To apply for Canada student visa in Nigeria, you need to get all the facts right. The Canadian Embassy has refused many applications because applicants failed to abide by rules. If you want to get the right information about Canada student visa application in Nigeria, then stay with us.

Canada is the widest country in North America and second biggest in the world. Many know Canada specifically because of her vast landscape, multifaceted history and tolerant blend of different cultures. It is also considered as one of the wealthiest countries in the world and a major destination for tourism.

The country is of British heritage and most Canadians are proud of this. Historically, Britain and France have hugely influenced Canada, which is why some parts of the country (like New Brunswick and Quebec) primarily speak French.

What is Canada Student visa?

If you have the intention of studying in Canada, you need visa for this purpose. The visa serves as permit for visitors to stay and study within Canada. Officially, it is called a student permit and you can obtain it here in Nigeria provided you have all the required documents.

The Canadian Visa Application Centre (CVAC) is authorized to accept application and process Canada student visa in Nigeria. When you follow their guidelines, getting the Canada student visa in Nigeria can be easy.

Why you should study in Canada

Universities in Canada are ranked in the top 100 best universities worldwide and over 100,000 international students enroll annually.

Canadian universities are known globally for offering a high quality and research oriented education. The schools are less expensive when compared to the UK and the US, which is why most students prefer them. For more information on how you can get started, book a free consultation with us

Nigerian Students in Canada

Nigerian students make up a substantial amount of international students in Canada. There are benefits for Nigerians that decide to study in Canada because it has one of the best and safest environments for studies.

Canada Student Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens

As a Nigerian citizen applying for Canada student visa, there are requirements you need to satisfy in order to make the process of your visa application easy and also to avoid unnecessary complications. The following are the documents you need to have in your possession before starting the procedure for your visa application:

– Passport: You need to present an original and photocopy of your Nigerian Passport. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months of your stay in Canada and should have at least two blank spaces.

– Photograph: You need two colour photographs that are recently taken. Ensure that the photographs show your full face. It must also be clear and taken with a plain background. It should have a dimension of about 35-40mm.

– Flight reservation: Also, you need to present a flight ticket reservation. This should show the airline, date and time of arrival in Canada.

– Hotel reservation: If your school does not have any plans for accommodation, you should present a confirmation for hotel reservation.

– Cover/Motivation Letter: This explains your plans for study. It also helps you assure the consular officer that you are passionate about your course of study and deserves a study visa.

– Proof of acceptance: if you have the intention of studying in any Canadian institution, you will need to apply for it. The school will send you a letter of acceptance as a proof that you have been offered admission to study there. This letter should be included with your student permit application.

– Proof of financial support: you must prove that you have sufficient funds in your account that will cater for your needs while you stay and study in Canada. Apart from tuition fee payment, the Canadian authorities expect you to set aside CAD $ 11,000 for your upkeep.

Proof of financial capabilities can come in form of your statement of account or your sponsors. In the case where you present your sponsor’s bank statement, you should submit a sponsorship affidavit to your documents.

– Health status: There is need to provide a medical report.  The report will contain your medical history and proof of good health.

– Certificates of Social ties: These include your marriage certificate (if married) and birth certificate of your children (if applicable).

– Introduction letter from employer

– Police Certificate: A certificate from the police station will also be required stating that you do not have any criminal record.

– Academic certificate: You will need to get all certificates from the previous institutions you have attended. You can also get transcripts and other proofs that you have attended other schools prior to your application.

How to Apply for Canada Student Visa in Nigeria: Step by Step

For easy Canada student visa application in Nigeria, below is a step by step guide that will ensure easy processing and fast approval.

1- Gain Admission

Apply for admission into a Canadian educational institution. It is important to secure an admission first because one of the basic requirements for Canada student visa application is getting a letter of admission and acceptance from an institution in Canada.

