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If you are legally admitted to Nigeria you may apply in Lagos. However, we prefer that you apply to the office responsible for the country where you normally reside. That office is most suited to assess your documents and situation. List of countries and corresponding Canadian visa offices

However, if you do apply in Lagos, then state clearly on your application why you have not applied in your normal country of residence.

Do I need an appointment to apply for a visa at your visa office?

No. Applications are processed on a "first come, first served" basis. In order to benefit from extended business hours, on site client service and to minimize delays caused by incomplete documentation, we recommend that applicants submit applications at the visa application centre (VAC) in Lagos. Refer to How to Submit your Application for details.

As proof of my financial situation, is a letter stating that my host will pay my expenses sufficient?

When an application for a temporary resident visa, work permit or study permit is assessed, the applicant’s general financial situation is taken into account. You must therefore submit proof of your own financial situation. If you are financially dependent on someone, you should provide a letter from that person explaining your relationship and you may supply proof of that person’s financial situation if they have provided it to you.

How can I extend my stay in Canada as a visitor/student/worker

If you are already in Canada, you should consult the CIC webpage on Visiting Canada: Extending your Stay. If you have left Canada and your permit has expired, you must apply for a new permit at a visa office outside Canada. You must prove that you still meet the necessary requirements.

I have been invited to Canada. Should my host send your office copies of any supporting documents to assist with my application either by postal mail or email?

We would prefer that your application submission include all supporting documents. If applicable, you should include an invitation letter. The invitation letter should advise what personal documents will be made available and must include your hosts’ email contact details. Financial or other personal documents from your host may be sent directly to our office but only on our request after your file has been opened. Any extra documentation should include your name and file number. Documents sent to our office prior to receipt of an application and without a file number cannot be matched to the application and will not considered in the processing of the application.

Is it better for me to use a school agent or a consultant to visit, study or work in Canada?

An agent cannot guarantee you will receive a visa for Canada. Each applicant is assessed on their own merit regardless of who makes the submission for them. For more information, click here.

I have just been refused a visa/permit to Canada. Should I write to explain my particular circumstances?

A refusal decision is final and your file has been closed. An applicant has the right to re-apply. Please note that any new information you wish to provide must be submitted with a new application and processing fee. However, we suggest that you do so only if your situation has changed substantively or you have significant new information to support your application.

How long do I need to wait before re-applying once I have been refused a visa?

There are no time limitations. However, we suggest that you do so only if your situation has changed substantively or you have significant new information to support your application.

What is acceptable evidence of funds in support of my study permit application?

Proof of funds can be in the form of your certified bank statements or your sponsor’s certified bank statements accompanied by an affidavit from your sponsor confirming that they will be financially responsible for you. All funds must be in an account in Canada or in the country of your current residence. General letters of reference from banks are not sufficient. For more details, refer to the Study permit checklist.

I have a valid Study or Work permit which had not expired but I was not allowed to board the aircraft to return to Canada. Why?

A Study or Work Permit is not an authorized travel document. You must submit a completed temporary resident (visitor) application and applicable processing fee. You must also provide a copy of any study enrolment certificate or employment letter to validate your application.

How can I expedite the processing of my application?

Applications are processed in the order that we receive them. By applying at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), you can prevent delays, since they will ensure that your application form is complete and that all of the supporting documents and the correct fees are included with your application.

I have a criminal conviction. Will I still be able to receive a work or study permit?

It depends on the conviction(s). All criminal convictions must be declared on the Application form and supported by an original police certificate and explanation of the events leading to the conviction. A visa officer will then assess the application and you will be advised of the outcome.

I have been issued a visa in the past. Do I need to provide supporting documents and complete all the application forms?

Every application must be completely filled and supported with the required documents regardless of the number of times you have been issued a visa for Canada.

Should I apply for a single entry or multiple entry visa?

If subsequent travel to Canada is something you foresee in the near future for business or to be able to repeatedly visit your children during their study or work program you may wish to request for multiple entry visa. Provide us with information as to why you are requesting multiple entry and demonstrate that funds will be available for the travel. However, it is the decision of the visa officer whether a single or multiple entry visa is issued regardless of the fee paid.

When should I pay the visitor Family Rate?

Decide what type of visa you wish to apply for, single entry or multiple entry, and then select the most cost effective rate based on the number of family members included in the travel. If you have 3 or more family members wishing multiple entry, and your request is supported, you should consider the family rate. If you have 6 or more family members requesting single entry you should also consider the family rate.

I submitted my application and have followed up with an email but have not had any response from your office. Why?

We will not respond to emails within the standard process time. Only contact us within the process time if you have an emergency situation. We will not contact you directly unless we need additional information. If you have submitted your application via the Lagos Visa Application Centre (VAC), please inquiry with them.

I need a visa but I cannot submit my passport at this time. Can I still apply without my passport?

Only under exceptional circumstances will we accept an application when a passport is not initially included. This will need to be pre-arranged. In your application, include a notarized copy of each page of your passport and an explanation as to why you cannot submit your passport. Once the application has been screened by support staff, we will advise you to submit your passport when available to you. When it is received, it will go into our normal review queue to be reviewed by a visa officer. Our standard processing time applies after receipt of the passport.

I need to travel urgently but my passport is in your office. How can I get my passport back?

If you applied at Lagos Visa Application Centre (VAC), contact them first. If you live in Lagos or immediate surrounding area you may come to our office during normal working hours to explain the need to withdraw your passport. Your reason must be of a nature that would warrant the return of the travel document. If you do not live in the immediate area you will need to email our office and submit your request. We can return your passport in your pre-paid return courier envelope to you. Contact the Visa and Immigration Section. Unfortunately if you borrow your passport, our normal processing time applies after it is returned. Also please note that it may take several days to read your email and for the courier delivery time to return your passport.

Why was I given a single entry visa when I paid for a multiple entry visa?

When applying you should provide information as to why you would be making subsequent trips to Canada and demonstrate you have funding to support repeated travel. It is the decision of the visa officer whether a single or multiple entry visa is issued regardless of what fee you have paid.

The validity of my visa does not cover the duration of my stay, how do I extend it?

Your visa does not indicate the length of stay in Canada, it only indicates the period in which you must reach the Port Of Entry (POE). When you arrive at the POE the Canada Border Service Agency Officer will advise you as to your authorized length of stay.

I have taken the on-line self-test and achieved a score that indicates I may be successful to immigrate to Canada. What should I do?

Our Lagos office does not process applications for those wishing to immigrate to Canada. If you would like to immigrate, refer to the website of our office in Accra.

I am a Permanent Resident of Canada and currently in Nigeria with an expired Permanent Resident Card. What do I need to do to get back to Canada?

You will need to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document in accordance with our submission requirements. Please note that you may be required to attend an interview and possibly take a medical exam.

I just realized that my Permanent Resident Card has been lost or stolen. What should I do?

You should immediately contact the CIC office or visa office near you. Provide your full name as it appears on the card, date of birth and contact information. Click here to contact our visa office.

Will my police certificate be returned to me?

You must submit original police certificates, however these originals will not be returned to you so please keep a copy for your records.

Does Canada offer any type of lottery to immigrate?

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has no lottery system. If you would like to immigrate to Canada, please visit the website of our office in Accra.

I would like to visit Canada but not at the invitation of anyone nor for a specific event. What information do you need about my travel?

The more information you can provide about your plans the better. Ideally we would expect an itinerary, travel and hotel reservations and other information about the purpose of your trip.

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Date Modified:: 2011-12-22

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