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Online, physical or both?
Start online
Use IRCC's visitor-visa guidance to select the travel purpose and gather the personalised supporting documents before starting the online application. Then create or sign in to the correct IRCC visitor-visa account/portal, complete the online form and upload the passport, financial, employment, invitation and travel-purpose evidence that applies to the case.
A physical step is required
The in-person or assisted stage stated in this guide is: Use IRCC's visitor-visa guidance to select the travel purpose and gather the personalised supporting documents before starting the online application.
Find official offices/centres →If this specific process gets stuck
Use IRCC's official support/contact route and quote the reference generated by this application.
View agency guidance →Only authorised routes. We never present an unofficial agent, cybercafé or third-party payment page as an alternative unless the responsible agency authorises it.
Documents, details and prerequisites you need
This is the complete pre-start checklist from the verified guide. Each item below explains what it is for, where it enters the process and whether the official source actually specifies an original, copy or upload.
A digital copy of a valid passport or travel document; IRCC currently advises that the passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the planned travel date
- Why you need it
- Used to identify the applicant's current passport record or to support the passport transaction described in this guide.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 2: Create or sign in to the correct IRCC visitor-visa account/portal, complete the online form and upload the passport, financial, employment, invitation and travel-purpose evidence that applies to the case.
- Original, copy or upload?
- A copy/photocopy is explicitly referenced in the guide. Keep the source document available as well.
Proof of financial support such as bank records; IRCC's visitor guidance asks for at least 6 months of account details when bank statements are used
- Why you need it
- Used to access the official portal or the applicant's existing record.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 1: Use IRCC's visitor-visa guidance to select the travel purpose and gather the personalised supporting documents before starting the online application.
- Original, copy or upload?
- This is used during the physical stage described in step 1.
Travel-purpose evidence such as an itinerary, accommodation information, family-host details or a business invitation depending on the reason for travel
- Why you need it
- Used to locate the taxpayer record connected to the transaction.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 2: Create or sign in to the correct IRCC visitor-visa account/portal, complete the online form and upload the passport, financial, employment, invitation and travel-purpose evidence that applies to the case.
- Original, copy or upload?
- A digital upload is explicitly part of step 2. Prepare a clear file that follows the portal's size/format rules.
Employment evidence where applicable, such as an employer letter confirming the job, employment dates, salary and employer contact information
- Why you need it
- Used as formal written evidence or request where the responsible agency lists a letter among the requirements.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 2: Create or sign in to the correct IRCC visitor-visa account/portal, complete the online form and upload the passport, financial, employment, invitation and travel-purpose evidence that applies to the case.
- Original, copy or upload?
- A digital upload is explicitly part of step 2. Prepare a clear file that follows the portal's size/format rules.
A scanner or camera for clear electronic copies of documents and a valid payment card for the online application
- Why you need it
- This item is explicitly listed in the verified pre-start requirements for this service. Have it ready before beginning so the application is not interrupted.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 1: Use IRCC's visitor-visa guidance to select the travel purpose and gather the personalised supporting documents before starting the online application.
- Original, copy or upload?
- A copy/photocopy is explicitly referenced in the guide. Keep the source document available as well.
For a minor child where applicable, the travel-authorisation letter and any additional child-travel documents required by IRCC for whether the child travels alone, with one parent or with another adult
- Why you need it
- Used as formal written evidence or request where the responsible agency lists a letter among the requirements.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 1: Use IRCC's visitor-visa guidance to select the travel purpose and gather the personalised supporting documents before starting the online application.
- Original, copy or upload?
- This is used during the physical stage described in step 1.
Biometrics instruction letter after submission if IRCC asks the applicant to provide fingerprints and a photograph
- Why you need it
- Used for the applicant image or identity record. Follow the exact size/background/ICAO rule shown by the responsible agency.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 4: If IRCC issues a biometrics instruction letter, book an appointment at an official Canada Visa Application Centre; IRCC currently lists VACs in Abuja and Lagos for Nigeria.
- Original, copy or upload?
- A printed item is explicitly referenced in step 4. Keep the printout legible and complete.
Step-by-step instructions
Follow the process in order. Each step also shows what to have ready, what to check before continuing and what evidence to keep. Where the agency does not publish an extra requirement, this guide does not invent one.
Use IRCC's visitor-visa guidance to select the travel purpose and gather the personalised supporting documents before starting the online application.
- Proof of financial support such as bank records; IRCC's visitor guidance asks for at least 6 months of account details when bank statements are used
- For a minor child where applicable, the travel-authorisation letter and any additional child-travel documents required by IRCC for whether the child travels alone, with one parent or with another adult
- A digital copy of a valid passport or travel document; IRCC currently advises that the passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the planned travel date
Check that every file belongs to the correct applicant/record, is readable and matches the portal prompt before upload.