2- Gather Supporting Documents

Fill the student permit form. Then gather all the aforementioned supporting documents. These documents are important because they represent you at the embassy. You should make photocopies of each document and if possible scan them into an electronic device like a computer system or flash drive.

3- Submit at the VAC

After submitting your application and making the required payments, a receipt will be issued to you which contains a tracking number. You will use the tracking number to track the progress of the visa application process. Also, be ready for a interview

4- Track your application online

When you are ready to track your visa application, click here. This helps to see the stage of your visa application and know when you can collect your passport.

5- Collect your passport

The last step is to visit the visa application centre (handled by VFS) to collect your visa when it is ready. You will be notified when it is ready for collection.

Canada Visa Appointment Booking

There is no need for appointment booking because the VFS Global oversees Canada visa application collection in Nigeria. Payments and application submission can be done online or physically at the visa application centre.

FAQs on How to Apply for Canada Student Visa

Below are answers to some important questions that you need to know about Canada student visa in Nigeria.

How much is Canada Student visa fee in Nigeria?

The fee for Canada student visa in Nigeria varies from time to time. At this time, the fee for the study permit is about $150 (CAD) and then biometrics fee is $85 (CAD). You will also need to pay a service fee of $45. For more on visa fees, click here to use the NaijaGoingAbroad visa fee calculator.

How long does it take to process Canadian visa in Nigeria?

The time for processing Canadian visa in Nigeria varies depending on the type of application you submit and number of applicants at that time. The ideal period is usually eight weeks. To ensure that you have fast approval, you need to apply early before the academic year commences at full swing.

Where is Canada embassy in Nigeria?

The Canadian embassy in Nigeria is located at Anifowoshe street, Victoria Island, Lagos. You can also visit the Canada Visa Application Centre at 62, Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja or Manor Hall, plot 110, Admiral Ayinla way, Opposite Treasure Garden Estate, Third roundabout, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

Where do I download Canada visa application form?

You can download Canada visa application form on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.

Conclusion

To get Canada student visa in Nigeria easily, ensure you adhere strictly to the guidelines listed in this article. This will also help make the process smooth and the reduce stress of tracking the process.

With the information contained in this article, you can start the process for the visa application provided you have all the required documents.

When an immigration officer makes a decision on an application, they are required by law to document the reasons for the decision. You can submit an application to get the detailed officer’s notes for why the application was refused. Having the GCMS notes for your refused visa application will help you change what you include in your new application to increase your chances for approval.

Our office submits this request for the officer’s notes on behalf of any applicant who wants to know the detailed grounds for the refusal of their immigration application. We are also happy to review your notes with you to explain what the immigration officer’s notes mean.

You can also obtain the application notes for a visa application that is still in process with IRCC to see what is going on with the application.

 

Has your Canadian Visa Application been refused? We can help!

 

Canadian Visitor Visa (TRV) Application Refusals

Failure to meet Section 179(b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) is the most frequently cited reason for refusal of a visitor visa application to Canada. Most visitor visa refusals stem from failure to meet this requirement in different ways.

Section 179(b) of IRPR states,

179. Issuance – An officer shall issue a temporary resident visa to a foreign national if, following an examination, it is established that the foreign national

(b) will leave Canada by the end of the period authorized for their stay under Division 2 [Conditions on Temporary Residents]

Visa Refusal Based on Travel History

• I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay as a temporary resident as stipulated in paragraph 179(b) of the IRPR based on your Travel History

Refusals based on travel history are difficult, but can be overcome with a new application. IRCC refuses applications based on travel history when an applicant has not been outside their home country previously, or has traveled outside their home country but not very often. Sometimes this is even grounds for refusal when an applicant has extensive travel history. “Lack of travel history” can be overcome in a new application with travel to other countries or other means.

