Applying for a Canadian student visa in Nigeria is not easy. In the same vein, it is not a Herculean task.
To be successful, you are required to get all the validities right.
The Canadian Embassy declined many applications because applicants neglected the rules of application.
Suppose you want to get optimum knowledge about everything you have to know about the requirements for applying for a Canadian student visa in Nigeria. In that case, you are in the right place.
Table of contents
Brief Notes On Canada
You would have heard so much about the country, good and bad.
One thing I’m sure you’ll hate is the kind of snow that you’ll encounter there.
There is a picture I saw one time. A man left his coffee in his car for two days, and what he came to find later was solid ice! I’m sure you’ll have your own stories to tell as well.
To this end, you must be prepared, and it will not be easy. Nonetheless, the snow is just one tinny tiny bit of the characteristics of the beautiful country of Canada.
Did you know that Canada is the largest country in the whole of Northern America and also the second biggest in the world? Well, now you do.
Many know Canada mainly because of its enormous terrain, multifaceted history, and the indulgent mixture of differing peoples.
It is also regarded as one of the most prosperous countries in the world and a leading destination for tourists.
The country is of British ancestry, and many Canadians you will meet are delighted by this.
According to history, Britain and France influenced Canada, so some parts of the nation, like New Brunswick and Quebec, mainly spoke French.
So yes, Canada is an excellent choice if you want to study in an enabling, peaceful, prosperous, and serene environment.
That said, let us proceed to discuss what a visa is.
Canadian Student Visa
A Canadian student visa is what you need if you have the motive to study in Canada. That is a fact.
The visa performs the job of permission for immigrants who would want to live and, in this context, study within Canada.
Officially, it is dubbed a ‘student permit,’ and you can acquire it here in Nigeria, as long as you have all the required papers.
The Canadian Visa Application Center, the CVAC, is approved to approve applications and process Canadian student visas in Nigeria.
It is their office you’ll go to if you want to apply, and when you follow their stated procedures, obtaining a Canadian student visa in Nigeria will be easy.
Studying in Canada
You might consider this question irrelevant because you already have your reasons. But then, are the reasons candid and solid enough to hold your motivation? Follow me.
Universities in Canada are rated in the top 100 credible universities worldwide! For this reason, over 100,000 students register globally yearly.
Universities in Canada are known globally for giving highly valued and research-based tuition. The schools are less costly if you compare them to the ones in the UK and the US.
Canadian Student Visa Requirements for Migrating Nigerians
As a Nigerian citizen applying for a student visa in Canada, you must fulfil the necessities before you begin to process your visa application to make it easy and avoid undue difficulties.
The papers you would be required to have before beginning the processing of your visa application are as follows:
- National Passport
- Photographs
- Flight Reservation
- Hotel Reservation
- Cover/Motivation Letter
- Proof of Acceptance
- Proof of Financial Support
- Medical Report
- Certificates of Social Ties
- Foreword Letter from a Former Employer
- Police Certificate
- Academic Certificates
National Passport
You would be required to present an original and a photocopied copy of your Nigerian Passport.
The passport must be valid for at least six months or the duration of your stay in Canada and should have at least two blank spaces.
Photographs
You would need two-coloured, recently taken photographs. Confirm that the snapshots show your complete profile.
It MUST also be apparent and taken with a flat background. Its dimension should be about 35-40 mm.
Flight Reservation
You would also be required to submit a flight ticket reservation.
It should indicate the airline, date, and time of your entrance into Canada.
Hotel Reservation
Well, it’s your first time there, and you probably don’t know anyone. It could also occur that your school does not have any provision for lodging; you should arrange for and present evidence of a hotel reservation.
Cover/Motivation Letter
A cover letter elucidates your biography and your agenda for the study.
It should also contain details that would help convince the consular officer that you are enthusiastic about your study program and therefore merit a study visa.
Proof of Acceptance
You must apply for it if your goal is to study in Canada. The university you intend to look at will send you a letter of acceptance as evidence that you have been granted access to study there.
Your student permit request should accompany this letter.
Proof of Financial Support
Before being granted a Canadian student visa, you must prove that you have adequate funding to cover your needs while living and studying in Canada.
Separate from tuition fees, the Canadian administrations expect that you set apart around CAD 11,000 for your sustenance.
Your proof of financial abilities can be in the form of your statement of account or that of your app posters. If you submit your sponsor’s bank statement, you should also submit a supporting affidavit to your papers.
