How long does Canada student visa take in Nigeria

After accepting an offer of admission from a Canadian institution, your next step is securing a Canadian student visa.

Your Canadian student visa allows you to enter the country for academic purposes.

Without it, you won’t be allowed to enter Canada unless you’re entering the country for other purposes like visiting family or tourism.

To get your Canadian student visa in Nigeria, you have to submit a visa application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and wait for a (positive) response.

But, how long do you think you have to wait to get a Canada student visa in Nigeria?

Let’s find out!

How long does a Canada student visa take in Nigeria?

It takes between 20 to 90 days to get a Canada student visa in Nigeria. If you submit a complete application, your visa will be processed in fewer days. However, if there is missing information or your application does not meet the requirements stated by IRCC, its approval will be delayed.

Is Canada student visa easy to get in Nigeria?

Of course, it is not easy to get a Canada student visa in Nigeria, however, if you play your part as an applicant by submitting a complete application, you’ll get it easily.

To make getting a Canadian student visa easy, ensure you submit a complete application, provide all the required details, and submit your application on time – and it will be easy to get approval.

If you want to get a Canadian student visa in Nigeria, follow the steps below:

How to get a Canada student visa from Nigeria

If you’re from Nigeria, below is how you can get a Canadian student visa.

Step 1: Start with the visa requirements

You can’t apply for a Canadian student visa in Nigeria if you do not meet the student visa requirements.

IRCC is very clear about Canadian student visa applications.

Only those who meet the requirements get approval.

If you apply without first, meeting the requirements, your application will be rejected.

Top of the requirements is being accepted into a designated learning institution in Canada.

Before you apply for a Canada student visa, secure admission (to study in Canada) and receive your letter of acceptance from your designated learning institution in Canada.

Aside from the letter of acceptance, there are other requirements, you also need:

What are the documents required for a Canada student visa from Nigeria?

You need the following documents to apply for a Canada student visa in Nigeria

Letter of acceptance: This must be issued by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. It confirms that you have been accepted into a program of study in Canada.
Your valid Nigerian passport: You need a valid passport – it should be valid for the duration of your program.
The visa application form: As part of the application process, you need to fill out the visa application form. You can find it online on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Proof of funds: Provide proof to show that you can cater for your financial needs in Canada. It can be your bank statement (if you are supporting yourself), a scholarship letter (if you are on a scholarship) or a letter from your sponsor (if you have someone sponsoring you).
Documents about your educational history: Submit your Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates.
Proof of language proficiency: You need to upload scores from English or French language tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or DELF unless specified otherwise by your school in Canada.
Passport-sized photographs: Add your recent passport-sized photographs.
Statement of purpose: You also need a statement of purpose outlining your educational background, academic goals, and reasons for choosing Canada for your studies.
Police clearance certificate: You need a certificate that confirms that you have no criminal record (and won’t be a security risk to Canada).
Medical examination report: Get a report from an approved panel physician confirming you are in good health (and won’t be a health risk to Canada).
Letter of explanation: If you have a gap in your education, you need a letter explaining the reason for the gap.
Details about your family: In the application form, include details about your family.

With these details, you can proceed with the application.

Step 2: Submit your application

As a Nigerian, there are two ways you can apply for your Canadian student visa.

You can apply online through the Government of Canada’s official website or submit a paper application at the visa application centre (VAC) in Nigeria.

- Online submission

If you want to submit your Canada student visa application online, create an online account with IRCC by clicking here.

They handle immigration matters including student visa applications in Canada.

Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and create an account (if you don’t have one already) or login to your existing account (if you already have an account).

Once you’re logged in, select “Apply to come to Canada” and choose “Study” as the purpose of your visit.

You will find the online application form, fill it out. Provide accurate information while filling out the form.

You’ll need details about your education history, personal information, and details about the program you want to study in Canada.

Upload the required documents

Once you are done with the form, scan and upload all the required documents.

Your letter of Acceptance.
Your passport data page.
Proof of funds.
Transcripts and certificates.
Language proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).

Pay the visa application fee

Your online application isn’t complete if you haven’t paid the online application fee.

Canada student visa application fee is $150 plus an additional $85 for biometrics.

Schedule a biometrics appointment at your nearest visa application centre in Nigeria

Biometric is required as part of the visa application process here in Nigeria and you need to schedule an appointment online.

Biometrics for a Canada student visa application is done at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

When coming for the biometrics, come with you’re appointment letter, passport and receipt for biometric payment.

- Offline submission

If you are submitting offline, visit a Canada visa application centre in Nigeria in Abuja or Lagos.

The Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nigeria is managed by VFS Global.

They handle all visa application services on behalf of the Government of Canada.