Keep the appointment, acknowledgement or reference you may need at the physical stage.
Create or sign in to the correct IRCC visitor-visa account/portal, complete the online form and upload the passport, financial, employment, invitation and travel-purpose evidence that applies to the case.
- Travel-purpose evidence such as an itinerary, accommodation information, family-host details or a business invitation depending on the reason for travel
- Proof of financial support such as bank records; IRCC's visitor guidance asks for at least 6 months of account details when bank statements are used
- A digital copy of a valid passport or travel document; IRCC currently advises that the passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the planned travel date
Check that every file belongs to the correct applicant/record, is readable and matches the portal prompt before upload.
Keep the appointment, acknowledgement or reference you may need at the physical stage.
Pay the visitor-visa fee and, if the application generates a biometrics charge, pay that fee as well; then submit and save the confirmation/reference information in the IRCC account.
- Proof of financial support such as bank records; IRCC's visitor guidance asks for at least 6 months of account details when bank statements are used
- Biometrics instruction letter after submission if IRCC asks the applicant to provide fingerprints and a photograph
- A digital copy of a valid passport or travel document; IRCC currently advises that the passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the planned travel date
Confirm the service, applicant/entity details and amount on the official payment screen before paying. Do not continue from an unsolicited payment link.
Keep the official receipt, payment reference or transaction ID.
If IRCC issues a biometrics instruction letter, book an appointment at an official Canada Visa Application Centre; IRCC currently lists VACs in Abuja and Lagos for Nigeria.
- Biometrics instruction letter after submission if IRCC asks the applicant to provide fingerprints and a photograph
- A digital copy of a valid passport or travel document; IRCC currently advises that the passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the planned travel date
- For a minor child where applicable, the travel-authorisation letter and any additional child-travel documents required by IRCC for whether the child travels alone, with one parent or with another adult
Confirm the correct office/centre, date or appointment instruction before travelling, and take the originals where the guide or agency explicitly requires them.
Keep the appointment, acknowledgement or reference you may need at the physical stage.
Monitor the IRCC account for requests, medical/interview instructions or a passport request; submit the passport to a VAC only after IRCC sends the request and follow the final decision/return instructions.
- A digital copy of a valid passport or travel document; IRCC currently advises that the passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the planned travel date
- Proof of financial support such as bank records; IRCC's visitor guidance asks for at least 6 months of account details when bank statements are used
- For a minor child where applicable, the travel-authorisation letter and any additional child-travel documents required by IRCC for whether the child travels alone, with one parent or with another adult
Review names, numbers, dates, contact details and selections before final submission because corrections may require a separate official process.
Keep the application/reference number, acknowledgement or confirmation generated after submission.
What exactly happens next?
Keep the application/reference number, payment receipt, acknowledgement or downloadable record produced by this service.
Monitor the IRCC account for requests, medical/interview instructions or a passport request; submit the passport to a VAC only after IRCC sends the request and follow the final decision/return instructions.
IRCC publishes a live processing-time tool rather than one fixed Canada visitor-visa timeline; the estimate varies by where the application is processed and does not include time taken to give biometrics.
Use IRCC's official support channel with the application/reference details.
Important notes
- Canada requires most visitor-visa applications to be submitted online; paper applications are limited to specific exceptions.
- IRCC processing times vary by country and case and do not include the time taken to complete biometrics.
- An incomplete application can be refused, and IRCC may request an interview, medical examination, police certificate or additional information.
Common questions
These answers are generated from the verified requirements, route, fee, timeline and official-source notes for this specific service.
What should I prepare before I start?
Prepare before you begin by gathering every item below. The detailed checklist above explains why each one is needed, where it is used, and whether the official source specifies an original, copy or upload.
- A digital copy of a valid passport or travel document; IRCC currently advises that the passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the planned travel date — Document
- Proof of financial support such as bank records; IRCC's visitor guidance asks for at least 6 months of account details when bank statements are used — Document
- Travel-purpose evidence such as an itinerary, accommodation information, family-host details or a business invitation depending on the reason for travel — Document
- Employment evidence where applicable, such as an employer letter confirming the job, employment dates, salary and employer contact information — Document
- A scanner or camera for clear electronic copies of documents and a valid payment card for the online application — Payment / transaction evidence
- For a minor child where applicable, the travel-authorisation letter and any additional child-travel documents required by IRCC for whether the child travels alone, with one parent or with another adult — Document
- Biometrics instruction letter after submission if IRCC asks the applicant to provide fingerprints and a photograph — Document
Can I do this online, or do I need to visit an office?
