Canada Visitor Visa
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) · For Nigeria citizens
Planning a trip to Canada as a Nigerian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Temporary Resident Visa application: required documents, current fees of CAD 185 (including biometrics), processing times of approximately 63 days, and strategies to improve your chances. With approval rates around 35% for Nigerian applicants, thorough preparation and strong documentation are essential for success.
Canada Tourist Visa for Nigerian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Nigeria citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your current passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in Canada
Complete the online visa application through IRCC's secure portal
Recent passport-sized digital photograph meeting IRCC specifications
Bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your trip and support yourself during your stay
Documentation proving your employment status and income
Detailed plan of your activities and accommodation in Canada
Evidence demonstrating your strong reasons to return to Nigeria after your visit
Fingerprints and photograph taken at VFS Global visa application centre
Recommended (Optional)
A personal letter explaining your travel purpose, ties to Nigeria, and reasons for returning
Letter from your host in Canada inviting you to visit
Evidence of previous international travel, especially to Canada, US, UK, or Schengen countries
Certified translations of any non-English/French documents
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online through the IRCC portal.1 Paper applications are only accepted in specific circumstances. The process involves four main steps:
1. Complete Online Application
Create an account on the IRCC website and complete the Visitor Visa application forms.1 You will need to fill out form IMM 5257 and the Family Information Form (IMM 5645). Pay the CAD $100 visa fee and CAD $85 biometrics fee online.3
2. Submit Supporting Documents
Upload all required documents through your IRCC account.1 Documents must be clear, legible scans. Include your passport, photographs, financial evidence, employment proof, travel itinerary, and evidence of ties to Nigeria.2
3. Provide Biometrics
After submitting your application, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) from IRCC.6 Book an appointment at a VFS Global visa application centre within 30 days.5 VFS centres in Nigeria are located in Lagos (1st Floor, 36 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island) and Abuja (Muhammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District).5
4. Wait for Decision
Current processing time for Nigerian applicants is approximately 63 days.4 You can check your application status online through your IRCC account. Once a decision is made, you will receive notification to submit your passport for visa stamping if approved.1
Fees
| Service | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa Application | $100 |
| Biometrics (per person) | $85 |
| Biometrics (family of 2+) | $170 |
| Family Application (5+ people) | $500 max |
| Extend Stay as Visitor | $100 |
| Restore Status | $246.25 |
VFS Global charges additional service fees for application submission and passport handling.5 Optional services like courier delivery and SMS updates cost extra.
What You Need to Prove
Immigration officers evaluate your application based on several key factors.2 You must demonstrate:
- Intent to leave: Strong evidence you will return to Nigeria after your visit2
- Sufficient funds: Financial resources to support yourself without working in Canada2
- Genuine purpose: A clear, legitimate reason for visiting Canada2
- No inadmissibility: No criminal record, health issues, or previous immigration violations2
The burden of proof is on you. Officers will refuse applications if they have any doubt about your intentions.2
Processing Times
Current processing time for Visitor Visa applications from Nigeria is approximately 63 days.4 This is measured from the time you submit your complete application.
Processing may take longer if:4
- Additional security screening is required
- Documents need verification
- Information in your application requires clarification
- You need to attend an interview
Canada does not offer an expedited processing service for visitor visas. Plan your application well in advance of your intended travel dates, ideally 3-4 months before.
After Your Visa is Approved
If approved, your visa will be placed in your passport. The visa may be single-entry or multiple-entry, valid for up to 10 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
At the Canadian border, a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will make the final decision on your entry. They may ask to see:
- Return flight tickets
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of funds
- Details of your travel plans
- Contact information for your host (if visiting someone)
The officer determines how long you can stay, typically up to 6 months. This will be stamped in your passport.
If Your Visa is Refused
Refusal rates for Nigerian applicants are currently high. If refused, you will receive a letter with general reasons. To understand the specific concerns:
- Request GCMS notes through an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request to see detailed processing notes
- Analyze the refusal reasons and identify exactly what documentation was lacking
- Address each concern with new or additional evidence before reapplying
- Consider timing: Reapplying immediately without changes will likely result in another refusal
There is no formal appeal process for visitor visa refusals. Your options are to reapply with improved documentation or seek judicial review in limited circumstances.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Ties to Home Country
The officer is not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay. Lack of evidence showing strong reasons to return to Nigeria such as stable employment, property, business, or family obligations.
