Students from Nigeria are increasingly choosing Canada as their top choice when looking for a top-notch education, a wide range of cultural experiences, and a doorway to possibilities throughout the world.
It is no surprise that Canada is a popular option—it has internationally recognized universities, a friendly, multicultural atmosphere, and plenty of job prospects after graduation.
However, obtaining a student visa is necessary before starting this educational adventure. To simplify the procedure, this blog post offers Nigerian students all the information they need to successfully apply for a student visa to Canada.
So, let us delve right into it.
What Is A Canada Student Visa?
The Canadian government issues the Canada Student Visa to international students who want to pursue higher education in Canada.
This visa allows them to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), which are Canadian-licensed schools that admit international students.
With the Canada Student Visa and study permit, students can qualify for a work permit during and after their studies and may extend their stay with other types of Canadian visas.
However, the Canada Student Visa alone does not grant full permission to stay and study in Canada. International students also need a Study Permit to live and study in the country.
RECOMMENDED: 10 Best Canadian Universities For African Students
Eligibility Criteria For Canada Student Visa
• Candidates must be enrolled in an educational institution.
• You must have enough funds to cover living expenses and tuition fees.
• You should have no criminal record and must provide a police verification certificate.
• Additionally, candidates must be in good health and may need to undergo a medical exam to prove it.
• You need to prove that you'll return home after studying in Canada.
Types of Canada Student Visas
There are two types of Canada student visas, based on your course length:
• A student visa for courses longer than six months.
• A visitor visa (temporary resident visa) for courses shorter than six months.
Canada Student Visa Process
To get a Canada student visa, you need to do certain things, you will have to:
1. Get an admission letter from a designated learning institution (DLI).
2. Apply for the permit online or download an application package.
3. Obtain the letter of introduction, which includes the reference number for your study permit.
4. Pay the fee for your application and keep the receipt.
5. Have a medical check-up from a panel physician registered in your country.
6. Provide your Immigration Medical Exam (IME) results.
Canada Student Visa Processing Time For Nigeria-Based Applicants
There is no exact processing time for the Canada Student visa for applicants from Nigeria.
Your application might be processed in as little as 20 days, but it usually takes about 90 days. The processing time generally depends on the current situation in Nigeria.
Canada Student Visa Requirements
Here are the steps you need to take to apply for a Canadian student visa from Nigeria:
• Make sure your Nigerian passport is valid for at least 6 months and has two blank pages.
• Write a letter explaining why you're passionate about your chosen course of study.
• Get two recent colour passport photos with a plain background, sized between 35-40mm.
• Have a confirmed flight reservation to Canada.
• Arrange accommodation if your school doesn't provide it.
• Obtain an acceptance letter from the Canadian institution you'll attend, along with your student permit application.
• Show proof of funds to cover your expenses in Canada, about CAD 11,000, either in your bank account or through a sponsor.
• Gather all your academic certificates and transcripts from previous institutions.• Meet the English proficiency requirements, such as the IELTS exam.
• Provide a letter from your employer (if applicable).
• Submit a medical report demonstrating your good health.
• Include certificates showing your social ties, like your child's birth certificate or marriage certificate if applicable.
Canada Student Visa Process - Here's a step-by-step guide to applying for a student visa to Canada from Nigeria
1. Gaining Admission: Apply to a Canadian college or university. Getting accepted is paramount because a letter of admission from a Canadian university is required to apply for a student visa in Canada.
2. Prepare Documents: Fill out the student permission form and gather all required documents. Make photocopies and scan them onto electronic devices.
3. Pay Fees: Pay visa and Visa Facilitation Services Global (VFS) fees. Note that these fees are non-refundable.
4. Submit Application: Apply at the Visa Application Centre, submit your documents, and pay fees. You'll receive a tracking number and receipt.
5. Attend Interview: Be prepared for an interview as part of the process.
6. Track Online: Monitor your application's progress online for updates or additional requests.
7. Collect Passport: Once your visa is approved, collect your passport from the application centre. You'll be notified when it's ready for pickup.
FIND OUT: Top Scholarships For International Students In Canada
Canada Student Visa Application: Online and Paper
You can apply for a Canada Student visa either online or by filling out a paper application.
Applying Online
To apply online, you will need a camera or scanner to turn your documents into electronic files for uploading. You'll also need a valid credit card to pay the application fee. You'll still need to visit a local Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit your biometrics.
Remember, if you apply online, you'll also need to go to the VFS offices to hand in your passport and the receipts for your fee payments. The only difference between the two processes is the documents you need to give to the VAC.