Medical Report
Your medical report is of paramount importance. The information should comprise your medical record and proof of your good health.
Certificates of Social Ties
They include:
- Your marriage certificate, that is, if you are married.
- The birth certificate(s) of your children if you have children.
Foreword Letter from a Former Employer
It is expected that you have worked in organizations or corporations. You must have experience of followership of some kind; therefore, your employer would testify to your character and behaviour at work. This letter will be part of the assessment tools for your visa.
Police Certificate
A statement from the police station asserting that you do not have any criminal records will be required.
Academic Certificates
These are the most important.
You will be required to acquire all the certificates you have earned from the previous institutions you have attended.
How to Apply for a Canadian Student Visa in Nigeria
The first thing you have to have is the desire to study there.
Travelling abroad is not an easy task. You’ll be leaving your whole life behind and starting a new one over there; you must be prepared.
For a simple Canadian student visa application in Nigeria, we have outlined step-by-step guidelines that guarantee easy processing and fast acceptance of your application.
- Gain Admission
- Gather Supporting Documents
- Submit at the CVAC
- Collecting Your Passport
Gain Admission
First, you must apply for entry into a Canadian academic establishment.
Significantly, you obtain admission before you make any move because one of the essential prerequisites for a Canadian student visa application is a letter of admission and approval from an institution in Canada.
Gather Supporting Documents
The next thing after being admitted is to fill out the student license form. Then you gather all the documents that we have outlined above.
These papers are significant because they symbolize your application to the embassy. You should make photocopies of each document and scan them into an electronic gadget like a computer system or a flash drive.
Submit at the CVAC
The next thing is submitted at the Canadian Visa Application Center.
After this submission and payment, an acknowledgement slip will be handed out, comprising a tracking number.
You will use the tracking number to follow the advancement of the visa application procedure. At that stage, start getting ready for an interview.
Collecting Your Passport
The last step to note is to stop by the visa application centre to collect your visa by the time it is available for collection. You will be informed when it is ready.
Conclusion
Canada goes on to entice a steadily increasing number of students from Nigeria, and with the current state of the nation, it is most likely expected.
But then, obtaining entry into Top Universities in Canada requires an outstanding academic score, plus the approval to study there is authenticated by a Study Permit.
You must note that if you desire to take educational, proficient, and vocational training in any educational establishment in Canada, you will require a study license before you can be granted access to Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course, you should.
It is advised that Nigerian students who wish to study in Canada should commence plans for their study 4 to 12 months in advance. It is crucial because it could take the CIC up to 3-5 months to do the workings of an application for a study visa to Canada from Nigeria.
It could vary from 1 to 8 weeks, mainly on the Canadian educational institution. Graduate or doctoral (PhD) programs have a faster response time than undergraduate ones.
No, you cannot, but there are other ways.
Canadian educational establishments do not receive HND or Third Class undergraduates into their Master’s programs. You will have to first go for a post-graduate diploma (PGD), post-degree certificate/diploma, or an advanced certificate in Canada.
Another option will be to use your HND or Third Class degree to go after an undergraduate degree. Some courses will be removed so that you will only get to spend 2-3 years to achieve the undergraduate degree.
Some universities excuse Nigerians from submitting proof of English language Proficiency. Yet, others do not.
Educational organizations do not require a GMAT/GRE for a Masters’s Degree. You must write the GMAT/GRE if you want more options.
The processing time for a Canadian study visa is around 3 to 5 months; I advise that you apply as soon as possible.
Hello Esther,
It is nice to hear from you.
But first, I would like to know if you or your sponsor can pay the tuition fees at any of the universities of your choice.
Actually I’m sponsoring myself, that’s why I would love to know how much I should have in my account balance before I start applying?
And would I able to work over there to support myself?
Hello Esther,
The amount of money you need to have in your account to get a Canadian student visa from Nigeria depends on the duration of your study program, the type of program, the institution you will be attending, and the cost of living in the region where you will be studying.
As of April 2023, the Canadian government requires that international students show proof of sufficient funds to cover the following expenses:
1. Tuition fees for the first year of study
2. Living expenses for the first year of study which is estimated to be CAD $10,000 per year (equivalent to about NGN 3,440,000)
3. Return transportation to Nigeria.
Therefore, if you are applying for a one-year program in Canada, you must show proof of funds of at least CAD $20,000 (equivalent to about NGN 6,880,000).
If you are applying for a more extended program, you will need to show proof of funds to cover your living expenses and tuition fees for the entire program.