How to avoid: Provide comprehensive proof of ties: property documents (Certificate of Occupancy), employment letter showing tenure of 2+ years, CAC business registration if self-employed, evidence of family dependents, and investment portfolios in Nigeria.
Inadequate Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not demonstrate sufficient funds to cover the trip, show suspicious patterns, or include large unexplained deposits close to the application date.
How to avoid: Show 6 months of consistent bank statements with regular salary credits. Avoid sudden large deposits. Include fixed deposits and investment accounts. Balance should exceed trip costs by a comfortable margin.
Unclear Purpose of Visit
The travel purpose is vague, implausible, or does not match the visa duration. Officers may doubt genuine tourism intent if the itinerary seems unrealistic or poorly planned.
How to avoid: Provide a detailed, realistic day-by-day itinerary. If visiting family, include specific details about your relationship and their immigration status. Explain clearly why Canada and why now.
Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation
Missing required documents, contradictory information across documents, or unexplained gaps in employment or travel history.
How to avoid: Use the official IRCC document checklist. Cross-verify all dates and figures match across documents. Provide explanation letters for any gaps in employment or unusual circumstances.
Poor or No Travel History
First-time international travellers or applicants with limited travel history to developed countries face higher scrutiny as there is no track record of visa compliance.
How to avoid: If possible, build travel history by visiting other countries first. Include all evidence of previous travel. Emphasize your compliance record if you have previous visas.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa refusals, overstays, or violations in Canada or other countries raises concerns about future compliance with immigration rules.
How to avoid: Be completely honest about past issues. Explain what has changed since then. Provide evidence of changed circumstances and improved ties to Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Canada on a visitor visa?
A Canada Visitor Visa allows you to stay for up to 6 months per visit. The exact duration may be determined by the border services officer upon entry. You cannot live in Canada through repeated visits or work during your stay.
Can I work on a Canada visitor visa?
No, the Visitor Visa does not permit any form of paid or unpaid work in Canada. This includes remote work for non-Canadian employers. If you need to work, you must apply for a work permit.
How long does Canada visa processing take from Nigeria?
Current processing times for Nigerian applicants are approximately 63 days. This timeline can vary based on application completeness, security checks, and IRCC workload. There is no expedited processing option available for visitor visas.
What is the Canada visitor visa fee for Nigerians in 2025?
The Visitor Visa application fee is CAD $100 per person. Biometrics cost an additional CAD $85. For families of 5 or more applying together, the maximum fee is CAD $500 for the application plus CAD $170 for biometrics.
Do I need to book flights before applying?
No, you do not need to book flights before applying. In fact, it is advisable to make only refundable bookings until your visa is approved, given the current approval rates for Nigerian applicants.
Can I extend my Canada visitor visa?
Yes, you can apply to extend your stay as a visitor from within Canada. You should apply at least 30 days before your current status expires. The extension fee is CAD $100. However, extensions are not guaranteed.
What is the approval rate for Canada visas from Nigeria?
The approval rate for Canada visitor visas from Nigeria is approximately 35%. This reflects Canada's stricter scrutiny under policies implemented in 2024 to manage temporary resident numbers.
What happens if my visa is refused?
You will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You can reapply with improved documentation addressing the issues, or request your GCMS notes through an Access to Information request to understand the detailed reasons. There is no formal appeal process for visitor visa refusals.
Is Canada issuing 10-year multiple entry visas to Nigerians?
Canada can issue multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. However, the issuance of long-validity visas depends on the officer's assessment and your application strength.
Where do I submit biometrics in Nigeria?
VFS Global operates Canada visa application centres in Lagos (1st Floor, 36 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island) and Abuja (Muhammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District). Book your biometrics appointment after receiving your Biometric Instruction Letter from IRCC.