Applying on Paper
Read the instructions and get the application kit. The instruction manual contains important details about study permits and guides you on how to complete your application.
Go through the document checklist and carefully read the instruction manual. You can only submit a paper application if you can't apply online due to a disability or if you have specific travel documents or identities for non-citizen residents, stateless persons, or refugees.
Canada Student Visa Fees
The fees for a Canada Student visa vary depending on how long you plan to stay:
For courses less than six months: CAN$85
For courses longer than six months:
CAN$150, plus a service fee of CAN$45 and CAN$85 for biometrics.
Additionally, there is a CAN$350 fee for restoring student status if needed (CAN$200 for status restoration and CAN$150 for a new study permit).
You may also need to pay for travel to London for a medical examination and any costs associated with the examination itself.
This can be done online with a credit card or offline through a demand draft at the Canadian High Commission. At the Visa Application Centre (VAC), you can pay in cash.
Note that VAC service charges are not included in the visa fee. Nigerians need to pay an additional CAN$45 for these services. Keep all receipts as proof of payment.
Documents Required For Canada Student Visa
To apply for a Canada Student visa, you need the following supporting documents:
1. Proof of Acceptance by a DLI
A letter of acceptance from the college or institute you plan to attend. This institution must be approved by the Immigration Department and is known as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
If you are applying to study in Quebec, you also need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) issued by the Canadian government. Your university or college will provide information on how to apply for the CAQ. You do not need a CAQ if your studies are less than 6 months.
2. Valid Passport
You need a valid passport to apply for a Study Permit. Ensure your passport covers the entire duration of your stay in Canada. For instance, if your course starts in September 2024 and lasts two years, your passport should be valid until at least September 2026.
3. Passport Size Photographs
For offline applications, you need two passport-sized photos that meet specific requirements. For online applications, the digital photo should be no larger than 4MB.
The photos must have a neutral facial expression, a plain background, and no headgear unless worn for religious reasons. They should be recent, not older than six months, and measure at least 35 mm x 45 mm. Your name and date of birth must be written on the back of each photo.
4. Statement of Purpose
This is also called a letter of explanation. When applying for a Canadian Study Permit, you need to write an essay explaining why you want to study in Canada and how you understand your responsibilities as a student.
READ ALSO: Requirements To Study In Canada For Nigerian Students
What to Include in a Statement of Purpose
To make your statement of purpose strong and effective, include the following:
• Personal background
• Academic details
• Financial background
• Professional experience (full/part-time, voluntary)
• Why you want to study at your chosen institution
• Immediate and long-term goals
• Why you are interested in your chosen field
• Extra-curricular activities
• Papers submitted (if any)
• Published works (if any)
• Interests and hobbies.
5. Proof of Funds
You must provide financial documents to show you have enough money to cover your tuition and living expenses.
Canadian Immigration requires a minimum bank balance of CAN$ 10,000 for each year of your stay. Additionally, you must prove you have the funds for a return trip.
Meanwhile, you can prove you have enough funds in the following ways:
• Show your bank statements for the past four months.
• Provide a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution.
• Show proof that you have paid your housing and tuition fees.
• Provide funds in your Canadian bank account if you have one.
• Show evidence of a student or education loan.
• Provide evidence of funding from within Canada, such as from a Canadian-funded educational program or scholarship.
• Include a letter from a school or person who has provided you with financial support.
• Provide a bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars.
6. English Language Proficiency Exam Score
To meet the Canada student visa requirements, you need a good score on an English Language Proficiency Exam before applying. Accepted tests include TOEFL and IELTS, which are used to confirm your admission to a Canadian university.
7. Immigration Medical Examination (IME) and Biometrics
All international students from Nigeria must take a medical examination before applying for a visa. You should book a medical appointment with a licensed doctor about a week before starting your visa application.
It is best to book an appointment in advance with the nearest licensed doctor. The doctor will do a physical exam and may require blood tests and a chest X-ray. After your exam, the doctor will send the results to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
If you are applying from outside Canada and have never provided your biometrics before, you must go to an official Visa Application Centre to have your fingerprints and photo taken. The biometrics fee is CAN$85.
Conclusion
Getting a Canada student visa from Nigeria requires following a step-by-step guide. There are other detailed processes involved that can be confusing.
It is crucial to provide all the required documents and meet financial obligations carefully. Be diligent and seek expert guidance and advice.
Site source link: https://iasservices.org.uk/ng/ca/study/
Find this article helpful? Kindly share with others and subscribe to our Newsletter for more informative and educative articles like this.
