Nigeria passport → Canada

Canada visa for citizens of Nigeria

Embassy / VFSVisitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

Citizens of Nigeria need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Must demonstrate sufficient funds for entire stay, typically several thousand CAD.

How to apply

1
Complete online application
Create an IRCC account and fill out the visitor visa application (IMM 5257) on the official portal.
2
Pay processing and biometric fees
Pay the visa application fee and biometric fee online via the portal.
3
Receive biometric instruction letter
After payment, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) via your IRCC account.
4
Book biometric appointment at VAC
Visit the Visa Application Centre (VAC) website for Nigeria to schedule an appointment to provide fingerprints and photo.
5
Attend biometric appointment
Go to the VAC with your BIL, passport, and appointment confirmation to submit biometrics.
6
Wait for application processing
IRCC reviews your application; processing times vary. You may be asked for additional documents.
7
Receive passport request
If approved, you will receive a Passport Request letter via your IRCC account.
8
Submit passport to VAC
Send your passport and the Passport Request letter to the VAC for visa stamping (in person or courier).
9
Passport return
The VAC will return your passport with the visa vignette via courier or in-person collection.
10
Travel to Canada
Upon arrival at the Canadian port of entry, present your passport and visa; border officer determines final stay duration.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport with at least one blank page
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond planned departure from Canada.
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Meet IRCC photo specifications.
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Optional
If applying with spouse.

Travel

Travel itinerary
Optional
Flight bookings and accommodation details.
Copy of previous visas/travel history
Optional
To demonstrate compliance with immigration rules.
Proof of accommodation
Optional
Hotel bookings or letter from host.

Financial

Proof of financial support
Bank statements, pay stubs, or employer letter showing income.

Employment

Employment letter or student enrollment letter
To demonstrate ties to home country.

Supporting

Completed application forms (IMM 5257)
Filled online via IRCC portal.
Letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends)
Optional
Not mandatory but can strengthen application.
Biometrics instruction letter
Received after online application submission; needed for VAC appointment.
Medical exam proof (if applicable)
Optional
Only if requested or for certain stays.
Police clearance certificate (if requested)
Optional
May be requested during processing.
Family information form (IMM 5645)
For applicants with dependents.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: At least CAD 2,500 for short stay (varies)

Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
Pay stubs
Employer letter confirming salary
Sponsorship letter with sponsor's bank statements

Funds must be sufficient to cover travel, accommodation, and return.

Good to know

Visa does not guarantee entry; final decision made at border.
Processing times for Nigeria can be lengthy (check IRCC website).

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient financial proof

Provide clear, verifiable bank statements and proof of income.

Weak ties to home country

Submit employment letter, property deeds, or family commitments indicating return intent.

Missing or incorrect documents

Double-check application completeness and follow photo/format requirements.

FAQ

Do citizens of Nigeria need a visa for Canada?

Citizens of Nigeria need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa).

How long can citizens of Nigeria stay in Canada?

Up to 180 days.

What documents do citizens of Nigeria need for Canada?

Valid passport with at least one blank page; Two recent passport-sized photographs; Completed application forms (IMM 5257); Proof of financial support; Employment letter or student enrollment letter; Biometrics instruction letter; and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Canada?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

Applications go through https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/apply-visitor-visa.html. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay.

Sources

canada.ca

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