List of important documents for Canada travel from Nigeria in 2025, including visa, passport, financial proof, and travel requirements.
To travel to Canada from Nigeria, you must have all your documents complete and correct. These documents prove who you are, why you’re going to Canada, and show that you plan to return. Without them, your trip may be delayed, or your visa may be refused. This page explains all the documents Nigerians need this year to travel to Canada — for vacation, study, work, or family visit.
What You Should Know About Canada Travel Documents
Going abroad is more than just buying a plane ticket. If you’re planning to go to Canada, the first thing to sort out is your paperwork. The Canadian government checks every traveler properly, and missing just one paper can cause big problems. So, it’s best to be well prepared by reading official travel advice at Canada’s travel portal.
Understanding Canadian Visas from Nigeria
There are different types of visas, and each one comes with its own document list. Before applying, be sure of your reason for going.
Some common visa types include:
Visitor visa (also called Temporary Resident Visa)
Study permit
Work permit
Permanent residency
Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs
Each visa needs different papers. For example, a tourist will need proof of a return ticket, while a student must show a school admission letter. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to know which visa applies to your situation.
Difference Between Tourist, Study, and Work Visas
Your document needs depend on the visa you apply for:
| Visa Type | Main Requirement |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Travel plan, proof of money, invitation letter |
| Study Permit | Admission letter from a Canadian school |
| Work Permit | Job offer from a Canadian company |
Main Travel Documents for Nigerians Going to Canada
Here are some documents that every Nigerian needs:
A valid international passport (must not expire soon)
Filled visa application form
Two recent passport photos (use Canada’s photo format)
Papers that show you have strong reasons to come back (like work or family)
Travel plan (your dates and places you want to visit)
Visa fee receipt
Invitation letter (if someone is hosting you)
How to Apply for a Canada Visa in Nigeria
The application process is mostly done online. Follow these steps:
Know the type of visa you need
Open an account on the IRCC website
Fill your visa form (IMM5257)
Upload your documents online
Pay visa and biometric fees
Book a biometrics appointment through VFS Global
Submit your passport and wait for response
Some people still prefer to apply with paper, but online is faster.
Canadian Visa Checklist for Nigerians
Make sure you have these ready:
Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Application form
Two passport photos
Proof of money (like bank statement)
Invitation letter (if applicable)
Medical report (when needed)
Police clearance (when needed)
Travel plan
Job or school ID
Payment receipt
Passport Rules for Nigerians Going to Canada
Your passport must:
Be valid for 6 months after your travel date
Have at least two blank pages
Be clean and not torn
Errors in your passport like wrong date of birth or misspelled names can delay or stop your visa process.
How to Show Proof of Financial Support
Canada wants to be sure you can take care of yourself when you arrive. To prove this, you can provide:
Accepted proof:
6 months bank statement with bank stamp
Pay slips from your job
Sponsor letter with their bank documents
Do not use:
Fake bank statements
Large cash deposits without source
Unclear or missing information
How to Write a Letter of Invitation
If someone is inviting you, the letter must contain:
Full name and contact details of the person inviting
Relationship between you and the host
Why they are inviting you
Where you will stay
Who is paying for the trip (if host is responsible)
Travel Plan Details
You don’t need to book flights yet, but have a plan that shows:
Date you plan to travel and return
Cities you will visit
Where you might stay
You can use dummy bookings from trusted travel agents in Nigeria.
Medical Test for Visa
You need to go for a medical exam if:
You will stay longer than 6 months
You want to work with children or in health care
You are applying for work or study visa
Only approved doctors in Lagos and Abuja can do the test. These are called panel physicians.
Biometrics for Nigerians
Since 2018, biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are a must. Here’s what to do:
Book appointment on VFS Global
Pay biometric fee (around ₦29,000)
Go to Lagos or Abuja center for fingerprinting
Visa Photograph Requirements
Your photo must:
Be 35mm wide and 45mm tall
Have a white background
Show your face clearly (no smiling)
No caps or hats (unless for religion)
Police Clearance for Canada Visa
You may need to show police clearance if:
Your visa is for a long stay
You’ve stayed outside Nigeria for more than 6 months
You can get the clearance from CID at Alagbon, Lagos.