Hello, please can you get a get a Canadian student visa for PGD i amd 40 years. what are my chances?
Hello
I commend you for this good work
May God bless you
My question:
I completed my high school in 2012 and I have my Waec. I’ve also completed my bsc in 2020. Now I want to apply for an undergraduate degree in Canada. Is my Waec still valid to source for undergraduate degree admission in Canada?
Thanks in advance!
Hello Shittu,
It is nice to hear from you.
Yes, you can apply to undergraduate studies in Canada using your WAEC result.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
I wish you good luck with your application.
Hello
I commend you for this good work. May God bless you!
My question:
I completed my high school in 2012 and I have my waec. I have also completed my bsc in 2020. Now I want to apply for an undergraduate degree in Canada. Is my waec still valid to source for a undergraduate degree in Canada?
Thanks in advance!
Hello Shittu,
It is nice to hear from you.
Yes, you can apply to undergraduate studies in Canada using your WAEC result.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
I wish you good luck with your application.
Hello sir
I commend you for this good work. May God bless you.
My question:
I finished my high school in 2012 and I have my waec. I have also completed my bsc in 2020.
Now I want to apply for undergraduate program in Canada. Is my waec still valid to source for an undergraduate program in Canada.
Thanks in advance!
Hello Shittu,
It is nice to hear from you.
Yes, you can apply to undergraduate studies in Canada using your WAEC result.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
I wish you good luck with your application.
Thank you so much for this great and impactful info.
Please I would like to get clarification on the proof of funds.
I did a rough estimate of tuition fee, accommodation, and other expenses and got about 37,000 (CAD).
1. By conversion, how much could this be in Naira
2. In what currency should it be, CAD or Naira?
3. Please how do I get flight itinerary for the visa interview.
Hello,
1. It depends on whether you get the currency from your bank or the black market rate.
2. CAD.
3. You can get a flight itinerary by making a reservation with any of the eligible airlines.
Let me know if you have further questions.
i would like to know the best time to have the proof of fund in the account,is it before applying or before biometric,because I intend to get a loan from the bank for the funding,and the longer it stays in my account the higher the interest on it..
I am 40years old I wish to apply for a study visa and replicate to Canada with my family of 4, will I be given a visa if apply
Thanks for this write up,very educative
My junior brother is applying for a Canada student visa,if given can I apply to go with him?
Thanks for the information.can a 16 years old apply for Canada study visa for bachelor degree in Nigeria
Good afternoon Sir/Ma, Please, how can i apply for Ph.D course in Business Admin in one of the Canadian reputable University.
What university?
Hello Sir
My name is Alarape Emmanuel Olamide.
I found this very useful, timely, updating and educative.
I must say you did a very good job Sir
My question is this by the time I start the processing, how can I contact you for further clarifications in monitor my progress to avoid mistakes and proper step-by-step guide in achieving the obtaining of this student visa because i have lots of personal questions
I have B.Sc Accounting from University of Abuja 2.2 Hons, what would you advice i apply for Degree or Masters. I like this School and affordable for me
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA
so that i can start early and will i have opportunity of working there to support myself asking for clarification
Thank you a very clear write up, up there
I am looking forward to having personal relationship with you on this matter
Thank you once again
Hello,
The schools I applied for at Canada did not request for IELTS and GRE
Do I still need IELTS and GRE for my visa application?
Can I apply for a year course with my high school result or 2_4years program and my high school result is about 19years ago. Can I still make use of it or I need a recent result?
Another thing, I did a diploma health related course 18 years ago but my school couldn’t find my transcript they claimed is being long but I have the certificate with me. My question is can I apply for study with the certificate without transcript?
Thanks
Hello Ma Fufunmi,
Your cannot use your high school result to apply for a year course. For a 4 year course, some schools require that you must have finished your high school education within 2-3 years of application.
You can write to the school for a transcript waiver.
1. Also related to my question is $50000 good enough for funds to show for my visa application if I am going for a 4 years bachelor’s degree?
2. Another question is I have been refused twice does that lower my chances of getting my future visa application accepted
Dear Ebube,
You should show proof of funds for all the four years you’ll spend in school, this increases your chances of getting the Visa.
The proof of funds includes your tuition and a living expense of CAD 10,000 per year.
No, your chance of success is still high, just keep trying.
Good day sir how much funds do I need to show in my bank account for visa acceptance if my tuition per year is CAD 20000 I am going for a 4-year bachelor’s degree.
