Steps On How To Get a Canadian Work Visa From Nigeria

The process of getting a Canadian work visa from Nigeria can be quite lengthy and expensive. However, if you’re prepared and you know what to expect, it doesn’t have to be. There are several steps you need to take to ensure the process is stress-free and you get the visa in the end this article will walk you through everything you need to know as a Nigerian seeking a Canadian work visa.

1) Step One: Check your eligibility to work in Canada

The first step should be to determine your eligibility to work in Canada otherwise, it may become a case of wasted time and resources. Nigerians must satisfy various requirements before they may work in Canada.

• You must convince the immigration officer of your return by citing your family, assets, enterprises, residences, automobiles, or any other real cause.
  You must also show that you are eligible and meet the requirements for working in Canada.
• Have all the required documentation.
• Proof of good citizenship. If you have no prior criminal record in the nation, this might be a police clearance statement.
• You must be healthy. medical evaluation is usually required.
• Financial documents to prove you can afford your stay in Canada. You’ll be asked for a three-month history of your bank statements.
  You stand a chance of getting rejected if you:
• Display a personality that they deem a security risk/threat
• Have a criminal record
• Violated or aided human rights violations
• Are in serious financial trouble like bankruptcy
• Plan to travel with a person ineligible to travel to Canada
• Show dishonesty during the interview or while filing your application form.

2) Step Two: Get the required application documents

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, you have to obtain the necessary application documents. The type of work permit you want to apply for will determine the papers required. You can apply for either of two work permits:

• Openwork permit: This type of permit does not pertain to a particular job rather it grants the holder authority to work for any Canadian employer who is eligible and complies with working conditions.
• Employer-specific work permit: This type of work permit, as the name suggests only allows you to work under certain circumstances that are specified in your work permit. If you are going for this type, you will need an LMIA(Labour Market Impact Assessment) to back up your other documents. An LMIA is issued to Canadian firms that need to employ workers from abroad because they cannot find local candidates. You have to ask your potential employer in Canada to get you one.
  If you are applying for an Open work permit, you do not need to provide the above paperwork.

To work in Canada, you may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Usually, you don’t need to apply or pay extra for these because the immigration official will provide you with the documentation together with your work permit. You will also need a valid passport (This should not be older than six months)
Other documents include:

• Two copies of your photograph as well as those of your family (if they are accompanying you).
• A valid Canadian Provincial Certificate.
• If you will be working in Quebec, you must produce a Quebec acceptance certificate (Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec) (CAQ).
• Proof of relationships such as marriage or birth certificate if you are accompanied by a family member.
• If you are not a Nigerian but are applying from Nigeria, you may need to obtain re-entry permission first.

See also:

• Top Affordable Universities in Canada
• Different Countries Nigerians Can Visit with Visa on Arrival

3) Step Three: Download and complete the required application forms

Usually, Nigerians seeking a visa to Canada apply on paper. Therefore, you have to fill out your application electronically and print it out. These are the forms to download:

• Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada Form
  Document Checklist
• Family Information Form that must be completed by the applicant and any accompanying family members who are 18 or older.
• Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union Form (optional)
• Authority to Release Personal Information to Designated Individual Form
• Use of a Representative Form (optional)

4) Step Four: Pay application fees

After filling out the forms, the next step is to pay your fees. There are two locations where you can make payment in Nigeria; one in Lagos, and the other in Abuja.
Lagos
Manor Hall, Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way, opposite Treasure Garden estate, third roundabout, Lekki, Phase 1, Lagos.
Abuja
Silverbird Entertainment Centre, Plot 1161, Memorial Drive, 2nd floor, Central business district Abuja.
Both centers accept only cash as payment, therefore ensure you go with enough cash. However, for your safety, avoid traveling long distances with a huge amount of money.

Here are the fees you pay for.

• Work Permit application processing fees: This is for individuals and it costs 155 Canadian dollars.
• Group Work permit fees: The permit fees are set at 465 Canadian dollars for individuals traveling as a group. This only applies when you’re over three.
• Open Work Permit Holder fees: This is set for 100 Canadian dollars for an individual.

The Biometric fees: Biometrics is a necessary process for Nigerians between the ages of 14 to 79. The process entails the collection of fingerprints and photographs which the system processes and saves on its database, When applying for a work permit you must pay to submit this information. It usually costs 85 Canadian dollars, which is about 26,000 per person.

There is an exception for families. Families can pay 170 Canadian dollars collectively while groups of more than three pay 255 Canadian dollars.
Note that application fees are non-refundable upon payment regardless of the status of your application. So, even if your application is rejected you get no refunds.

5) Step Five: Submit your application

After you pay the necessary fees, the next step is to submit your application. Ensure that your documents are complete and well-filled. Do not miss out on any of the processes or payments above if you want to stand a higher chance of acceptance.
After submission, an immigration officer will review your application. Sometimes, they demand a physical interview and will contact you via mail, stating the date and venue for the interview.
If the officer approves your application, you will receive a letter of introduction that confirms the approval. If the officer rejects the application, you’ll also receive a letter stating the reason for the refusal.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Canadian work Visa entails several processes and financial commitment. Therefore, while applying, ensure you stick to protocols and pay attention to every minute detail of the process. Complete all applications with your barcode at the top of each package. Don’t forget to sign in all necessary fields and most importantly, ensure that all your information is genuine.