Traveling With Children to Canada
Children under 18 need:
Birth certificate
Consent letter from both parents
Copy of parents’ ID or passport
Court papers if the child is under a guardian
Using Travel Agents or Consultants
You can apply by yourself, but for complex cases, you may use a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC). Be careful with agents who say they can “guarantee” visa. No one can promise you a visa.
Visa Interview: What to Expect
Not everyone is called for an interview. If you are, remember:
Tell the truth
Dress neat
Know your plan and reason for travel
You may be asked things like:
“Why are you going to Canada?”
“How will you pay for the trip?”
Visa Processing Time in Nigeria
Processing time depends on your visa type:
| Visa | Time |
|---|---|
| Tourist | 3–6 weeks |
| Student | 6–8 weeks |
| Work | 8–12 weeks |
Why Visas Get Rejected in Nigeria
Some common reasons:
Not enough proof of money
Weak connection to Nigeria
Fake or missing documents
Wrong or incomplete forms
You can reapply with better documents or ask for GCMS notes.
How to Prove You’ll Return to Nigeria
To convince the embassy, provide:
Job letter and ID
Business documents (CAC papers)
Marriage certificate or children’s birth certificates
Land or house papers
Canada Visa Fees for Nigerians
You will need to pay:
Visa: CAD 100 (around ₦90,000)
Biometrics: CAD 85 (₦29,000)
VFS Service: ₦20,000
Pay online using debit or credit card through the IRCC website.
Is Travel Insurance Required?
Not always, but it helps your case. Insurance should:
Cover medical costs
Last your whole trip
Some companies in Nigeria offering travel insurance include AXA Mansard and Leadway.
Vaccination and COVID Rules
Right now, you don’t need COVID test or vaccine proof to enter Canada. But this may change, so check Canada’s official website before travel.
Using VFS Global in Nigeria
VFS Global is where you go for:
Biometric appointment
Document submission
Passport return
They are in Lagos and Abuja. You can book your time online and also get SMS updates.
How to Track Your Visa Application
Use:
IRCC portal (for online applications)
VFS Global tracker (for paper submissions)
Crossing the Canadian Border: What to Do
When you reach Canada, bring:
Printed visa and documents
Hotel booking or host details
Return ticket
Clear reason for your visit
Even with a visa, the border officer has the final say.
What to Do After Getting the Visa
Book your flight (refundable, if unsure)
Convert some money to Canadian dollars
Declare any cash over CAD 10,000
How to Renew Your Visa
Start at least one month before expiry. You need:
New bank statements
Reason for extension
Evidence of travel history
Temporary Visa vs. Permanent Residency
If you want to move to Canada long-term, look into:
Express Entry
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Spouse or family sponsorship
These need more paperwork, but offer better options for living in Canada permanently.
Documents for Canada Travel from Nigeria
In all, your documents speak for you. They show that you’re serious, honest, and ready to travel. Use this list as your guide. Double-check your papers. And always make sure your names and dates match across all documents.
FAQs About documents for canada travel from nigeria
Can I travel to Canada from Nigeria without a visa?
No. Every Nigerian needs a visa to go to Canada.
How do I apply for a Canada visa in Nigeria?
Apply online through the IRCC portal or use VFS Global for submission.
How long does Canada visa take from Nigeria?
From 3 to 12 weeks, depending on visa type and how complete your documents are.
What’s the most important document?
Your passport. All other documents support it.
Can a student travel without a school admission letter?
No. That letter is required to get a study permit.
Is travel insurance needed?
Not compulsory, but it helps your chances and covers health issues.
To Finish Up…
If you want to travel from Nigeria to Canada, make sure all your papers are complete and correct. These papers help prove who you are, why you are going, and that you plan to return. Having the right documents for Canada travel from Nigeria will make your visa application easier and increase your chances of approval. Take your time to prepare well, check every detail, and follow the right steps. It’s better to do it slowly and correctly than to rush and make mistakes.