Hi,
I applied for a Canadian study permit in June but had a delay before doing my biometrics. It’s been more than 6weeks since my biometrics has been processed but I haven’t gotten any update from the embassy. Do you think there’s a problem or i should wait a bit before making an inquiry? Thank you
Good morning sir!. Can IRCC approve study visa application for September intake 1 week after biometrics Collection?. Meanwhile I have successfully completed my medical test more than 6weeks ago.
Hello Chigozie
I hope you are having a wonderful day.
It takes IRCC twenty (20) days to approve a study visa application after submission of the biometric.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
i applied for a study visa but haven’t gotten a feedback from them almost 2 months now, what is ur advice (Note i came to nigeria from canada without a visa to return back so had to reapply for a new one)
Hello Samuel,
I recommend you contact the Canadian embassy for further clarification.
Good luck.
Good morning sir. I graduated with second class upper division in 2013. What is the chances that my Canadian study visa will be approved for my master program?
Hello Micahel,
You have an excellent chance to study in Canada.
What schools are you looking into for admission?
Hi am 30 years lady wasn’t oportuned to study due to no help I have just Neco can I apply to study in Canada maybe apply for diploma first from there upgrade ?
Good evening sir. What about the age limit for Master programme. I will be 33years old but I graduated in 2013 at OAU with second class upper division. I want to be confidently sure I won’t have issue before committing myself to any Canadian university for Master programme. I’m financially stable to pay my tuition fee.
Hello sir, thanks for the updates…so i just got a provisional admission to trebas institute canada ..
i want to know the criterias needed to process visas for me and my 3 family ..
Amount that will be needed for proof of funds
All Neccessary document of the family before proceeding sir
thank you
Hello Mr. Tunde,
Congratulations on your admission.
The amount you need for your visa application is the sum of your tuition fees for your first year and living expenses($10,000 for you plus the cost of your tuition for one year).
You would need an extra $4000 for each of your family members.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Thanks for the helpful insight. Can someone in US sponsor someone intending to study in Canada? Again, is it compulsory the sponsor must be a relative?
Hi am 30 years lady wasn’t oportuned to study due to no help I have just Neco can I apply to study in Canada maybe apply for diploma first from there upgrade ?
Greetings Sir! Please I already gotten admission for MSc in Canada for January 3rd 2023 intake. Please the tuition fee is approximately $13,000 CAD. Please what are my chances of getting visa approved hence I’m using my account for proof of funds and I already set out #10M in a particular account for over four months now, please is it still poor or good for proof of funds.
Secondly you included flight reservations and hotel reservations, how will one pay for these two reservations when he/ she is not yet guaranteed of getting Canadian Student Visa Approved ?
Hello John,
I hope you are having a great day.
Congratulations on your admission.
Concerning your questions, I converted the money in your bank account to your tuition fee using the CBN rate.
Your tuition is less than the Naira equivalent amount in your bank account. It means you are good to go for your visa application.
You don’t have to buy a flight ticket or reserve a hotel reservation before you apply for a visa.
Instead, you can present a flight itinerary that you can book without paying the total price of the travel ticket, and once you obtain your visa, you can purchase the real flight ticket.
Let me know if you have further questions.
I wish you success with your visa application.
Hello bro, compliments of the season. Were you able to make it to Canada?
Do you know about Christian college in Canada…I want to apply and I need a guideline sir
Hello Abiodun,
I hope you are having a great day.
The school is Canada’s Leading School for a Career in Ministry.
Use the link below to check the admission requirements
https://canadachristiancollege.com/admissions/process-requirements/
You can use this mail info@canadachristiancollege.com to contact the admission office.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Hello sir, thanks for your insight.
I have HND and I apply to a college which av been giving admission in Vancouver. Due to my HND status, will the embassy reject my application?
Hello Emmie,
I hope you are having a great day.
If I understand your question, you have gotten admission to a Canadian college, right?
Then, your HND result would not be a problem at the embassy for your Canada visa application.
I want to apply to University of Alberta but i only saw options for undergraduate, Masters and Phd. How do i enroll with HND?
Applicants are normally required to have completed a four-year baccalaureate degree, or its academic equivalent, from an academic institution, recognized by the University of Alberta.
You are eligible to apply for admission because you have a BSc equivalent.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Hello Sir! Good day
Please I would like to know if I can apply for a Canadian student visa with my NECO result. And secondly, is it permitted to work while schooling in Canada?
Hello Peter,
I hope you are having a wonderful day.
Yes, you can apply to study at Canadian universities with a NECO result.
