Visa Guide · Nigeria → Canada
Canada Visa for Nigerians 2026: Requirements, Documents & How to Apply
Complete guide to the Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for Nigerian passport holders in 2026. Walz Travels manages Canada visa applications from Lagos, Abuja, and across the diaspora.
CAD $100
Application fee
CAD $85
Biometrics
8–12 weeks
Processing
6 months
Max stay
Do Nigerians Need a Visa for Canada?
Yes. Nigerian passport holders require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — commonly called a Canadian visitor visa — to enter Canada. You must also provide biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Lagos or Abuja if it is your first time applying.
The application is submitted online through the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) portal. Once approved, visitor visas are typically issued as multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years, allowing multiple visits of up to 6 months per entry.
Canada Visa Requirements for Nigerian Passport Holders
IRCC assesses Canadian visitor visa applications on whether you intend to visit temporarily and return to Nigeria. Key factors:
- 1Strong ties to Nigeria: employment, business, property, or family dependants
- 2Sufficient funds to cover your stay and return travel
- 3Clear purpose of visit: tourism, family visit, business, or event
- 4Travel history: previous visa stamps from UK, USA, Schengen or Australia help significantly
- 5A detailed cover letter explaining your trip and your intention to return
Canada Visa Documents Checklist for Nigerians
Valid Nigerian passport
Valid 6+ months beyond your planned return date. Include all old passports.
IMM 5257 — Application for Visitor Visa
Completed online through the IRCC portal.
IMM 5645 — Family Information form
Required for all Canadian visa applications.
Digital passport photograph
Must meet IRCC specifications — white background, no glasses.
Biometrics
Fingerprints and photo taken at VAC Lagos or Abuja. Fee: CAD $85.
Bank statements — last 6 months
Stamped by bank. Should show consistent balance and regular income.
Proof of employment or business
Employment letter with salary and approved leave, OR business registration and bank statements.
Purpose of visit letter
Walz Travels writes detailed cover letters explaining your trip and demonstrating ties to Nigeria.
Proof of accommodation in Canada
Hotel bookings, or invitation letter from Canadian host with their status in Canada.
Travel history evidence
Copies of previous visa stamps — UK, USA, Schengen, or other strong visa-issuing countries.
How Much Bank Balance for Canada Visa from Nigeria?
IRCC does not publish a minimum. Walz Travels recommends these amounts, consistently held for 6 months:
Balances should be consistent over time. Sudden large deposits (funds parking) are a major red flag for Canadian visa officers.
Canada Visa Processing Time from Nigeria
IRCC processing times for Nigerian applicants as of 2026:
Online application submission
Immediate — you receive an acknowledgement of receipt
Biometrics required
IRCC requests biometrics — attend VAC within 30 days of request
Processing
8–12 weeks after biometrics received
Additional documents requested
Adds 2–4 weeks
Apply at least 3 months before your travel date. Walz Travels tracks your application and responds to IRCC document requests within 24 hours.
How to Apply for Canada Visa with Walz Travels
Consultation
We review your profile — employment, finances, travel history, and purpose of visit. We identify any risk areas.
Document preparation
We prepare your personalised checklist and guide you through gathering all required documents.
Application forms
We complete IMM 5257 and IMM 5645 on your behalf and review every entry.
Cover letter
We write a detailed, tailored cover letter demonstrating your purpose of visit and ties to Nigeria.
Biometrics
We book your VAC appointment in Lagos or Abuja and prepare you for what to expect.
Decision
We notify you of the outcome and advise on next steps — whether collecting your passport or addressing a refusal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Nigerians need a visa for Canada?
Yes. Nigerian passport holders require a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), commonly called a visitor visa, to enter Canada. You also need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Lagos or Abuja.
How long does Canada visa processing take from Nigeria?
IRCC currently takes approximately 8–12 weeks to process Canadian visitor visa applications from Nigerian applicants. If additional documents are requested, add 2–4 weeks. Apply at least 3 months before your travel date.
How much does the Canada visa cost for Nigerians?
The Canada visitor visa application fee is CAD $100. Biometrics cost an additional CAD $85. Total: CAD $185 (approximately £110 / USD $135). Fees are non-refundable regardless of the decision.
How much bank balance do I need for Canada visa from Nigeria?
There is no official minimum. IRCC looks at whether your balance covers your trip cost. Walz Travels recommends the equivalent of CAD $3,000–$7,000 depending on trip length, held consistently over 6 months.
Does having a UK or US visa help my Canada application?
Yes, significantly. Valid stamps from the UK, USA, Schengen, or Australia demonstrate you have previously satisfied immigration authorities and returned home. Walz Travels highlights strong travel history in your application.
Can I get a multiple-entry Canada visa as a Nigerian?
Yes. If approved, most Canadian visitor visas issued to Nigerians are multiple-entry, valid for up to 10 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first). This allows multiple visits within the validity period.
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Apply for Canada Visa with Walz Travels
We manage your full Canadian visitor visa application — forms, documents, biometrics, cover letter, and tracking.
Related Guides
Visa information is sourced from IRCC and updated regularly. Entry decisions are made solely by Canadian immigration authorities. Walz Travels is not liable for refused applications or denied entry.