Nigerians looking to visit Canada require a visa. In this post, I will explain the process of applying for a Canada visitor visa for applicants from Nigeria and Kenya.
I have gathered this information through a combination of online research on the Visit Canada website and my experience applying for this visa from Nairobi.
If you’re applying for a visa for the first time, be sure to read my guide about the general rules for visa applications, common mistakes to avoid during your application process and my suggestions on foolproof ways to build a strong travel history.
PS: I encourage you to check the Visit Canada website for updated information about the visa application process. All information presented in this post is correct at the time of this writing. They are subject to change without notice.
Dreaming of visiting Canada? Here's everything you need to know about the Canada visitor visa requirements and application process! Share on XLastly, always confirm travel details and requirements with respective embassies and airlines before you apply for your Canada visitor visa or travel to the country. This post does not contain any information about relocating to Canada or converting your tourist visa to a different one.
Trip Planning Resources
Book your accommodation: Find accommodation options for any budget on Booking.com
Purchase Travel Insurance: I use SafetyWing for both my travel and visa application needs
Activities: Find fun activities and tours in your destination via Get Your Guide, Viator or Klook Travel
eSIM: Get your travel eSIM here
How to Apply for a Canada Tourist Visa – In Summary…
- Visit the Canada Immigration website or the VAC – VFS Global website.
- Register for an IRCC account
- Fill the visa application form
- Pay the fees
- Book an appointment for biometrics (after getting your Biometric Instruction Letter)
- Visit the visa application centre with your BIL and appointment letter, then wait for a response from the Canadian Embassy.
Canada Visitor Visa Application for First Time Applicants
The first step in applying for a Canadian visitor visa is to visit the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website (www.canada.ca/immigration). There, select the appropriate visitor visa type based on your travel purpose – whether it’s for tourism, family visits, or business.
The website will then generate a personalized document checklist tailored to your situation. Once you have reviewed the requirements, create your account through the IRCC Portal (legacy version) or the new version.
Complete your application form carefully, ensuring all information is accurate and matches your supporting documents. Submit the application along with the processing fee of CAD $100 for the visitor visa and the biometrics fee of CAD $85 (if applicable).
If you haven’t provided biometrics within the last 10 years, you’ll receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) after fee payment. Using this letter, schedule an appointment at your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your fingerprints and photo. Book your appointment promptly, as this is a mandatory step that must be completed within 30 days of receiving your BIL.
Canada Visitor Visa Required Documents
Prepare the following documents before starting your application:
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay).
- Recent digital photo meeting IRCC specifications – if you’re having your biometrics taken, you wouldn’t need this
- Proof of financial means to support your stay
- Travel itinerary (if available)
- Letter of invitation (if applicable)
- Proof of employment/ties to home country
- Bank statements for the past 6 months
- Purpose of travel documentation
- Medical exam results (if required)
PS: For optimal visa duration, it’s recommended to apply with a passport that has substantial validity remaining. Since Canadian visitor visas are typically issued to match your passport’s expiration date, applying with a passport that’s close to expiry will result in a shorter visa duration.
Ideally, ensure your passport has at least two years of validity when applying. If your passport is expiring soon, consider renewing it before submitting your visa application – this way, you’ll maximize your visa duration and avoid the need for early renewal.
In addition to the documents listed above, I encourage you to submit any other documents that may improve your chances for a successful application. One I always recommend including is a detailed but straight-to-the-point cover letter.
You can use this letter to introduce yourself and elaborate on any points you want the visa officer to take note of. I have uploaded a sample cover letter for the price of a cup of coffee here.
Where to Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa in Nigeria and Kenya
In Nigeria, there are two Visa Application Centre locations available: the Abuja office is situated on the 3rd Floor of Sterling Bank Plaza, Plot No 1083, Mohammadu Buhari Way in the Central Business District, while the Lagos office can be found on the Ground Floor of The Manor, Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way in Lekki Phase 1.
For applicants in Kenya, the Nairobi Visa Application Centre is located on the 5th Floor of Parkfield Building on Muthangari Drive, Off Waiyaki Way, Opposite Safaricom House in Westlands.
Canada Visitor Visa Application Fees
The visitor visa costs CAD $100 and the biometrics fee (if applicable) is CAD $85. These amounts are paid online on the IRCC website and no other payments are required at the VAC.
Canada Visitor Visa Processing Times
Processing times for Canadian visitor visas vary significantly by location and current application volumes. As a general guide, applicants can expect wait times ranging from 20 days to 12 months for a decision. To get the most accurate estimate for your specific location, check the IRCC website’s processing time tool, which is updated weekly.
Be sure to plan your travel accordingly and avoid making non-refundable bookings until your visa is approved. The processing time begins once your biometrics and all required documents have been submitted.
After Submission
- Track your application status through your IRCC account
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
- Prepare to submit your passport if your visa is approved
- Processing times vary by country and season
My Canada Visa Timeline
| Working Days | Activity | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Day 0 (Saturday) | Application Submission | Nov 2, 2024 |
| Day 0 | Biometrics Collection Letter Received | Nov 2, 2024 |
| Day 2 | Biometrics Completed at VFS | Nov 5, 2024 |
| Day 22 | Biometric Validity Letter Received | Dec 3, 2024 |
| Day 25 | Original Passport Request | Dec 6, 2024 |
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That’s it for the entire process of the Canada visitor visa application in Nigeria and Kenya. I hope you find this guide useful. Feel free to share your visa experience with me or ask any questions you might have in the comment section.
Please review your writing. It mentions submitting the visa application online and at an application center, that means you have to submit applications twice.
Please read the post in its entirety. This is not the first or only visa application process where you submit a form or pay fees online AND still visit an application centre.