Canada — Visa & Immigration Services

Overview
Canada is consistently ranked among the world’s top destinations for immigration, offering a high quality of life, multicultural society, world-class healthcare, and clear pathways to permanent residence and citizenship. It is one of the most popular destinations for Nigerian and African immigrants.

🛂 Tourist / Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

• Nigerian passport holders require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — also called a Visitor Visa — to enter Canada.
• Apply online via the IRCC portal: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html
• Duration: Usually multiple-entry for up to 10 years (or until passport expires). Each stay limited to 6 months.
• Requirements:
  • Valid Nigerian passport (6+ months beyond intended stay)
  • Completed online application (IMM 5257)
  • Biometrics (at a VFS Global centre in Nigeria)
  • Bank statement — 6 months (min. CAD 5,000–10,000 equivalent)
  • Employment letter with salary, leave approval
  • Return flight itinerary
  • Hotel/accommodation booking or invitation letter (IMM 5257)
  • Travel history (prior US, UK, Schengen visas strongly help)
  • Passport photographs
  • Purpose of visit letter
• Processing Time: 4–8 weeks. Biometrics valid for 10 years once given.

🎓 Student Visa (Study Permit)

• Must be accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
• Language: IELTS Academic (min. 6.0–6.5) or TOEFL. Some institutions accept Duolingo.
• Proof of Funds: CAD 20,635/year for living expenses (plus tuition). Must show via bank statement or GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate — recommended).
• STEM, Health, Business programs highly available at Canadian universities and colleges.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): After completing a program of 8+ months, get a work permit equal to study duration (max. 3 years). This is a key pathway to PR.
• Documents: Acceptance letter, IELTS, financial proof, Statement of Purpose (SOP), passport, biometrics, medical exam (Panel physician in Nigeria), police clearance.
• Processing: Apply online via IRCC. Student Direct Stream (SDS) for faster processing (if using GIC).

💼 Work Permit

• Employer-Specific Work Permit: Requires a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from your Canadian employer.
• Open Work Permit: Available for PGWP holders, spouses of skilled workers, and some other categories — no specific employer required.
• International Mobility Program (IMP): LMIA-exempt work permits (intra-company transfers, reciprocal agreements).
• Popular Pathways: Healthcare (nurses, PSW), IT, engineering, trades (electrician, plumber), trucking.

🏠 Permanent Residence (PR)

• Express Entry: Points-based system (CRS score). Three streams: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Minimum CRS ~480–500 currently. ITA draws held every 2 weeks.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Each province nominates skilled workers in demand. Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan popular for Nigerians. PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points — virtually guarantees ITA.
• Atlantic Immigration Program: For skilled workers with job offers in Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland).
• Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot: Smaller communities with strong job markets — easier pathway.
• Family Sponsorship: Canadian citizens/PRs can sponsor spouse, children, parents, grandparents.
• Documents for Express Entry: Educational Credential Assessment (ECA from WES), IELTS, work experience proof, passport, police clearance, medical exam.

🏛️ Citizenship

• By Naturalization: After 3 years of physical presence in Canada (as PR in last 5 years). Must pass a citizenship test, demonstrate English/French language ability, file taxes, have no serious criminality.
• By Birth (Jus Soli): Children born on Canadian soil are Canadian citizens regardless of parents’ nationality.
• By Descent: Children born abroad to Canadian citizens (born in Canada) are citizens by descent for the first generation.
• Dual Citizenship: Canada permits dual nationality — you keep your Nigerian passport.

🇳🇬 Nigeria-Specific Notes

• Nigerian degrees must be assessed by WES (World Education Services) for Express Entry and most job applications.
• NYSC discharge/exemption certificate is important documentation for work history.
• Nigerians are one of the top source countries for Canadian immigration.
• Strong ties to Nigeria (property, family, employment) help tourist visa approvals.

💡 Why Choose Travel Expore Agency?
From tourist visa applications to Express Entry profile setup and PR applications — we guide Nigerians and Africans through every stage of Canadian immigration.