--- title: Canada visa for citizens of Nigeria description: Citizens of Nigeria need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Documents checklist and application steps. canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/canada/nigeria lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Canada visa for citizens of Nigeria 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.* Application site: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/apply-visitor-visa.html ## 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 - **Valid passport with at least one blank page** (Identity): Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond planned departure from Canada. - **Two recent passport-sized photographs** (Identity): Meet IRCC photo specifications. - **Completed application forms (IMM 5257)** (Supporting): Filled online via IRCC portal. - **Proof of financial support** (Financial): Bank statements, pay stubs, or employer letter showing income. - **Letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends)** (Supporting, optional): Not mandatory but can strengthen application. - **Employment letter or student enrollment letter** (Employment): To demonstrate ties to home country. - **Travel itinerary** (Travel, optional): Flight bookings and accommodation details. - **Marriage certificate (if applicable)** (Identity, optional): If applying with spouse. - **Biometrics instruction letter** (Supporting): Received after online application submission; needed for VAC appointment. - **Copy of previous visas/travel history** (Travel, optional): To demonstrate compliance with immigration rules. - **Medical exam proof (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): Only if requested or for certain stays. - **Police clearance certificate (if requested)** (Supporting, optional): May be requested during processing. - **Proof of accommodation** (Travel, optional): Hotel bookings or letter from host. - **Family information form (IMM 5645)** (Supporting): 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. ## FAQs ### 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](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/apply-visitor-visa.html) ## More - [Canada visa for every passport](/visa/canada) - [Every destination for Nigeria passport holders](/visa/passport/nigeria)