Visa Refusal Based on Purpose of Visit

• I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay as a temporary resident as stipulated in paragraph 179(b) of the IRPR based on the purpose of your visit

A visitor visa refusal based on the purpose of the visit is tricky, because it is such a highly discretionary reason for refusal. Sometimes this reason for refusal is given because not enough detail was provided on the application regarding why specifically the applicant was coming to Canada. For example, if the applicant said they were coming to visit their friend, this is vague and the officer could have doubts about the reason. Whereas, if the applicant said that they were coming to visit their friend because the friend was getting married in Niagara Falls and included a copy of the wedding invitation, this would be a much better way to explain why the visa is needed.

Visa Refusal Based on Family Ties

• I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay as a temporary resident as stipulated in paragraph 179(b) of the IRPR because of your family ties in Canada and country of residence

A refusal based on family ties of the applicant, whether in Canada or in the country of residence or both, are extremely common grounds for refusal of a visitor visa. If the applicant has family in Canada, then this can work against the applicant as it is one reason that they may not wish to return home at the end of their stay in Canada. For example, if the applicant is applying to visit his wife in Canada and all of his family resides in his home country, then this requires detailed explanation regarding the nature of the applicant’s ties both in Canada and at home.

 

Has your Canadian Visa Application been refused? We can help!

 

Visa Refusal Based on Immigration Status

• I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay as a temporary resident as stipulated in paragraph 179(b) of the IRPR because of your immigration status in your country of residence

In order to submit an application for a visa to come to Canada, the applicant is required by law to have legal status in the country where they are located when they submit the application. Besides having legal status there, the applicant also must have been admitted to that country for a minimum amount of time or their visa application will be refused. Sufficient proof of the applicant’s legal status in their country of residence at the time they make the application has to be included when they apply for a visa to Canada, otherwise the application will be refused.

Visa Refusal Based on Personal Assets and Financial Status

• I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay as a temporary resident as stipulated in paragraph 179(b) of the IRPR because of your personal assets and financial status

As an applicant for a visitor visa to Canada, it is extremely important to prove to the immigration officer that you have the money to finance your trip to Canada. In a visa application, you have to prove that you:

1. Have sufficient funds to pay for your ticket and travel to Canada
2. Have sufficient funds to pay for the costs during your visit such as tourism, meals, lodging, gifts, etc.
3. Have sufficient funds to pay for your ticket and travel back to your country of residence

If IRCC does not believe that you have sufficient money to pay for your trip and then some, they will refuse your application based on personal assets and financial status. Also, be aware that “personal assets and financial status” refers to the funds held by and accessible to the applicant for the visa, not the Canadian inviter. An application for a Canadian visa should include financial information and documents belonging to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has invited the foreign national for a visit, however the applicant for the visa must also show funds of their own.

Visa Refusal Based on Current Employment Situation

• I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay as a temporary resident as stipulated in paragraph 179(b) of the IRPR because of your current employment situation

Because it is so important for applicants for a Canadian visa to show that they have enough money to finance their trip to Canada, it is also important that they show where this money has come from. The absolute best way to show the source of their funds is to prove that they are employed. Applicants for a Canadian visa are considered at higher risk to break the conditions of their entry and overstay in Canada if they are unemployed at the time of their application. A job in the visa applicant’s home country is one of the strongest ties that they can show to their country of residence as proof that they will return when their trip to Canada is over.

Being self-employed or enrolled full-time in school is also a strong tie to the visa applicant’s home country. However, if the applicant is out of school and is not working in any way, this is a significant challenge to overcome on a Canadian visa application.

Visa Refusal Based on Length of Proposed Stay

• I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay as a temporary resident as stipulated in paragraph 179(b) of the IRPR because of your length of proposed stay in Canada

Because visitors who enter Canada can stay up to a maximum of 6 months, unless they are advised otherwise by Canada Border Services Agency when they arrive, many people believe that they should state “6 months” as their proposed length of stay on the visitor visa application. However, “length of proposed stay” is a very common ground for refusal. Asking for the maximum amount of time allowable to visitors in Canada is not usually viewed as reasonable by officers, and makes it look more likely that the applicant will not leave on time.

