EmmanuelIf you are considering applying for a Canada visa in Nigeria, one of the first questions that may come to mind is, “How much is the Canada visa fee in Nigeria?” Understanding the visa fee structure is crucial for planning your trip, whether it’s for tourism, work, study, or family reunification. In this article, we will guide you through the different Canada visa fees in Nigeria, how to pay them, and factors that can affect the overall cost of your application.
Overview of Canada Visa Types for Nigerians
Canada offers a variety of visa categories depending on the purpose of your visit. The most common types of Canada visas issued to Nigerian citizens include:
Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
A Visitor Visa is ideal for those wishing to travel to Canada for tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending business meetings or conferences.
Study Permit
If you are planning to study in Canada at a recognized institution, you will need a Study Permit.
Work Permit
For those seeking temporary employment in Canada, a Work Permit allows you to work in the country for a specified period.
Permanent Resident Visa
This visa is for individuals seeking to live permanently in Canada, such as those applying through the Express Entry System or other immigration pathways.
Family Sponsorship Visa
If you have family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, they can sponsor your application for permanent residence.
Canada Visa Fee Breakdown in Nigeria
The Canada visa fee can vary depending on the type of visa, the applicant’s age, and the processing requirements. Below is a detailed breakdown of the Canada visa fee in Nigeria:
Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
- Adult (18 years and above): ₦29,000 – ₦35,000 (Approx. CAD $100)
- Minor (Under 18 years): ₦14,000 – ₦17,500 (Approx. CAD $50)
This visa type is for those visiting Canada for tourism, to visit family or friends, or for business meetings. The cost of the visitor visa may vary depending on factors such as your nationality and the method of application.
Study Permit
- Study Permit: ₦34,000 – ₦41,000 (Approx. CAD $150)
Students who wish to study at a Canadian institution must apply for a study permit. This fee includes the processing costs, but additional fees for biometrics and medical exams may apply.
Work Permit
- Work Permit (Temporary Worker): ₦34,000 – ₦41,000 (Approx. CAD $155)
- Open Work Permit: ₦34,000 – ₦41,000 (Approx. CAD $155)
Those seeking to work temporarily in Canada are required to apply for a work permit, which also comes with a processing fee. If applying for an open work permit, the cost is generally the same.
Permanent Resident Visa (Express Entry)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): ₦116,000 – ₦130,000 (Approx. CAD $850)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): ₦116,000 – ₦130,000 (Approx. CAD $850)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): ₦116,000 – ₦130,000 (Approx. CAD $850)
For individuals applying for permanent residency through programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class, the visa fee is significantly higher due to the extensive processing required.
Family Sponsorship Visa
- Family Sponsorship Visa: ₦116,000 – ₦130,000 (Approx. CAD $850)
Those wishing to reunite with family members in Canada must apply for a family sponsorship visa. This fee applies to both the applicant and the sponsor, although additional costs may apply based on specific circumstances.
Biometrics Fees
Applicants may also be required to pay for biometric collection. Biometrics are typically required for most visa applications to Canada, including visitor visas, work permits, and study permits.
- Biometrics Fee: ₦25,000 – ₦30,000 (Approx. CAD $85)
Biometrics are an essential part of the visa application process, used for identification purposes, including fingerprinting and photographing.
Payment Methods for Canada Visa Fees in Nigeria
When applying for a Canada visa in Nigeria, you will need to pay the required visa fees through an authorized payment method. Here are the options available:
1. Online Payment
The most common and preferred method for paying visa fees is online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. Applicants can use a credit card or debit card for payment when submitting their application online.
2. Bank Payment
In some cases, applicants may be required to pay visa fees through an authorized bank. The payment process usually involves visiting a bank and depositing the required fee into the designated account. Once the payment is made, you will receive a receipt which must be included in your visa application.
3. Payment at VFS Global
VFS Global is the official partner responsible for processing visa applications for Canada in Nigeria. You can make your payment directly at a VFS Global center in Nigeria, where they will assist with the payment process.
Additional Costs Associated with the Canada Visa Application
In addition to the visa fees, there may be other expenses associated with your Canada visa application:
Medical Examination Fee
For certain visa categories, such as work permits or study permits, you may be required to undergo a medical exam. The medical examination fee can range from:
- ₦35,000 to ₦45,000 (Approx. CAD $120)
Police Certificate Fee
If you are applying for permanent residency or certain types of visas, you may also need to provide a police certificate. This certificate verifies that you do not have a criminal record, and it may come with an additional cost, which varies by state in Nigeria.
Translation Fees
If any of your documents (such as your birth certificate or academic transcripts) are not in English or French, you may need to have them translated by an authorized translator. Translation costs vary but typically range from ₦3,000 to ₦8,000 per page, depending on the complexity and urgency of the translation.
Courier Fees
If you need to send your documents to the Visa Application Center (VAC) or the Canadian High Commission, you will need to factor in the cost of courier services. Courier fees typically range from ₦2,000 to ₦10,000 based on the size and weight of your documents.
Conclusion
The Canada visa fee in Nigeria varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for, the processing method, and additional requirements such as biometrics and medical exams. On average, visitor visa fees are between ₦29,000 to ₦35,000, while more complex applications like the Permanent Resident visa can cost significantly more, ranging from ₦116,000 to ₦130,000. Be sure to confirm the exact fee based on your specific visa type before starting your application.
Make sure to consider additional costs, such as biometrics, medical exams, and translation fees, to ensure you are fully prepared for the entire process.
Emmanuel