution in Canada. Further, for those aspiring to study in Canada, this permit alone is not enough to let you travel and enter Canada and you may be required to possess either a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) as well. Reasonable and timely performance in your course program is also vital in order to hold a study permit. 

Also Read: PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada

Why You Need a Canada Student Visa?

A study permit is a document issued by the Canadian immigration authorities that allow international students to study in Canada. It is not a visa. International students must have a valid study permit in order to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Canada. A valid guest visa to Canada is required in addition to the study permit. If it is utilised for study reasons, it is referred to as a Canada student visa or a Canada study visa.

Eligibility Criteria

In order to apply for a student permit, you need to fulfil some prerequisites which are given in the table below:

• A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution of post-secondary learning;
• Transcripts of recent secondary or post-secondary qualification;
• Language Test Scores
  • IELTS 6.0 or higher in each section (reading, listening, writing and speaking), or
  • Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) score of 7.0 or higher in each section (reading,
  • listening, writing and speaking) which is equal to the Canadian Language
  • Benchmark (CLB).
• Proof of payment of first-year tuition fees
• At the time of application for obtaining a Canada visa for Nigerians, the candidate must be living outside Canada
• Medical exam before applying (if needed)
• Police certificate before applying (if needed)
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN $10,200 (NGN 0.32 Million)
• ‘Ministry of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion’-issued ‘Certificate of Acceptance of
  Quebec (CAQ)’ (if you are planning to study in Quebec)

Documents Required for Canada Student Visa

In order to apply for a Canada Student Visa from India, you will typically require the following documents. The following are the requirements for Indian students seeking a student visa in Canada:

• Valid Passport
• Attested copies of 10th, 12th, and Degree certificates
• SOP (Statement of Purpose)
• Certificates of extracurricular achievements
• An acceptance letter from your education institution
• Proof of payment
• Proof of financial funds
• Passport size photographs
• English Proficiency
• Flight Reservation
• Hotel Reservation

Also Read: IELTS 6 Band Universities in Canada for Masters

Canada Visa for Nigerians: Application Process

A step-by-step guide for applying and obtaining a Canada student visa for Nigerians has been bulleted below.

1. Apply for your Study Permit

Submit your application online or offline and make sure that you fulfil the eligibility criteria, the required documents are enclosed with the application and the requisite fees have been paid.

2. Biometrics (Fingerprints and Photo)

The visa authority conducts biometrics, i.e, takes fingerprints and photos of the candidate and then only the application proceeds further. This needs to be completed as soon as you get the letter from the visa authority and at a maximum of 30 days from the date of notification. Then, you have to pay the biometrics fee. In case you are already in Canada at the time of application you need to get back to your home country to successfully process your visa process.

3. Application Processing

Under this step of making an application for a Canada visa for Nigerian students, the candidates have to wait at least 20 days or more as the authorities process their applications. 

4. Decision

After carefully reviewing your application, you will be informed about the decision of the authorities. If your visa application has been accepted, you will be issued a letter of introduction (this is not a study permit), an eTA or a visitor visa, as required.

5. Travel to Canada

After your application is approved, you can leave for Canada with your travel documents. Your documents will be checked and verified after which your study permit will be printed at the port of entry by the officer and you will be allowed to enter the territory of Canada.

Must Read: Study in Canada without IELTS

Also Read: Costs of studying in Canada

Canada Student Visa Fees

• According to the current currency rate, a study permit in Canada costs CAD 150, which is roughly comparable to NGN 0.04 Million (as reported on the CIC website). 
• Canadian visa applications are available both online and offline. As a result, visa processing costs can be paid either online (with a credit card) or offline (with a demand draught if paying at the Canadian High Commission) or in cash at the VAC. This charge must be paid at the time the application is filed, or a fee receipt must be produced for online payment. The Demand Draft must be made in Nigerian Niara in favour of the Canadian High Commission. VACs only take cash payments.
• Furthermore, the visa price does not include VAC costs. You’ll have to pay the additional service fees that apply to your location. Each payment will also be accompanied by a receipt. As evidence of payment, please save the receipt.
• Students must pay a biometric cost of CAD 85 after submitting their visa application. This amount is in addition to the standard visa application fee. Your biometrics will be taken at a Visa Application Center after that.
• For the Canadian visa, Nigerian students won’t need to buy health insurance.

Processing Time for the Canada Visa

Make sure to give your visa application extra time. You can begin your application for the Canadian Study visa as soon as you have been admitted to and enrolled in the university of your choosing. At least 4-6 months before the commencement of your university degree programme, you should apply. You should estimate waiting around 112 days for the outcome after submitting your application. Aspirants can check the progress of their applications (both online and on paper) using their MyCIC accounts.

Canada Study Permit Renewal

Students must have valid study permission to stay in Canada. You must apply for a study permit renewal if your study permit expires before you finish your studies (programme). You should submit your application at least 30 days before your existing permission expires. Candidates can send their applications via mail or submit them online.

Apply for Canada Student Visa Online

You may apply for a Canada student visa online, but you’ll need a camera or scanner to make digital copies of your papers and upload them. In addition, you’ll need a valid credit card to pay for your Canada Student Visa. You will, however, be required to submit a finger scan at the regional/nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC). Even if you apply for a Canada student visa online, you must provide your passports, complete the Visa Confirmation Form, and pay the Canada Student Visa cost.

Canada Visa Application Centers in Nigeria

• Abuja, Canada Visa Application Center- Silverbird Entertainment Centre, 1161 Memorial Drive, Central Business District 904101, Abuja, Nigeria Lagos – Deputy High Commission of Canada, Street Address
• Lagos, Deputy High Commission of Canada– 4 Anifowoshe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, Telephone: +234 (1) 271 5650. 

Biometrics for Canada Visa in Nigeria

Visa Application Centres in Nigeria that offer Canada student visas are now offering limited biometrics appointments keeping in mind norms introduced related to covid-19. Students who are entering the country to pursue education from DLIs and the ones who are returning to Canada permanently are given priority. 

As of now, no applications other than study permit or permanent residency as a spouse or partner or dependent child under the family class are accepted by Visa Application Centres for biometrics.

Post Graduation Work Permit and Stay Back Period

• You need to pursue a course for a minimum duration of 8 months to be eligible to stay back in Canada
• Courses with a duration of fewer than 8 months do not allow a student to stay back and apply for Post Graduation Work Permit
• If you pursue a course which is of duration less than 2 years, he/she is eligible for a post-graduation work permit of equivalent duration as the course
  • For Example 8 months course = 8 months Post Graduation Work Permit; 2 years course (master or diploma)= 3 years Post Graduation Work Permit 

PR Visa Options

If an applicant chooses to study in Canada, he will get points in three areas: language, education, and job experience, as well as bonus points if he is under the age of thirty. A Canadian education can help you qualify for several immigration programs, such as Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program. Students can also work up to 20 hours per week while enrolled in their degree, gaining essential Canadian work experience and increasing their CRS score. Learning about the culture, people, and language (English/French) of Canada will aid your social integration once you become a permanent resident.

Work Authorization for Students in Canada

• Students must be over 18 years of age
• International Students can work on-campus or off-campus for up to 20 hours during university semesters and full-time during breaks such as the winter or summer holidays, without the need for a work permit
• Foreign students who are studying in a program that requires work experience, can gain it through a co-op or internship program

FAQs

Planning to study in Canada for the upcoming intake? Then connect with our Leverage Edu expert and get assistance throughout the procedure of choosing the right course and university as well as making an impressive application that can get you successfully shortlisted.