Visa Refusal Based on Employment Prospects in Country of Residence

• I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay as a temporary resident as stipulated in paragraph 179(b) of the IRPR because of your employment prospects in country of residence

As described above, the financial documentation of the applicant is the most important part of a Canadian visa application. Applicants for a visa need to show not only that they have the money to pay for their trip to Canada, but also that they are employed as proof of where their funds come from. If the unemployment rate is high in the country of residence of the visa applicant, then this can negatively impact the Canadian visa application. If an immigration officer believes that an applicant is likely to lose their job as a result of traveling to Canada, or that they are unlikely to be able to get a job if they are not currently working, “employment prospects in country of residence” can be used as grounds for refusal of the visa application.

Visa Refusal Based on Insufficient Funds, Income, or Assets

• I am not satisfied that you have sufficient funds, including income or assets, to carry out your stated purpose in going to Canada or to maintain yourself while in Canada and to effect your departure. 

An immigration officer cannot issue a visa to Canada if they believe that the applicant does not have enough money to pay for their trip to Canada for the purpose that they have stated on the application. They also cannot issue a visa if they do not believe the applicant has enough  money to pay for their trip back to their home country. If the purpose for their visit would reasonably cost more money than the applicant has demonstrated that they have, then this is a likely reason for refusal of the visa application.

Visa Refusal Based on Insufficient Documentation of Income and Assets

• You have not provided sufficient documentation to support your / your host’s income and assets. 

If it is not already clear, an applicant for a visa to Canada is required to prove that they meet all the requirements for issuance of the visa – the burden of proof is on the visa applicant, not on Canadian immigration. If the applicant has stated that they have access to a certain amount of money, or that their Canadian host has access to a certain amount of money to support the visa application, then they must demonstrate this with documentation. If the applicant does not provide documentation to show what they are saying is true, then this can be grounds for refusal of the visa.

Visa Refusal Based on Misrepresentation

• You have submitted documentation which lacks authenticity as part of your application. This has diminished the overall credibility of your submission

In the event that IRCC does not believe that the documents or information you have submitted are genuine, this alone is grounds for refusal of the application under section 40 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for Misrepresentation. If an applicant for any visa or type of immigration to Canada has been determined by IRCC to have misrepresented, then they will be the subject of a bar from entering Canada for a certain period of time and any future immigration applications will be viewed with skepticism.

 

Has your Canadian Visa Application been refused? We can help!

If your spouse is currently working or studying in Canada, or if you have applied to be sponsored for permanent residence by your spouse or partner in Canada, you may be eligible for an open work permit.

CONTACT US TO DISCUSS YOUR WORK PERMIT NEEDS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If a foreign national is successful in their work permit application, they will be issued an open work permit authorizing them to work for multiple employers in any location in Canada while their permanent residency application is processing, or while their spouse has valid status in Canada. The application procedure for the spousal sponsorship open work permit varies depending on the applicant’s status in Canada or the stage of their permanent residency application. Foreign nationals cannot work in Canada without the appropriate authorization. Engaging in any form of employment in Canada without the proper work permit is unlawful and can jeopardize future immigration applications.

What is a spouse open work permit?

A spouse open work permit allows the spouse of certain temporary Canadian permit holders to work anywhere in Canada, for any employer, with few restrictions.

Who can apply for a spouse open work permit?

Individuals who have applied to be sponsored by their spouse, or those whose spouses are in Canada on a study or work permit may be able to apply for a spousal open work permit. The requirements for applying for a spousal open work permit depend on the type of status your spouse has in Canada. For information, use the table below:

Category	Principal applicant’s occupational skill level requirement	Principal applicant’s minimum work permit length
Spouses or common-law partners of Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) work permit holders	0, A, or B	6 months
Spouses or common-law partners of Quebec selection certificate (CSQ) holders	Any occupational skill level	6 months
Spouses or common-law partners of provincial nominees	Any occupational skill level	6 months
Spouses or common-law partners of bridging open work permit (BOWP) holders	Varies depending on program principal applicant applies under	6 months
Spouses or common-law partners of open work permit holders other than BOWP	0, A, or B	N/A
Spouses or common-law partners of study permit holders	N/A	N/A
In Canada spousal/common-law sponsorship applicants	N/A	N/A

Can I apply for an open work permit if my spouse or partner has applied to sponsor me?