Online + physical visit. Use IRCC's visitor-visa guidance to select the travel purpose and gather the personalised supporting documents before starting the online application. Then create or sign in to the correct IRCC visitor-visa account/portal, complete the online form and upload the passport, financial, employment, invitation and travel-purpose evidence that applies to the case.
The in-person or assisted stage stated in this guide is: Use IRCC's visitor-visa guidance to select the travel purpose and gather the personalised supporting documents before starting the online application.
How much does this service cost?
CAD 100 visa fee + CAD 85 biometrics if required — IRCC lists CAD 100 for an individual visitor visa and CAD 85 for individual biometrics where biometrics are required.
Pay only through the responsible agency or the official payment channel linked in this guide.
How long should it take?
IRCC publishes a live processing-time tool rather than one fixed Canada visitor-visa timeline; the estimate varies by where the application is processed and does not include time taken to give biometrics.
Processing can still take longer where identity checks, document corrections, payment confirmation or manual review are required.
What happens after I submit or complete the main step?
Keep the evidence for Canada visitor visa: Keep the application/reference number, payment receipt, acknowledgement or downloadable record produced by this service.
Complete the final published step: Monitor the IRCC account for requests, medical/interview instructions or a passport request; submit the passport to a VAC only after IRCC sends the request and follow the final decision/return instructions.
What should I do if the portal, payment or application gets stuck?
Use IRCC's official support/contact route and quote the reference generated by this application.
Keep any application number, receipt, acknowledgement, transaction reference or screenshot that can help the agency trace the request.
What should I be careful about?
- Canada requires most visitor-visa applications to be submitted online; paper applications are limited to specific exceptions.
- IRCC processing times vary by country and case and do not include the time taken to complete biometrics.
How do I verify that these instructions are current?
This guide was last checked on 2026-09-28. The official government or agency sources used to verify it are listed directly below this section.
Where an agency changes a fee, deadline or procedure, the official source takes priority over this independent guide.
Is MyNigeriaGuide the government website for this service?
No. MyNigeriaGuide is an independent information service. Applications, payments, approvals and final decisions remain with the responsible government agency.
Visa questions Nigerians commonly need answered
Foreign visa rules are country-specific. These answers explain the issues that commonly cause confusion without inventing a universal bank balance, sponsor rule or appeal process.
How much money must be in my bank account?
Proof of financial support such as bank records; IRCC's visitor guidance asks for at least 6 months of account details when bank statements are used
Use the exact financial-evidence rule in the checklist above. The evidence should match who is paying for the trip, the trip length and the application form. Do not rely on an unofficial agent's fixed “required balance” unless the destination authority itself publishes that amount.
Can another person or company sponsor my trip?
Only use sponsorship where this visa route accepts it. If a sponsor is paying, follow the country-specific checklist for the sponsor letter, relationship to the applicant, identity or immigration-status evidence, financial evidence and any undertaking/responsibility form.
Sponsorship does not automatically replace documents the destination still requires from the applicant, such as employment, study, business, family or other evidence connected to the applicant's own circumstances.
What if the applicant is under 18?
For a minor child where applicable, the travel-authorisation letter and any additional child-travel documents required by IRCC for whether the child travels alone, with one parent or with another adult
Where the detailed checklist above does not list a child rule, open the exact official instructions before submitting. Birth certificates, parental/guardian consent, parent IDs/passports, custody documents and details of the adult travelling with or hosting the child can be required.
Should I buy a flight ticket before the visa is approved?
Use the type of travel evidence the official checklist asks for. Several visitor-visa systems ask for a reservation or itinerary rather than a non-refundable paid ticket. Do not turn a reservation requirement into an unnecessary non-refundable purchase.
If this country's official instructions specifically require a paid ticket or another form of confirmed travel, that country-specific requirement takes priority.
What happens if the visa is refused?
Read the refusal/decision letter first. It should identify the reason and, where the law provides one, the appeal, review or reconsideration route. Some visa systems instead expect a new application.
If you reapply, address the stated reason and disclose previous refusals whenever the form asks. Do not submit altered, false or contradictory documents to try to overcome a refusal.
Does getting the visa guarantee entry at the airport or border?
No. A visa normally allows you to travel to a border and request entry; border authorities can still check whether you meet the entry conditions and whether the purpose of travel matches the visa.
What should I carry when I actually travel?
Keep your passport and visa/eVisa or grant notice accessible. Also carry the important evidence relevant to your trip, such as return/onward travel, accommodation or host details, invitation letter, travel insurance and evidence of funds or sponsorship where those formed part of the visa route.
Official sources
These are the government or agency pages used to verify this guide. Open them directly whenever you want to confirm the source.
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