How To Apply From Nigeria For A Family Visa To Canada?

Nigerian citizens can apply for visitor visas, super visas (for parents and grandparents), and transit visas online or in person. To be eligible for a family visa, one must meet Canada family visa requirements from Nigeria, including being their spouse or partner, dependent child, parent, or guardian. The IRCC Portal is used to apply for these applications, including tourist visas, business visas, and family visas.

To apply for a visitor visa, you must meet basic requirements, such as having ties to Nigeria, such as family, employment, or a job. The amount of money needed depends on the duration of your stay and whether you will stay in a hotel or with friends. Nigerian candidates may also apply to immigrate to Canada directly through a PNP, provided they meet eligibility criteria. They may also enter the Express Entry pool and be invited to apply for nomination by a province.

The Canada Super Visa is a temporary visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, allowing them to stay in Canada. To apply for a Canada visa online, you must download the Canada Checklist, Visitor Form (IMM 5257), and Canada Family Form 5645. You must also book a date for a Canada appointment for biometric/submission.

General requirements for visitors to get a Canada Visa in Nigeria usually include convincing the Canadian immigration official that you have ties in Nigeria (such as family, employment, a job). Before applying, find out what document(s) they need, such as a passport valid for at least 6 months, a completed visa application form, two color passport-style photographs, evidence of payment for completed visitor visa and family information forms, your original and copy of your Nigerian passport, and two color photographs that meet the requirements.

Nigerians are required to submit their sponsorship application and the permanent residence (PR) status applications of their family members or relatives together. This guide will walk you through the steps required to apply for a Canadian visa.

How Long Is The Family Visa For Canada?

When sponsoring relatives in Canada, the duration depends on the relationship: 10 years for a relative or a dependent child under 22 years old, and 3 years for a spouse, common-law partner, or a dependent child over 22. A multiple-entry family visa generally lasts up to 10 years or until your passport expires, permitting stays of up to six months per entry, subject to immigration officer's discretion at entry points.

The Super Visa program allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for up to 5 years at a time on extended multiple-entry visas, typically valid for 10 years. In contrast, visitor visas are generally limited to six-month stays and may require extensions for longer visits. Children under 18 must also meet the same entry requirements as adults.

The family sponsorship process typically takes about 12 months, with express entry applications averaging around 6 months. Processing times for dependent children are notably quicker, generally around 22 days, while sponsorship processing can exceed a year. Eligible sponsors include spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children, ensuring family members can reside, study, or work in Canada.

How To Apply For A Canada Visa As Family?

To sponsor your spouse, partner, or child in Canada, follow these four steps: First, apply to sponsor. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria as a sponsor. Second, your family member needs to apply for permanent residence. Third, pay the application fees. Finally, prepare to send any additional information during the application processing.

Begin by creating a Permanent Residence Portal account, or sign in, to get started. For documentation, add 5 years to your passport's expiry date and clarify details in a letter of explanation. Depending on how your family member intends to travel to Canada, they may require a visitor visa, super visa, or transit visa, which can be applied for online or on paper.

It's crucial for family members, including spouses, common-law partners, and children, to fulfill temporary residence requirements. Each family member must submit their application forms; however, they may apply together online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) using a single payment. Ensure you gather the necessary documentation, complete the forms accurately, and include a letter of invitation if a visitor visa is needed. Lastly, submit both the sponsorship and permanent residence applications simultaneously for streamlined processing.

How Can I Relocate To Canada With My Family From Nigeria?

Migrating to Canada from Nigeria is a common aspiration for families seeking better living standards, quality education, and improved career prospects. This comprehensive guide outlines various pathways for relocation, emphasizing important visa options such as the Provincial Nominee Programme, Family Sponsorship, Canada Study Visa, Work Visa for Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Holders, and the French Speaking Skilled Worker Stream. Additionally, standardized tests like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Programme (CELPIP) are essential for qualification.

The process of moving to Canada requires careful navigation of eligibility requirements, application procedures, and associated costs. It's crucial for interested individuals to check their eligibility for immigration programs and select the most suitable option, such as Express Entry, PNP, or Family Class. The cost for a single applicant is approximately $2, 300 CAD, while couples might anticipate around $4, 500 CAD, with potential settlement funds of over $20, 000 CAD depending on family size.

This article provides a structured roadmap for Nigerians looking to relocate to Canada, detailing the application process and necessary documentation. By applying through the Family Sponsorship route, those with Canadian permanent residents or citizens can assist their loved ones in migrating. Nigerian candidates can also explore opportunities under the PNP program if they satisfy the required criteria.

In summary, moving from Nigeria to Canada involves understanding multiple immigration pathways and making informed decisions to embark on this life-changing adventure successfully. With guidance and planning, families can begin a new chapter in Canada.

How Long Does It Take A Canadian Family Visa To Be Approved?

The usual processing time for a sponsee under the Canada Family Visa program is about 12 months. If you sponsor a relative, you must provide financial support after their arrival. Processing times vary based on the visa office and any required extra steps. It is not possible to predict the exact duration for an application, as each case is unique. Family sponsorship applications for spouses, partners, parents, and grandparents often take longer, ranging from 12 to 24 months or more in complex situations.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has a processing times tool that offers updates on application durations. Visitor visas typically require approximately 12 days for online applications if filed within Canada, while paper-based applications may take longer. For visitors, a Canadian tourist visa costs CAD100, allowing a stay of up to 6 months. On average, processing for Express Entry takes about 6 months, while family sponsorship may extend beyond a year.