Address of Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) Lagos:

Address: Manor Hall, Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way, Opposite Treasure Garden Estate, 3rd Roundabout, Lekki Phase I, Lagos
Phone: 2348150199900

Work Hours:

- Monday to Friday:
  - Application Submission: 08:00 AM to 03:00 PM
  - Passport Collection: 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM
- Saturday:
  - Passport Collection only: 10:00 AM to 02:00 PM

Address of Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Abuja:

Visa Application Centre Sterling Bank Plaza, 3rd Floor Plot No 1083, Mohammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District Abuja Nigeria.

Work Hours:
- Monday to Friday:
  - Application Submission: 08:00 AM to 03:00 PM
  - Passport Collection: 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM
- Saturday:
  - Passport Collection only: 10:00 AM to 02:00 PM

You also need to schedule a biometric collection appointment if you submitted your visa offline.

You will do the biometrics appointment at the same Visa Application Center (VAC) where you submitted your application.

Step 3: Wait for your visa to be processed and a decision made

After submitting your application, it takes between 1 to 3 months for a Canada student visa to be processed and a decision reached by the authorities.

Once a decision is reached, the authorities will notify you.

You either get an approval or a rejection.

You’ll get approval if you meet the visa application requirements and submit a complete application.

A rejection will come if you do not meet the visa application requirements or if there is a problem with your application.

If you get a positive response from the Canadian authorities, you can plan when to enter Canada on your student visa.

How can I increase my chances of getting a student visa to Canada?

If you want to increase your chances of getting a Canadian student visa, you need to:

1. Demonstrate genuine intent to return home after your studies

Part of the ways to prove that you deserve a Canada student visa is by clearly demonstrating that you will leave the country after your studies.

Canadian immigration authorities want to be sure that you won’t stay back in the country after your program.

In your statement of purpose, explain why you chose Canada, your career goals and how Canada aligns with your dream.

A strong intent to return home after your studies will increase your chances of getting a student visa.

2. Ensure that there is no missing document or information in your application

If you want to increase your chances of getting a Canada student visa, make sure your application is complete.

Ensure that all required document is included, and fill out the application form completely.

Your passport and other dated documents must be valid at the time of application.

Lastly, keep your details consistent.

3. Show convincing proof of funds

The easiest way to get Canada student visa rejection is to show proof of funds that isn’t convincing.

Canada appreciates your desire to study in the country and be part of its community, however, the country wants to make sure that you can handle your expenses when you are here.

Ensure you include sufficient proof of funds.

To do this, make sure that the amount presented in your proof of funds exceeds the minimum bank balance for a Canada student visa from Nigeria.

What is the minimum bank balance for a Canada student visa from Nigeria?

From January 1, 2024, the minimum bank balance for a Canada student visa from Nigeria is CAD 20,635, plus your first-year tuition fee.

If your first-year tuition fee is CAD12,500 and you’re coming to Canada alone, you need a total of CAD 33,135 (CAD12,500 + CAD 20,635).

This amount covers:

Your living expenses like food, accommodation, transportation, utilities, and other needs for your first year in Canada
Return ticket: The amount is evidence that you have enough money to return home after your studies.

If you are coming with a dependant to Canada, you need extra funds.

You need an additional CAD 4,000 for a single dependent.

If you are coming with more than one person, you need CAD 3,000 for each additional accompanying dependant.

The minimum funds you need as a student and for family members who are coming with you to Canada

If you are coming to Canada (from Nigeria) with two family members to any province outside Quebec, below is what you need:

Tuition fee + CAD 20,635
+ CAD4,000 (for the first family member)
+ another CAD 3, 000 (for the second family member)

When submitting your student visa application (whether offline or online), there are many ways through which you can show that you have this minimum bank balance.

How to show proof of funds for a Canada student visa

To show proof of funds for your Canada student visa application, provide:

A Canadian bank account in your name with the required amount inside.
Proof of funding from Canada if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded program.
A Nigerian bank account in your name with the required amount inside
Proof of student loan from a bank
Guaranteed Investment Certificate
A bank draft that you can convert to funds.
Proof of tuition fee/accommodation fee payment
A sponsorship letter if you are being sponsored by your guardian or relative.

Can an investment statement be used for a Canadian visa proof of funds?

An investment statement can be used as proof of funds for a Canadian visa application, especially if the investment shows enough funds to cover your expenses while you’re in Canada.

The investment needs to be easily accessible and can be converted to Canadian dollars if necessary.

Is a 3-month bank statement enough for a Canada visa?

A 3-month bank statement is not enough for a Canada student visa, you need at least a 6-month bank statement which clearly shows that you have enough funds to cover your financial needs while in Canada.

What is the success rate of a Canadian student visa?

IRCC receive lots of student visa applications every year, however, according to them, every student visa application has between a 40-50% chance of being rejected.

If you are applying for a Canadian student visa, ensure that you follow the guidelines provided by IRCC.

Submit a complete application by providing every detail required by the authorities and keeping your details consistent.

How long it takes to get a Canada student visa in Nigeria and the steps involved in getting it