How to Apply for a Canadian Study Permit in Nigeria

how to apply for canadian study permit in nigeria

How to Apply for a Canadian Study Permit in Nigeria

Canada is one of the most important countries that form an integral part of North America, it’s the second largest country in the world in terms of land mass and touches three great oceans on the north, the west and the east (the Arctic, the pacific and the Atlantic oceans). People migrate to Canada for a variety of reasons of which education is an integral part.

Applying for a student visa to Canada from Nigeria is not an especially hard task. Apart from the couple of forms you have to fill, there are also some certain fees you have to pay. However, there are specific procedures which you must follow diligently while applying for your Canadian student visa. Before I go ahead to describe these steps, let me briefly explain what a study permit is.

A study permit is a kind of document issued by the Canadian government to a foreigner which authorizes such person to study at certain institutions in Canada. These institutions are referred to as Designated Learning Institutions (DLI).

Certain conditions must be met for any Nigerian to apply for a Canadian study permit and also while studying under the permit;

  • You must have been offered admission and registered at a Designated Leaning Institution in Canada
  • Your course must be for a duration longer than six months
  • You must abide by all regulations contained in your study permit
  • You must terminate your study if you by any chance no longer meet the requirements
  • You must constantly be advancing in completing your study program
  • You must exit Canada as soon as your study permit expires.

Also note that the study permit is not the same as visa hence you may be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). This will usually be issued as a part of your study permit.

Now that you understand what the study permit is and the necessary conditions to satisfy, the following are the basic steps you must follow to obtain a Canadian study permit from Nigeria.  

Also Read: How Much is Canadian Visa Fee in Nigeria (THE COMPLETE GUIDE)

Step 1. Gather all necessary documents

Before you proceed to apply for your study permit, the first and very crucial step is to gather all necessary document. Usually, you will be required to provide;

  • An acceptance letter form the Designated Learning Institution in Canada where you intend to study. This is the original letter of acceptance sent to you from the DLI which must be attached to your study permit application.
  • You must also have a proof of identity for family members (in the case that you are travelling with one or more family members). These includes valid passports and two passport photographs for each member( always write behind each passport photograph the name and date of birth of each person)
  • Possession of adequate funds to ensure your smooth stay and that of your family members (if any) coming with you to Canada. The Canadian immigration officer must be convinced you can take care of yourself and your family members while in Canada. You will need to provide proof of funds in terms of either of the following:
    • a bank statement of your account with history for at least four previous months,
    • a letter of scholarship from the Designated Learning Institution where you intend to study or from a sponsor giving you money,
    • A proof of student or education loan from a bank to cover your tuition and accommodation
    • An Evidence of payment of tuition and accommodation( if you have already paid)
    • Evidence of a Canadian bank account in your name. This is required if you have moved your funds to Canada.
    • For information on the minimum required funds to support yourself as a student in Canada, click here
  • You are also required to provide an explanation letter stating the reasons why you wish to study in Canada and your understanding of your roles and responsibilities as a student in Canada.
  • If you are going to study in Quebec, you will be required to obtain a document called the Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ). You can get details to apply for the CAQ from your Designated Learning Institution.
  • If you are under the age of 18 and require a custodian while in Canada, you must provide a filled Custodian Declaration Form (signed by the Custodian and your parent /guardian), must be certified by a notary and attached to your study permit application.
  • Proof to show that you will return to your country at the end of your study period.
  • Proof to show that you are a law abiding citizen which means, you must have no previous record of criminal activity either in your country or outside. You may be required to provide a police clearance certificate
  • You must be in complete health. People with HIV/AIDS or other critical health conditions are most likely to receive a negative response to their visa application. In most cases, a medical examination will be required.
  • Possession of complete requirements and documents that are needed to be tendered.
Recommended: How Long Does it Take to Process Canadian Visa in Nigeria

You could jeopardise your eligibility if:

  • You put up a personality that will expose you to being found as a security threat/risk (mind your choice of word and behaviour at the embassy)
  • You have perpetrated or caused an human right violation
  • You have once been convicted of a crime
  • You are indebted, bankrupt or in severe financial trouble
  • You are going together with a family member or person ineligible to travel to Canada
  • You are dishonest in filling your application form or during interview

Step 2. Obtain the necessary documents for your application package

After you have gathered all necessary document and satisfied the above conditions, the next step is to obtain forms to apply. Your application package generally includes all the necessary forms that you must download and fill accurately. Usually, Nigerians applying for student permit to Canada are expected to apply on paper, therefore you are expected to fill out your applications forms electronically and print out for submission. The application package to be downloaded for any Nigerian applying to study in Canada include the following forms and documents:

  • Application for Study Permit Made Outside of Canada Form
  • Family Information Form: required form that must be filled by the applicant and each accompanying family member as long as they are 18 years or above.
  • Use of a Representative Form ( if you are using a representative)
  • Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union Form ( if you are in a common-law union)
  • Document Checklist
  • Visa Office Instruction and Visa Application Photograph Specifications
  • Custodian Declaration Form

It is strongly advised that you download, study and follow the instruction guide provided to fill out these forms carefully. This will give you all the information you require to successfully complete your application forms without errors. Download the Instruction Guide here.

