Studying abroad has become a very much authentic alternative for many young Nigerians who yearn to improve their academic life and as well remain sellable in the labor market.
Canada is among the top countries in the world that has the best academic standards.
The academic standard there is next to non.
This has lured a good number of students from every corner of the world. Universities in Canada offer a world-class education that is known across the globe, also research is among the most important aspects of every form of graduate program offered in Canada.
They also lend support and backing to any student who breaks through in academic research, scholarships as well is given to such students to encourage them. Nevertheless, this written work will expose us to how to apply for a Canadian student Visa in Nigeria.
Studying in Canada Explained
Studying in Canada leaves students with a plethora of opportunities.
Canada is among the fastest-improving first-world countries in the world, their flourishing economy has become a strong force of attraction to people from other parts of the world.
Canada has become top in the list of the desired countries to study in.
Studying in this nation leaves one with greater chances of meeting people from different walks of life, and also amazing academic standard that makes one hot cake.
There is no case of a strike or abnormal break in their academic calendar. Again, it leaves one with the beautiful chance of getting a certificate that is accepted everywhere in the world without any extra proof of its authenticity.
Canada has a beautiful networking system that allows one to use his/her certificate and work anywhere in the world. As a graduate of any Canadian University, you are situated for greater career opportunities, be it a Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or Postgraduate study.
The laws and policies of Canada is well structured in providing both security and medical support for everybody in the country.
Also, there is strong respect for human rights, equality, diversity, and a stable, peaceful society which is the foundation of any developed nation.
Again, Canada has this ethnic and linguistic diversity just like the USA. Over 50% of the population are not English-spoken immigrants.
This however builds a great advantage for many foreigners, meaning that one can quickly settle and make friends.
List of the Benefits of Studying in Canada
- Migrating to Canada remains the easiest in the list of Visa applications. It allows one to migrate permanently.
- To date, Canada is among the countries that have the best Universities.
- Canada remains among the safest countries to study in. This is of course among the major reasons people from different countries rush to study in Canada.
- The tuition fee remains affordable when compared with other countries like the USA, the UK, and many others.
- Studying in Canada leaves one with mouthwatering job opportunities; engineering, Computer Programming, Sciences, media, and healthcare services.
- Canada brags with the best health care services in the world.
- Studying in Canada remains one of the best investments that yields inevitable returns over time.
- Studying in Canada grants one the opportunity to garner work experiences that will be of greater benefit in the future. A study visa allows one to engage in part-time work while studying, this gives room for working experiences.
Things to know before applying for a Canadian Study visa
Firstly, one needs to be aware of the available options for his country before one will go on to apply for a study visa.
One can apply for a study permit if one is within the Canadian border or outside the Canadian border.
However, for this to be achieved one must have a resident visa stamped along with your passport. Again, depending on one’s length of studies can affect one type of study visa application. It takes about 2-6 months to get a Canadian study visa permit done in Nigeria.
Necessary Documents Needed for Canadian Visa Study
1. International Passport
First, a valid international passport is compulsory for one to apply for a Canada study visa.
This implies that one’s passport must be up-to-date, not mutilated, not damaged, and must be valid for at least six months before your traveling date.
Again, it is important that one begins the application process as early as possible to avoid an unsuccessful process and a waste of time and resources.
In addition, When applying online, it is required that one should upload a copy of his/her passport online first for approval, after which you can send the passport for approval.
2. Letter of acceptance from an approved Canadian University
It is important to note that while this is not just restricted to higher institutions of learning, however, approved Canadian institutions are also regarded as Designated Learning Institutions (DLI).
On the Canadian application website (https://www.canada.ca/en.html) there plethora of recognized institutions in Canada for prospective students from Nigeria to choose from.
Again, there must be evidence of acceptance from the institution of one’s choice, and must be contained in your letter of acceptance.
It will also bear one’s program of study and the duration of one’s stay from the start of his/her to the finish, then the degree will now be conferred on you.
3. Statement of account/Proof of funds
This is among the top requirements to study in Canada. It is always required that one will provide a six-month account statement.
However, this is proof of one’s financial backing. When you apply to move to Canada for studies it is expected you can fund your studies and every of your upkeep there.
There are ways to prove one’s financial capabilities: proof of loan application for study, proof of Canadian personal bank account, bank statements for at least four months, evidence of tuition fee payment, and accommodation fee payment.
In the case of a scholarship, one will need a letter from any institution that has agreed to fund your study. This will stand as proof that your tuition fee is taken care of.
4. Passport Photograph
It is required you present tender a recent passport photograph. In the case of a manual application which comes in paper form, it is expected that once fill out the form; you will write your full name and date of birth on the back side of the passport photograph.
5. Letter Explaining Your Travel Intention
This is another important document for individuals applying for a student Canada visa from Nigeria.
In this letter, it is required that one should explain in very much clear words his/her purpose for traveling to Canada.
This is also referred to as a statement of purpose. However, you must stick to your purpose of traveling if granted the chance, and as much as possible keep away from any form of crime.
