Canada is a country in the North American continent, sharing a border with the United States of America. It is the world’s second largest country by total area, and with a population of about 37 million people, they are ranked 38th in the world in terms of population.
Capital of Canada is Ottawa and its largest city is Toronto. Canada boasts of top quality Universities, most notably the University of Toronto in Toronto, and the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.
Canada has an average of more than 250,000 immigrants from all over the world annually which might interest a lot of people searching for “greener pasture”.
If you think that’s enticing, I am sure you would love to know that economists have proven that Canada’s economy is growing very fast and the unemployment rate is much lower than that of the United States of America which means there are more job opportunities available.
With all these being said, Canada is definitely a wonderful place to visit, study or reside for immigrants. Basically, you can apply for the Canadian visa either on temporary residency or permanent residency. Please, do ensure to check your eligibility before you start the application process.
Temporary Residency In Canada
Temporary resident Visa which is basically called Visitor Visa can either be a single-entry or multiple entry visa. The single-entry visa grants you a single visit and stay up to six months upon arrival in Canada. The multiple entry on the other hand, grants you multiple visits but your stay at a visit must not exceed six months at a time within a period up to ten years.
You will be required to apply at a visa application centre in person or online with your passport which must be valid for nothing less that six months to the date of your return into Nigeria.
Once your application is complete and submitted, processing time usually takes up to thirty-six days excluding the time it takes to send an application and the time you need to give your bio-metrics. The processing fee is about $77, bio-metrics is about $66 and service charge (only if you are applying online), is about $47.
Requirements To Temporarily Immigrate To Canada:
- Completed visitor visa (IMM5257) and family information (IMM5645)
- Original and copy of Nigerian passport with at least two blank pages and validity of at least six months beyond return date
- Two coloured passport photograph with face square to the camera, neutral expression on the face (not smiling or frowning and mouth closed), taken within the last six months and printed on quality paper. photograph specifications.
- Proof of application processing fee and biometric fee where applicable
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the visit
- Proof of ties to Nigeria (proof of asset or business/es, employment letter, etc.)
- Proof of good health or medical history and records
- Self-addressed return courier envelope
- Additional documents to support application (i.e. invitation letters, marriage certificates)
- For minors (under 18) travelling with one parent must show a letter of authorization from the non-accompanying parent or legal guardian. For minors travelling alone must show a letter of authorization signed by both parents or legal guardians.
- Invitation letters from family or business visit must state the nature of visit, duration, details of the host (person or business) etc.
- Sponsored trip must have proof of person or institution sponsoring the trip and additional documents (i.e. copy of their passport and statement of account showing sufficient funds)
Check out the Complete document checklist for visitor visa here.
If you get to tick all these requirements on your checklist, you good to go visiting Canada!
Make sure to check out Canadian attraction centres for a colourful time on your stay in Canada.
We also have a Canada Travel Guide which should give you an insight on What to expect and places to visit if you decide to temporarily immigrate to canada.
