[THIS IS A FREE TRAVEL GUIDE] Congratulations on your beginning your journey to Canada. This write-up contains every requirement you need. Ensure you follow them carefully without skipping anything. Your visa success will depend on following these instructions.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Course choice: Have 3-5 course choices you would wish to study in Canada. These courses must be related with your previous academic experience. They should not be easily available in your home country. 

2. International passport: Your international passport and that of accompanying family members must be valid for at least 2years when you begin your application.

3. Passport photograph in white background: Take a passport photo in white background. Passport photos are not required for accompanying family members.

4. Resume: Containing your contact information, work experience and academic experience.

5. English test: Most Canadian institutions usually waive this if you were taught in English language or are from an English-speaking country.

6. FOR BSC APPLICANTS: You need your High School certificate + O’level scratch card.

7. FOR MASTER’S DEGREE OR POST GRADUATE PROGRAMS: Bachelor’s degree and University transcript are required. Most institutions allow student copies of transcript for admission purposes, but they would request that you come to Canada with the original transcripts. Postgraduate certificate or diploma programs are suitable for those who have HND/OND or BSc as well. Most research-based MSc programs would require you have a Supervisor from the institution you are applying to, Your Bachelor thesis (your project report), Research proposal and 2 academic references.

8. Admission takes 4months on Average, sometimes more. Expect variable processing times.

VISA REQUIREMENTS:

1. Pay your tuition deposit: Most institutions in Canada would require that you pay your tuition deposit. Some don’t. But we highly recommend having your tuition ahead of time.

2. IMM1294e document. This is your study permit application form and is downloadable from your online IRCC portal when you are ready to apply for your study permit online. You can have one portal and one application for the entire family. Each family member would have their own section for document upload under the website. Only the principal applicant fills this. You must fill the document on a computer using Adobe reader. After filling the form correctly, click on the “Validate button” and ensure it is successful. You don’t need to sign on it.

3. IMM5257b document. This is your application form for temporary residence and is downloadable from your online IRCC portal when you are ready to apply for your study permit online. The applicant and all accompanying family members must fill one each for themselves. You must fill the document on a computer using Adobe reader. After filling the form correctly, click on the “Validate button” and ensure it is successful. Then save it. This document does not need signing. Please note that since January 1, 2024, only spouses of students studying in Masters and PhD will be eligible for a work permit. For students in other academic levels, their spouses will not qualify for a work permit.

4. IMM5645e document. This is your family information form and is downloadable from your online IRCC portal when you are ready to apply for your study permit online. This form must be filled by the principal applicant and spouse, one per person. Ensure to include all your family members, whether they are traveling with you to Canada or not. After filling the form correctly, print it and sign where necessary. Please note that since January 1, 2024, only spouses of students studying in Masters and PhD will be eligible for a work permit. For students in other academic levels, their spouses will not qualify for a work permit.

5. IMM1295e document. This is your application form for work permit and is downloadable from your online IRCC portal when you are ready to apply for your study permit online. Only the spouse of the principal applicant must fill this. You must fill the document on a computer using Adobe reader. After filling the form correctly, click on the “Validate button” and ensure it is successful. Then save it. This document does not need signing. Please note that since January 1, 2024, only spouses of students studying in Masters and PhD will be eligible for a work permit. For students in other academic levels, their spouses will not qualify for a work permit.

6. IMM5257e document. This is your application form for visitor visa and is downloadable from your online IRCC portal when you are ready to apply for your study permit online. Only the accompanying children of the principal applicant must fill this. You must fill the document on a computer using Adobe reader. After filling the form correctly, click on the “Validate button” and ensure it is successful. Then save it. This document does not need signing.

7. Statement of purpose: This document shows your study intent. It is important for your visa process. It must state who you are, your academic and work experience, why you want to study in Canada, why you are choosing the institution and your plans after school.

8. Proof of funds: We recommend that you build your bank statement ready ahead of time. You would need to send provide a 6-month bank statement (stamped and signed by your bank) with a closing balance of 21,000 Canadian dollars. This amount was increased on January 1, 2024 and would cover your living expenses for an academic year (excluding tuition). Add $6,000 per accompanying family member coming with you to Canada.