In order to be eligible to apply for a spousal sponsorship open work permit, a foreign national must have applied for permanent residency sponsorship from within Canada through the in Canada stream of the spousal sponsorship program.

• If you have not submitted your sponsorship application: The sponsorship, permanent residence, and open work permit applications may all be submitted together in a single envelope in hard copy. Ensure that all supporting documentation and required proof of payments for all applications are included. The applications should be submitted to the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga (CPC-M), Ontario.
• If your permanent residence application is submitted but has not yet received approval in principle: The open work permit application may be submitted in hard copy to the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville (CPC-V), Alberta.
• If your permanent residence application has been approved in principle: The open work permit application may be submitted online or in hard copy to the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville (CPC-V), Alberta.

Approval in principle (AIP) means that a person’s permanent residence application has been cleared by IRCC as meeting the eligibility requirements, but the application has not yet passed through processing for medical exams and security/background checks. While this means the application has successfully passed through several stages of processing, permanent residency may still be denied after receipt of the AIP.

A foreign national must have valid status in Canada (visitor, student, worker, etc.) in order to submit a work permit application at the same time as their permanent residence application. If an applicant is out of status in Canada, they must wait until their permanent residence application has received approval in principle to submit their work permit application.

Eligibility requirements for a spousal work permit and visa

In order to qualify for a spousal open work permit, you must meet certain minimum requirements, including:

• Must be in a genuine relationship with a qualifying foreign national principal applicant, permanent resident, or citizen;
• Must be eligible to apply as the spouse of a qualifying foreign national, or as an in Canada sponsorship applicant (see above); and
• Are not criminally or medically inadmissible to Canada

Additional criteria will vary depending on the category of SOWP you are applying under.

How long does a spouse open work permit take to process?

The processing time for a spousal open work permit will depend on what type of permit your spouse applied for. To check the approximate processing time for a particular application, visit Canada’s dedicated webpage.

Can a spouse open work permit be extended?

A SOWP is tied to the permit of the spouse, or ‘lead applicant’, and will only be valid for as long as the lead applicant’s permit. If your SOWP expires, you will need to reapply based on your spouse’s permit.

Spouse open work permit fees

The fee for a spouse open work permit is $255 CAD – $155 for the processing fee, and $100 CAD for the open work permit holder fee.

How long is a spouse open work permit valid?

A spousal open work permit can only be issued for as long as the lead applicant’s permit. If the applicant’s passport is expiring soon, it will not be issued beyond the validity of their passport.

How long does it take to get a work permit after getting married?

There is no minimum amount of time that an applicant must wait before applying for a permit after getting married.

Can I work anywhere in Canada on a spouse open work permit?

Holders of spouse open work permits may work anywhere in Canada, for any employer, with limited restrictions.

Can I add my dependents on my spouse open work permit?

While applying for a spousal open work permit, dependent children may also accompany the permit holder by applying for a visitor record.

How to apply for a spouse open work permit

The spouse open work permit application procedure will differ depending on which type of spouse open work permit you need. The first step is determining which work permit is best for you. If you need help figuring out the application, simply contact us and a member of our team will assist you with scheduling a consultation.

When to apply for a spouse open work permit

When you can apply for a spouse open work permit will depend on which category you are applying under. For more information on when you can apply, contact us to set up a consultation.

