Canada is a place that is naturally blessed with people who are known to be very welcoming. Canada is one of the largest and most developed countries on the North American continent. Because of the development and opportunities in Canada, the country has recorded a high influx of people over the years, and a good number of people are wondering how they can get to Canada.
Generally, a visa is a stamp on your passport that would enable you to enter the country you have applied for. Each country has a Canadian consulate or embassy where visa application processes are carried out. The consulate in Nigeria is located in Abuja and Victoria island Lagos.
The following are the guidelines on how to apply for a Canada visa:
- Do you need a visa?
- Choose the type of visa to apply for
- Canada visa application
- Gather the documents
- Pay application fee
- Submit passport and processing fee
- Wait for processing
DO YOU NEED A VISA?
Applicants from over 135 countries will need to apply for a visa before entering Canada, except for countries with visa waivers, exemptions, or electronic travel authorization.
CHOOSE THE TYPE OF VISA TO APPLY FOR
There are different types of Canadian visas; you must know the type of visa you want to apply for. These types of visas have been grouped into temporary, permanent, and express entry cases.
TEMPORARY VISA
The temporal visa allows an applicant to stay in Canada for a period, usually not more than six months.
The following are the Canadian temporary visa:
- Canada tourist visa
- Canada super visa
- Diplomatic and official visa
- Courtesy visa
- Visa to give birth in Canada
- Intending organ donors visa
- Canada student visa
- Canada temporary work visa
- Canada temporary residence permit
- Working holiday visa. Etc
PERMANENT VISA
This is known as an immigrant, where the visa holder to allowed to settle in Canada permanently.
The following are Canadian permanent visas:
- Immigrant investor program
- Startup visa program
- Self-employed visa program
- Self-employed person visa
- Family sponsorship visa. Etc
EXPRESS ENTRY CASE
The Canadian government designed the Canadian express entry case to allow people with specific skills to migrate to Canada. They are categorized into;
Federal skilled trade program (FSTP): this is open to qualified artisans such as carpenters, plumbers, mechanics, welders, etc.
Federal skilled workers (FSW): This is open for professionals.
Provincial nomination program (PNP): PNP is given to open whose work would contribute positively to the economy of Canada.
CANADIAN VISA APPLICATION
A Canada visa is a stamp on your passport that allows you to enter Canada, either temporarily or permanently.
The following is the step-by-step guide to applying for a Canadian visa:
- If you need and are qualified for a Canada visa
- Create your online account
- Gather your documents
- Pay the application fee
- Wait for processing
- Submit your passport and your processing fee
IF YOU ARE QUALIFIED FOR A VISA: to check if you are qualified or eligible for a visa, and depending on the type of visa you need, kindly go on their website and answer the questionnaire online, after which you will be notified if you are eligible to apply for the visa you have applied for or if you are not eligible. In some cases, the system matches you with the type of visa that suits you.
CREATE YOUR ONLINE ACCOUNT: After answering the online questionnaire, a reference code and instructions will be sent to you on how to create your online account. Either you can create your online account using your online banking login or create a government of Canada login (GCkey). You’ll use your banking details to pay the visa fee and your referral code to start applying for the visa you are eligible for.
GATHER YOUR DOCUMENTS: Once you log in to your account, the system will show you a list of documents for your Canadian visa application process. The documents needed for a Canadian visa application include:
- Passport
- Photograph following requirements
- Visa application form
- Proof of return back to home country
- Medical or letter from a physician
- Police clearance
- Purpose of your travel
- Supporting letter/invitation
PAY THE APPLICATION FEE: The amount to be paid depends on the type of visa you are applying for.
- Temporary visa:
Visitor visa fee, depending on the type, ranges from 100-500CAD
Work permits depending on the type, range from 100 to 355CAD
Study permit depending on the type, ranges from 100-350CAD
- Permanent visa:
Business immigration fee, depending on the type, ranges from 150-1540CAD
Economic immigration fee, depending on the type, ranges from 150-1,040CAD
Humanitarian immigration fee, depending on the type, ranges from 150 to 1,040 CAD Etc.
A protected person’s immigration fee, depending on the type $150 to $550
Permit holders class fee, depending on the type $325 and $815
Visa application fees are also known as embassy fees.
WAIT FOR PROCESSING: In this stage, more documents may be requested, and an interview will also be scheduled. After the interview with the official, they’ll let you know immediately or later their decision regarding your visa application. Depending on the type of visa you are applying it takes at least two weeks to process a visa.
SUBMIT YOUR PASSPORT AND PROCESSING FEE: If your visa application were successful, you’d need to pay your processing fee depending on the type of visa you are applying for, which is usually 20 to 50 CAD, after which you’ll pay for a return on the envelope for your passport.
At the entry to Canada, the official will be asked for your passport and other necessary documents. You will be asked questions, and if they are satisfied, only then can you be able to enter Canada. Otherwise, you’ll be deported back to your home country even though the Canadian embassy or consulate has granted you a visa.