We strongly recommend that the bank statement be in the name of the applicant. Avoid using company accounts, 3^rd party accounts or loan accounts. Do not use a sponsor unless you are a minor. AND YOU MUST NOT TOUCH THE FUNDS IN YOUR BANK ACCOUNT TILL YOUR VISA IS DECIDED UPON. This is because your bank statement will be verified.

To know the bank statement exchange rate in your currency, please note that exchange rates change every day. To be on the safe side, let your proof of funds be a bit above what’s needed. Calculate your daily exchange rate here >> https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/cgi-bin/recgen/er.pl?Language=E

Also note that your bank statement will be calculated in the exchange rate on the day your application was submitted, even if the exchange rate later rises or falls.

9. Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): This is a new requirement before you can apply for your study permit. This rule was established on January 1, 2024 that all study permit applicants must have. Each province or territory is still developing a process to get a PAL, so no one can apply for it yet. The process to apply is expected to be in place by March 31, 2024. It is after then students can apply for it. Masters and PhD students do not need PALs.

10. Ties to your home country: (a) Landed properties in your name (b) registered business registration documents in your name (Tax clearance is needed as well if your business is more than a year old) (c) employment/leave letter to a job (d) other assets in your name. You should have everything stated above in order to stand a good chance.

11. Medical examination: You would need to undergo a medical examination in one of the IRCC approved medical centers in your home country. Due to the limited availability of slots, it’s advisable to book ahead of time, even during your admission process. We call this “upfront medicals”. You will be required to pay up to 140 Canadian dollars for your medical examination. Check this list for approved medical centers in your country >> https://secure.cic.gc.ca/pp-md/pp-list.aspx

12. Biometrics: Once you submit your study permit application online, you will receive an email instruction from IRCC to go do your biometrics (fingerprint). Biometrics is mandatory if your fingerprints have not been captured for any Canadian application within the last 10years. You would need to pay the sum of 85 Canadian dollars before or at the biometrics center when the time comes. It costs 170 Canadian dollars per family.

13. Travel history: Your approval chances are high if you have traveled to any developed country in the past, such as to Visiting the USA, Canada, The UK or Any Schengen country, studied in Russia or Worked in Dubai for several years. Any other travel experience outside these would not hold much weight. If you wish to apply without any travel experience, your chances may be low.

14. IELTS (English test) score: If you are a Nigerian applying for a study permit to Canada, you have the option to apply through the Nigerian student Express include IELTS English test for your study permit application, whether or not it was required for your admission. You can write IELTS General or IELTS Academic (We recommend IELTS General in this case). A minimum score of 6.0 is required in each area (6.0 in reading, 6.0 in writing, 6.0 in listening and 6.0 in speaking). IELTS must be written by the principal applicant only. It’s important to prepare minimum 1 month before sitting for your test. It costs up to 260 Canadian dollars to schedule an IELTS Test. Register for one online in your city.

Visa processing takes 4months on Average, sometimes more, hopefully you get a decision before your institution resumes. Expect variable processing times.

HIGHLIGHT OF WHAT YOU WOULD SPEND FOR YOUR VISA (EXCLUDING TUITION FEES):

THE ENTIRE PROCESS EXPLAINED:

1. Ensure your documents are complete.

2. Build your portfolio, including a letter of explanation for your visa application.

3. Create your online profile and your visa application on IRCC website.

4. Download and fill the required visa forms from your application profile.

5. Upload every required document on your application profile, including your visa forms.

6. Within a few days from submission, you will receive an email instruction from IRCC to go do your biometrics (fingerprint). Biometrics is mandatory if your fingerprints have not been captured for any Canadian application within the last 10years. Your biometric fee is paid alongside your visa fees during submission. In all other cases, applicants younger than 14 years or older than 79 years are exempt from providing biometric information.

7. After biometrics comes the silent period. As mentioned above, visitor visas can take up to 1 year or more depending on your country of application.

8. If you are approved, you will receive a notification in your online profile, asking you to send in your passport to the nearest visa center for your visa. Once you receive your passport and visa, you can travel.