Visa Guide: Nigeria to Canada

Everything you need to know about obtaining a student visa for Canada.

Disclaimer: This guide reflects publicly available information current to early 2026 and is provided as a starting point for your research. Visa policies, fees, biometric collection sites, and processing times change frequently and can differ by post. Before you spend money or book travel, verify every number and document on the destination country's official immigration or consulate website, or consult a licensed immigration lawyer. GlobalPath does not file applications on your behalf and is not a substitute for official guidance.

Overview

## Who this is for You have a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada and you need a study permit to enrol. As of January 2024, IRCC also requires a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for most undergraduate and college applicants, with limited exemptions for master's, doctoral, and certain professional programs. ## What changed in 2024 to 2025 Canada introduced a national cap on study permits and now requires applicants from most countries, including Nigeria, to submit: - A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) issued by the province or territory of the institution, except where exempted. - Proof of settlement funds at the updated threshold (currently CAD 20,635 for a single student outside Quebec, plus tuition; verify the live amount on the IRCC website). - For some programs, evidence that the institution participates in the Student Direct Stream (SDS) was tightened, and SDS itself was discontinued in November 2024 for new applications. Nigerian applicants now apply through the standard study permit stream. ## Application path 1. Receive your Letter of Acceptance from a DLI and confirm your PAL has been issued. 2. Pay tuition (or first semester) and obtain a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 20,635 from a participating Canadian bank (Scotiabank, RBC, CIBC, ICICI Bank Canada). Even though SDS is gone, the GIC is still the cleanest way to prove settlement funds. 3. Complete the IMM 1294 application online through your IRCC Secure Account, attach all supporting documents, and pay the CAD 150 study permit fee plus CAD 85 biometrics fee. 4. Submit biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt within 30 days of the biometrics instruction letter. 5. Wait for approval. Expect a request for additional documents in some cases. 6. On approval, you receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction; the actual study permit is printed at a Canadian airport when you arrive. ## What officers look for IRCC assesses three things under the study permit refusal codes most often cited for Nigerian applicants: financial sufficiency, study plan plausibility, and ties to Nigeria. A weak or generic statement of purpose is the most common avoidable refusal reason. Write a focused study plan that explains why this specific program in this specific city, why now in your career, and what you intend to do back in Nigeria after graduation. ## Timeline From complete submission to decision, current processing for Nigeria runs 8 to 16 weeks. Front-load your application: start GIC and PAL paperwork the week you accept admission.

Required Documents

  • Valid Nigerian passport (at least 6 months validity)(Required)
  • Letter of Acceptance from a DLI(Required)
  • Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)(Required)Some master's, doctoral, and exchange programs are exempt; confirm with your institution
  • Proof of tuition payment for first year or semester(Required)
  • Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 20,635(Required)Threshold updated by IRCC; verify current amount
  • Statement of Purpose / Study Plan(Required)Most decisive document; tailor to program and career
  • Academic transcripts and certificates (WAEC, university)(Required)
  • English proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)(Required)Most DLIs require IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 minimum
  • Biometrics fee receipt(Required)
  • Study permit fee receipt(Required)
  • Recent passport-size photographs(Required)
  • Medical examination from an IRCC Panel PhysicianRequired for stays over 6 months from Nigeria
  • Police certificateSometimes requested by the visa office; have one ready from the Nigeria Police Force
  • Evidence of ties to NigeriaProperty, family, employment offer for after graduation
  • Sponsor's bank statements (6 months)If supplementing the GIC with parental funds

Work Rights

Study permit holders enrolled full-time at a DLI may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms (raised from 20 hours by IRCC in late 2024) and full-time during scheduled breaks. On-campus employment has no hour cap. After graduation, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of 1 to 3 years depending on program length, which is the standard pathway to permanent residence through Express Entry or the Canadian Experience Class.

Quick reference

Processing Time
Standard study permit processing for Nigeria currently runs 8 to 16 weeks from biometrics submission. Add 2 to 4 weeks for biometrics scheduling at the VAC and 1 to 2 weeks for GIC and PAL paperwork. Apply at least 4 to 5 months before your program start date.
Application fee
Study permit application: CAD 150. Biometrics: CAD 85 (or CAD 170 family rate, not applicable to single student). GIC deposit: CAD 20,635 (refundable, not a fee). VAC service fee at Lagos / Abuja / Port Harcourt: approximately NGN equivalent of CAD 30 to 40. Approximate; verify on the IRCC fee list.
Financial Proof
IRCC requires proof you can cover tuition plus CAD 20,635 in living expenses for the first year (single applicant outside Quebec; Quebec uses its own table). Most Nigerian applicants meet this through a GIC of CAD 20,635 from Scotiabank, RBC, CIBC, or ICICI Bank Canada, combined with a tuition payment receipt. The GIC is locked when you arrive and disbursed monthly to your Canadian account. Supplementary funds can be shown via 6 months of sponsor bank statements with employment evidence, but the GIC is the cleanest proof and historically the most accepted. Approximate; verify the live settlement-funds threshold on the IRCC cost-of-living page before applying.
Student Visa
Temporary Residence

The primary visa type for international students wishing to study in Canada. This visa allows full-time enrollment at an accredited educational institution.

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Standard
4 - 8 weeks
Expedited
2 - 3 weeks (where available)

Apply at least 3 months before your program start date. Embassy processing times vary by location and season.

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You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses in Canada for at least one academic year.

Minimum: $20,000 - $40,000

Accepted Forms

  • Personal bank statements (last 3-6 months)
  • Sponsor's bank statements with affidavit of support
  • Scholarship award letter
  • Education loan approval letter
  • Government sponsorship documentation

Explore scholarships to help fund your studies

Required

Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Canada. Most institutions require proof of coverage before enrollment.

Coverage Options

  • University-sponsored health plan
  • Private international student insurance
  • Government health insurance scheme (if eligible)

Estimated cost: $500 - $3,000/yr

During Study
Limited part-time work permitted during term (typically 20 hours/week)
After Graduation
Post-study work visa may be available (duration varies by country)
Restrictions
Must maintain valid student status. Employment must not interfere with academic obligations. Some countries require a separate work permit.

Embassy & Consulate Contact

Contact the nearest Canada embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements and to schedule your visa interview.

Find your nearest embassy

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate of your destination country before applying.