6. Custodian Declaration form
For one below the age of 18, it is required that a written note from their parent, sponsor, guardian or an adult person resident in Canada be presented. This form must be signed and acknowledged.
7. English Proficiency Test Band Score
This is an exam set purposely to test the individual’s ability to speak English Language fluently.
Canadian Universities demand that you take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination.
Why it is this way is because English Language is the official language in Canada.
Hence, anyone coming from a non-English-speaking country must pass the test. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed mainly to test your listening, reading, writing, and speaking ability.
To qualify for a Canadian visa, the student must attain an overall International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test score of 5.5 minimum and 6.0 in each of the four International English Language Testing System (IELTS) bands for undergraduate and diploma Programs.
Graduate courses call for a total International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test score of 6.5 or above in each band.
The minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test for Degree courses such as teaching, engineering, or education studies is 7.0 in the overall band.
8. Medical Report
It is required that one undergo a medical examination in a renowned hospital, which after all will be given a medical certificate.
It is important that you will know the series of medical tests to do.
9. Security Report
Applicants must also present an official security check report from the police station stating that they have been law-abiding and have no criminal involvements or the like.
How to Apply for Canada Student Visa in Nigeria
There are some important requirements that one must meet up with, lest the individual will not be issued a Canadian Visa.
First, one could be denied a visit to Canada if one poses a security threat, has violated Human rights laws, has been found guilty or convicted of a crime, or has serious health problems.
Again, if one is involved in a serious financial mess or has an ineligible family member accompanying one to Canada. In addition, one’s visa application could be denied if one lied in his/her application or interview.
Below is the full order of how to apply for a Canada student visa in Nigeria.
1. Be sure you are Eligible
Before you apply for a Canadian Visa, be sure you meet the eligibility terms. It is important one check his/her eligibility status to be sure they qualifies to apply.
- Â Be sure a Canadian University has offered you provisional admission to study any course of your choice
- Â Be sure to prove sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living costs, return flights, and any other future expenses.
- Â Be sure to provide proof that you have no criminal record to your name or pose a security threat to Canada as a nation.
- Be sure you are in good health and mental state of mind. Your health record remains clean from any disease.
- Be sure you fulfill and answer all appropriate questions and also prove that you will return to Nigeria after your granted visa expires
2. Be sure you have gained Admission into a Canadian University
Before going on to apply for a study permit, it is important that you have been granted admission into a Canadian university because you will need to present your official acceptance letter to the immigration office.
After gaining admission into a Canadian University or college, you can start your Canada study visa.
3. Completing the visa Application Form
Be sure you fill out the form according to your study application. There are two different ways of completing your application form. You can fill it out online or offline.
Offline Application
Below are what you need to do:
- Open your web browser and go to cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/visa.asp
- Select your country and click Get Documents
- Download the Temporary Resident Visa application forms and fill it.
- The instruction guide contains all the information that will help you complete your application form correctly and successfully. The completed application must bear the barcode page.
4. Visa Facilitation Service (VFS) Consent Form
Get the VFS consent form. Fill out the form and attach it with your application form.
If you don’t have this form properly filled and signed attached to your application, it will be returned to you.
5. Make Visa Application Payment
Visit the Canada Visa Application Center (CVAC) to make your payment on your required visa processing fees and biometric fees.
The center is situated at No 16, Billings Way, Oregun Industrial area, Ikeja, Lagos. Note that there may be additional charges of $39.82 (N6,200) service charge at the CVAC.
You are to pay in person by cash only at the Bank Counter in the CVAC, along with the submission of the application.
6. Submit the Application Package
At the Canada Visa Application Center, you will be required to submit your application form and other needed documents as well as evidence of payment of your visa processing and biometric fees.
Once you pay your fees, the officials will issue you a receipt. It is important you keep the receipts well not to lose them.
This is because these receipts will contain a unique tracking number that you will use to track the status of your application online.
Canadian Visa application centers in Nigeria are located in Abuja and Lagos.
7. Keep Tabs on your Application
How will you know the status and what is the next step in respect to your application? That is not a problem, you can track it.
8. Wait for Processing
A temporary resident visa to Canada takes 14 days to process. So, one will be patient and wait. Canada student visa processing time usually takes a period of 90 days, this may vary depending on the time one applies or the number of applicants at a time.
9. Submit your Passport
You will get a notification from the Canadian Government requesting your passport.
Once you get notification you can submit the passport and that request letter either in person at the CVAC or by courier to the CVAC.
10. Retrieve your Passport
You will get a notification once your passport is ready for you to pick up.
You can either pick up the passport in person or send a self-addressed courier return envelope with your passport and request letter.
How much is the likely amount for a Canadian Visa
Canada visa costs CAD 150. Although there might be changes.
Conclusion
Canada remains an amazing country to visit for studies.
The government has painstakingly worked hard to see that it nation remains habitable for every person so long one does not have any criminal plans.
Studying in Canada currently is the best option for abroad studies for Nigerians.
Studying in Canada will leave you with many good job opportunities and work experiences.
Also, it has room for individuals who want to permanentize their stay.