Factors influencing processing times include application type, completeness, and current backlogs. Despite some applicants receiving approval in as little as 6-8 months, experiences vary significantly. Always verify current processing times specific to your application type.

Is Canada Still Accepting Nigerians?

In 2022, Nigeria ranked as Canada's fourth largest immigration source, with 22, 085 Nigerian immigrants, constituting 5. 05% of the total permanent residents in Canada. Over 100, 000 Canadians of Nigerian descent reside in the country. However, the Canadian government plans to reduce its permanent resident target from 500, 000 to 395, 000 by 2025. Following the pandemic, there is heightened demand for workers, leading to a push for Nigerian candidates to immigrate through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) if eligible.

Solo refugee sponsorships are currently paused, but Canada remains open to other immigration avenues. Between January 2023 and March 2024, at least 1, 467 Nigerians were granted asylum. Moreover, Canada has introduced strict limits on new study permits for international students, including Nigerians, with initiatives like the Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express now closed. This may lead to increased competition for permanent residency, but avenues such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program remain available for Nigerian immigrants aiming for permanent status.

Nigerians must obtain a visa to enter Canada, whether for tourism or long-term residence, and the Visitor Visa permits stays of up to six months for various purposes. Despite these changes, pathways for study and immigration persist for eligible candidates.

What Is The Easiest Way To Get Canada Visa From Nigeria?

Applying for a Canada Visitor Visa from Nigeria involves a systematic approach. First, submit your visa application form online via the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) portal. This marks the initial step for all applicants. Next, gather all required documents, such as a valid passport (minimum six months), completed application form, two passport-style photographs, and possibly an invitation letter. You can apply online or through a VFS Global Visa Application Centre, with the former being the fastest route.

For those considering permanent residence, the Express Entry Program is key. It manages applications for skilled workers and offers pathways like the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), which doesn’t require prior connections to Canada. Additionally, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) provide options for those meeting specific eligibility criteria.

Understanding the various visa types and thoroughly preparing documents is crucial. Nigerian candidates can enhance their chances of securing a visa by demonstrating ties to Nigeria, such as family or employment. As 2024 approaches, migrants can explore numerous channels, including work visas and provincial programs, to facilitate a smoother transition to Canada, fostering a wealth of opportunities for Nigerians seeking residency.

How Long Does It Take To Get Spouse Visa For Canada From Nigeria?

Sponsoring a spouse or partner to Canada generally takes around 12 months for application processing. While this is the average duration, some cases may take longer, influenced by individual circumstances and the specifics of the application. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides processing time indicators based on past experiences, which may vary as workloads change.

The overall process involves several key steps: ensuring eligibility, determining who can be sponsored, completing application forms, and understanding what to expect post-application submission. While the estimated time for citizenship certificate processing is about 8 months, total processing from application submission to finalization may take up to 2 years.

Eligibility for spousal sponsorship is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents in relationships with foreign nationals. The IRCC's processing time tools reflect a range of processing durations from a few weeks to several months, depending on the application type and visa office.

For example, inland applications currently average around 15 months, while outland applications can extend to about 24 months due to various factors. It's crucial to stay updated on processing times and guidelines provided by IRCC to ensure a smooth application journey. Authentic representation in all submissions can potentially reduce delays.

How Much Bank Balance Is Required For Canada Family Visa?

To apply for a Canada tourist visa, the amount of money needed varies based on the number of family members traveling and the duration of stay. The Canadian government recommends having a bank balance of at least CAD 1, 000 per month for a single applicant, with higher amounts for dependents or in expensive regions. A single person should ideally have CAD 2, 500 to CAD 3, 000 for a two-week visit. For a family, minimum funds required by family size include CAD 4, 572 for two members, CAD 5, 620 for three, and CAD 6, 824 for four. Notably, there is no fixed amount mandated by the government, but a general guideline suggests maintaining a balance of CAD 10, 000.

When providing proof of funds, applicants may include a Canadian bank account statement, letters of invitation from hosts, and a police clearance certificate. For settlement purposes, minimum funds increase based on family size; for instance, one person needs CAD 13, 310, while a family of two needs CAD 16, 570. It’s essential to declare if bringing over CAD 10, 000 into Canada. Understanding these financial requirements is critical to ensuring a successful visa application process for visits to Canada.

How Much Is The Family Visa For Canada From Nigeria?

When moving from Nigeria to Canada via the family visa route, several fees are applicable. For sponsors, the application fee is CAD 1, 080 for partners, parents, or grandparents, with an additional CAD 150 for each dependent child. The visitor's visa, which includes the super visa, costs CAD 100 per person. Families applying together get a reduced rate of CAD 500 for up to five members. It's crucial to note that visa application submissions must include the visa fee payment.

The comprehensive costs also encompass biometric fees of CAD 85 per person and CAD 170 for families of two or more. For those intending to immigrate through the Family Sponsorship Program, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) is CAD 515 payable at the same time as application fees. Various Canadian visa types exist, with visitor visas typically issued for six months, extendable if necessary.

In addition to application fees, financial requirements exist, highlighting the necessity of showing sufficient funds to settle in Canada, with a minimum stipulation for a family of four set at CAD 25, 564. Overall, applicants must prepare for significant financial commitments, including the costs associated with visa applications, biometrics, and potential relocations, to navigate their immigration successfully.