Nigeria is one of the countries with the highest number of international students in Canada

Right now, more than 13,000 Nigerian students are studying in Canada.

This number is expected to go up in the next few years because Canada is becoming more popular among Nigerian students who want a good education and lots of options for their studies.

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As Canada’s reputation for quality education grows, more Nigerian students are choosing Canada as their study destination.

This trend shows how Canada is seen as a great place for Nigerians to pursue their academic goals and build bright futures.

Most Nigerians who studied in Canada have gone on to build a career for themselves in the country.

Read also: How to show proof of funds for a Canada student visa with my family

As a Nigerian student, if you wish to study in Canada, you need to meet the admission requirements to study in the country, apply for admission and get offered admission by a designated learning institute.

Read also: How to apply for the Chevening Scholarship in Nigeria

After accepting your admission, you have to apply for and get a student visa – your student visa allows you to enter Canada ( for your studies) from Nigeria.

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Without your Canadian student visa, you will not be allowed into the country.

To apply for a student visa, you must submit all the required documents (for a student visa) to the Canadian embassy here in Nigeria

This guide will walk you through all the documents you need to submit for your student visa here in Nigeria.

How long does it take for a Canada student visa to be approved in Nigeria?

It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for your Canada student visa to be approved in Nigeria. However, this timeframe can change based on the volume of applications received at the time you submitted your application and whether or not you submitted all the required documents.

If you didn’t submit all the required documents during your application, then your application will be delayed or denied in the worst-case scenario.

To ensure that your application is processed fast, you must submit a complete application package – all the required documents must be included.

What are the requirements for a student visa in Canada from Nigeria

Before submitting your Canada student visa application in Nigeria, check if you have included the following documents.

• Proof of acceptance into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

One of the most important requirements for a student visa in Canada from Nigeria is your acceptance letter into a designated learning institution.

You will not be allowed to apply for a student visa in Canada if you have not secured admission into a designated learning institution.

DLIs are educational institutions approved by the Canadian government to host international students.

You must have a valid acceptance letter from a recognized DLI to proceed with your visa application.

• You need proof of funds 

You need money to study in Canada – even if you are on scholarships, you still need to show the immigration authorities that you are on scholarships.

Canadian immigration authorities require you to show proof that you have the financial means to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

You will need funds for your tuition fees, living expenses, and return ticket.

To show proof of funds, you can provide your bank statements (or that of your sponsor), scholarship letters (if you are on scholarship), or sponsorship letters (from whoever is sponsoring you to study in Canada).

• You also need a medical certificate

As part of the visa application process, you’ll be required to undergo a medical examination by a designated panel physician approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

This examination aims to ensure that you are in good health and admissible to Canada.

Canada doesn’t want to allow anyone who will pose a health risk into the country.

Read also: Can I apply for express entry while studying in Canada?

If you have a health situation that can be a threat to the citizens of Canada, your application for a student visa won’t be approved.

• A Police clearance certificate is needed

Police clearance is another requirement for a student visa in Canada from Nigeria.

To demonstrate your good character and that you don’t have any criminal history, you must get a police clearance certificate or police report from Nigeria.

This certificate verifies that you have no criminal record – it is proof that you won’t be a security threat to Canada.

• Language Proficiency

Language proficiency proof is not a compulsory requirement for a student visa in Canada from Nigeria.

However, some institutions in Canada require you to include it.

Canada is a bilingual country with English and French as its official languages.

Depending on the language of instruction at your chosen institution, you may need to demonstrate that you are proficient in either English or French.

Read also: How do I know if my visa is rejected?

You can take any of the accepted language tests like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), and Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF).

Any one of them is acceptable for a Canada student visa.

• Valid Passport and Passport Photos

Your passport is a “must’ have requirement for a student visa in Canada from Nigeria.

The passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay in Canada.

If you’re going for a 4 years program – make sure that your passport is valid for at least 5 years.

This will cover your entire program.

Additionally, you’ll need recent passport-sized photos that meet the specifications outlined by the Canadian government.

• You need a Letter of explanation

A well-written letter of explanation is also an important requirement for a student visa in Canada from Nigeria.

Read also: How can I increase my chances of getting a UK visa?

This letter should clearly state your reasons for studying in Canada, your academic background, your career goals, and how your studies in Canada will be great for your plans.

• You need proof of intent to return

Canadian visa officers want to make sure that you will return to Nigeria after your studies.

You need to provide them proof that you intend to return to Nigeria after completing your studies.

If you can provide documents like a letter from your employer showing that you have a job to return to in Nigeria, that would be great.

Other documents you can provide include property ownership documents or proof of family ties in Nigeria.

This helps establish your ties to your home country and reinforces your intention to comply with visa regulations.

• Biometrics and Visa Application Fee

Biometric data collection is part of the application process – you need to visit a Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nigeria for your biometrics.

Read also: Can international students work more than 40 hours in Canada?

Additionally, there is a non-refundable visa application fee that you must pay when submitting your application.

• Study permit application form

The last step you will take after your student visa application is filling out the Study Permit application form.

You can do that either online or on paper, depending on your preference.

If you want to avoid any delays or complications in the processing of your application, make sure that you fill out the form accurately.

In addition to these requirements and depending on your circumstances, you may be asked to submit any other documents like a birth certificate, your academic transcripts, health insurance coverage or proof of state of origin.

How much bank balance is required for a Canada student visa from Nigeria?

The bank balance required for a Canada student visa from Nigeria depends on the duration of your study program, living expenses, and whether you have already paid for your tuition. Generally, you should have enough money to cover your first-year tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.

If you want to apply for a Canada student visa, you need to go through the updated guidelines from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The guideline is often updated.