Spouse open work permit document checklist

The documents required for a Canadian spouse work permit will depend on the category you are applying under. Applicants may need to provide the following documents as part of their work permit application:

• Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter
• Provincial nomination certificate (if applicable)
• Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (Quebec Acceptance Certificate) (if applicable)
• Completed application forms
• Proof of status in Canada
• Proof of spouse’s status in Canada
• Marriage certificate or proof of common-law status
• Proof of relationship to the principal applicant
• A valid copy of your passport
• Medical exam results (if requested)
• Proof of payment for applicable government fees

Spouse open work permit medical request

You may require a medical exam when applying for a spousal open work permit. If required, candidates may choose to take the medical exam upfront, or after receiving a medical exam request from IRCC. Upon receiving a request, you must complete the exam with a panel physician designated by IRCC. You can find a panel physician near you on IRCC’s Find a Panel Physician webpage.

Spousal open work permit proof of funds requirement

Spousal open work permit candidates should be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds for their stay in Canada. If an officer is not convinced that an applicant will be able to support themselves while in Canada, this may result in a refusal.

How to renew your spouse open work permit

It is not possible to renew a spousal open work permit. If your permit expires, but your spouse or partner still has eligible status in Canada, you may re-apply for a new SOWP.

How to check your spouse open work permit application status

If you submitted your spousal open work permit application online, you may check the status through your account. If you submitted a paper-based application, you may check the status by linking it to an online IRCC account.

How can I transition from a spouse open permit to PR?

There are many options for candidates working in Canada to transition to permanent residence status. For a full evaluation of your options, start by completing our free online assessment form.

Why was my spouse open work permit refused?

One of the main reasons spousal open work permits are refused is that the applicant is unable to demonstrate sufficient proof of their relationship to their eligible spouse. If your application was refused, contact us to learn more about your options.

 

What happens if my spouse open work permit is refused?

If your spousal open work permit is refused, you may be eligible to re-apply. You should only re-apply if you can provide additional information or documentation to address the reason or refusal. Contact us to learn more about your options.

Can I stay in Canada if my visitor permit expires while waiting for my SOWP to process?

If you applied for In-Canada sponsorship on a visitor permit that is expiring, and you have applied for a spousal open work permit, you will be on maintained status. This means you can remain in Canada without a valid permit under the same conditions while awaiting a decision on your SOWP application.

Reasons spouse open work permit are rejected

There are many reasons a spousal open work permit may be rejected. Here are six of the most common reasons:

1. Principal applicant is living outside Canada – Your spouse must be living inside Canada on eligible, legal status in order for you to apply for a spousal open work permit. If your spouse lives outside Canada, this may be a reason your application is refused.
2. No evidence that your spouse is attending a DLI – If you are applying for a SOWP as the spouse of a student, your spouse will need to provide sufficient evidence that they are studying at a Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI) and are actively enrolled in class. Excluding this documentation could result in a refusal.
3. Lacking proof of funds – If the officer reviewing your case is not convinced that you and your spouse will have sufficient funds to support your stay in Canada, your application may be refused. For this reason, it is important to include financial documents with your application that will satisfy the officer of your financial stability.
4. Missing proof of employment – If you are applying for a SOWP based on your spouse’s employment, it is important to provide documents that support their employment in Canada.
5. Insufficient ties to home country– When applying for temporary status in Canada, the officer must be satisfied that you will leave by the end of your authorized stay. For this reason, it is important to include proof of any ties you may have to your home country. If the officer is not convinced that you will leave Canada by the end of your authorized stay, your application may be refused.
6. Absence of proof of a genuine relationship– Since the spousal open work permit is based on your relationship to your spouse or common-law partner, it is important to provide sufficient proof of your genuine relationship. If the visa officer is not satisfied that your relationship is genuine, this could be a reason for refusal.

What happens to my spouse’s open work permit application if my spouse and I separate or divorce?

If you and your spouse divorce or your common-law relationship ends after you’ve received your spousal open work permit, your permit will not be revoked. However, if your relationship ends while your application is still processing, you must inform IRCC of your updated relationship status, and will no longer be eligible for a SOWP.