With a study permit, you can work as a student.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Good day sir, please is ielts a prerequisite for student visa application now in Canada and if so, will ielts academics be accepted
Hello Rita,
IELTS is accepted by Canadian universities. Some schools can offer you admission without the English proficiency test.
Go through this post, you will see the requirements for the Canadian student visa application.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Hello Blessing,
Thanks for the info.
I already submitted my application for the Canadian study permit but I didn’t add my degree transcript, police character, birth certificate and IELTS.
Do you think my application will be refused, declined or they would ask me to submit these documents later?
Hello Idy,
I hope you are having a great day.
Concerning your question, do you mean for the visa application?
Have you gotten admission to a Canadian university?
Hello Sir! I want to apply for a student visa to Canada is their enrollment still on going, and what are my requirements to apply for a student visa, but I don’t have a waec result do Canada accept Neco, please recommend an institute for me.
Thank you Sir…
Hello Emmanuel,
You can apply for admission to Canada with a NECO result.
Concerning recommendations, see the list of the cheapest Canadian universities for Nigerian students;
Free & Cheapest Universities in Europe for Nigerian Students 2022
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Good day, your article was helpful but I have a question.
i am looking forward to applying to the university of winnipeg for an undergraduate study study and ielts is a requirement but at the embassy for the visa will i be required to present an ielts result as a requirement?
Hello Minimah,
I hope you are having a great day.
The answer to your question is yes.
You must present your IELTS at the embassy for visa approval.
Note that there are now a lot of schools in Canada that do not require IELTS for admission.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Thank you very much sir for this vital information, it was really helpful.
Please can I apply for a MSc in Canada if I had a third class (BSc) then later went further to acquire a PGD here in Nigeria?
Hello John,
I trust you are having a great day.
To answer your question, yes, it is possible to apply for a master’s at Canadian universities with a third class.
There are colleges in Ontario that accepts 3rd Class, e.g Conestoga College, Cambrian College, etc.
But you may have to go for an advanced diploma programme before the commencement of the master’s program.
Another good option is to complete your PGD program in Nigeria, and then apply for a master’s degree.
You would need to check out the requirements for admission to Canadian colleges.
Please advise me on the financial statement of account,
how long will the fund for family sustainance in Canada supposed to be kept in ones account before interview at the embassy.
Good day Sir! Thanks for the engaging article you wrote about Canada visa requirements for Nigerian students. Pls, can you recommend any other cheap designated Higher institution in Canada. Thanks for your response in anticipation!
Hello Mr Emmanuel,
It is nice to hear from you.
Check out the cheapest universities in Canada using this link.
Let me know if you have further questions on study in Canada.
Hello Sir! Good day
Please I would like to know if I can apply for a Canadian student visa with my NECO result. And secondly, is it permitted to work while schooling in Canada?
Hello Peter,
I hope you are having a wonderful day.
Yes, you can apply to study at Canadian universities with a NECO result.
With a study permit, you can work as a student.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Good day sir,
Thanks for this helpful article.
I have been surfing the web for information like this that would help me in my Canada study permit application.
I will like to know if it is acceptable by the embassy for a lump sum of money like #9m to be transferred into my account days before I submit an application.
What is the best means of application for quick response, is it the online application or the paper application.
Thanks in anticipation.
Hello Olabode,
Depositing the sum of 9 million Naira a few days before your visa application will not be favourable.
Usually, you would need to have such an amount of money four (4) months before your interview.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Very educative. With this information I tink I do not need agent to apply & process a Canadian student visa
Thanks for the information , it’s so helpful.
Please can you recommend a Canadian institution in order to apply for entry as soon as possible.
Yes, Shade
You might want to read about the cheapest universities in Canada for Nigerian students.
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Good day sir, I trust you’re good sir?
I’m very glad that I came across your post today, thank you very much for this delightful update sir. God bless you sir.
My WAEC result is more than 6 years old now, I graduated in the year 2016/17. And I would love to work and study in canada!
I want to study Accounting, and when I checked your article about the cheapest universities in Canada. I came across many universities, I was only able to pick 3 universities. I don’t know if you can recommend one for me out of these three….. Dalhousie University, University of Winnipeg and Simon Fraser University.
I would also love to work alongside studying so as to support myself during my learning duration.
Please how do I go about it sir? I would appreciate it if you can help and assist me in these tedious way sir. Including all the payments I’ll be paying sir.
Looking forward to hear from you sir, thanks so much.