After you have successfully downloaded and filled your application forms. You should print them on a white, bond quality, non-glossy paper by making use of a laser printer. This includes all forms and barcoded sheets.

If you have people travelling with you such as family members, they must also download, fill and sign their forms as appropriate. In the case where there is an applicant under 18 years, then the forms should be signed by the parent or guardian.

Also Read: How to Apply for a Canadian Visa in Nigeria

NOTE:

  1. After accurately filling your forms, you must click on the validate button located at the top or bottom of your form. This will bring out a barcode page with a signature line which you should also print and sign as required.
  2. Ensure you always place the barcode page at the top of your whole application package for submission.
  3. If you have more than one package to submit, print separate barcode pages for each of them and place at the top of each.

Step 3. Pay your Application fees

After you have filled the appropriate forms and arranged as required, the next step is to pay your fees.

  • The Study permit application processing fees: Currently, this cost CAN$150 per person and includes extensions.

Note that the visa application fees is non-refundable. If your application is eventually rejected, your funds will not be returned to you.

  • Biometric fees: Nigerians between the ages of 14 and 79 are required to give their biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) when applying for a Canadian Study Permit therefore you will have to pay the biometrics fees, this costs $CAN85 (about N24, 642.35.00) per person.
  • Biometrics fees for family is CAN$170 while for a group (of 3 or more) costs CAN$255 and includes the Visa Application Center (VAC) service charge.

You can check for more information on visa fees here.

Method of payment

There are two Canada Visa Application Centres (CVAC) you can visit in Nigeria to pay the required fees;

-Lagos center:

Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC), Lagos
Manor Hall, Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way,
Opposite Treasure Garden Estate,
Third Roundabout, Lekki Phase I – Lagos

-Abuja center:

Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC), Abuja
Silverbird Entertainment Centre.
Plot 1161, Memorial Drive, 2nd Floor,
Central Business District, Abuja

Note that these fees are to be paid at the cash counter of the CVAC and only cash is accepted. Therefore ensure you go along with enough funds.

It is very important that you collect your receipts after payment of fees. Do not leave without an evidence of payment.

Step 4. Submit your Application documents

Now after making necessary payments. You may submit your application documents and the receipts/proof of payments of all fees paid. These include the visa fees, service charge and biometric fees. It is important to note that they will demand for your biometrics at the visa application center so ensure that it is completed. This will be done at the CVAC. Also, be sure that your Document Checklist Form is well filled and included in your application package for submission.

The Canada Visa Application Centers are open for application submission between the hours of 08.00 am and 03.00pm and are open from Mondays to Fridays (excluding declared holidays). Important: For any issues with submission of your application, you can call their helpline desk on +2348150199900 or reach their e-mail at info.cannig@vfshelpline.com

After submitting your documents, processing will follow and your application will be reviewed by an immigration officer. Sometimes, the officer might decide that an interview is required and you will contacted through a letter stating the date, time and venue of the interview.

If your application is approved, you will be sent a letter of introduction confirming that your study permit application has been approved otherwise, an explanation will be sent on why it is refused.

If you need to re-apply, you will have to take note of the explanations and pay your fees again.

Crucial facts to keep in mind concerning your student permit:

  • Be sure to send all required documents and information
  • Ensure that your application package is complete with your barcode page at the top of each application package
  • For applicants travelling with family members, ensure you send all applications in one package to the same Visa Application Center where the major applicant’s documents will be processed.
  • Make sure you include your current contact information such as e-mail address, telephone numbers, mailing address and fax.
  • Also note that you may be required to send more information while your application is being processed. These may include a medical information (usually medical examinations are required) and security information (such as police certificates or reports).

It is important to note that a valid study permit, visa or travel document may not guarantee your entry into Canada, especially if you have omitted cogent information in your application. At the border, an applicant may become inadmissible if it is found that such person has given false or incomplete information during application.

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How to Apply for a Canadian Study Permit in Nigeria © www.travelvisa.ng

4 Comments

  1. Hi Thanks for the great information, I am a bit confused about the number of months the proof offunds should stay in my account, some posts say 6 months, here you’re saying 4 months which is what i’m planning for. Please can you clear the air on this matter? I also have wish to apply online and not on paper, do you think this is a good option?
    Thanks in Anticipation.

  2. You are a blessing..thanks for proper and comprehensive explanation of the whole process.. Really helpful… But pls do u do a medical and a police report before your application or after? And how do you do this?

  3. Tsore- 6months to be on the safe side and to follow the instruction on cic website. Applying online waste at least 4wk for example if your application is approved they will write you a letter to send in your passport qhich will take more time for them to get it and send it back. Whereas if you do paper application they have your passport
    already and you save weeks of back and forth.
    Sanni – Its not advisable to do pre-medical because if your application is rejected you have wasted more time and money. Once they call you for medical at least you know you will mostly get your visa. Police clearance is good in advance as its cheap and not a big deal

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