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Applying from Nigeria

Study Permit for applicants from Nigeria

The rules for a Canadian study permit are the same in every country. What changes for applicants from Nigeria is the checklist the responsible visa office publishes, the financial documents it expects, where you give biometrics, and whether you need a medical exam or a police certificate. This page covers those differences, each with its official source.

Jacinth Immigration Canada teamReviewed by a licensed RCICLast updated

Entry requirements

Before you apply

Rules that apply to Nigeria passport holders
Visitor visa (TRV) to enter CanadaRequired
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo)Required

Processing times

IRCC processing times for applicants from Nigeria

Application typeIRCC estimateDays
Study Permit10 weeks70
Family Sponsorship22 months660
Super visa30 days30
Visitor Visa105 days105
Work Permit10 weeks70

Source: IRCC processing times, updated November 2, 2026

Applying from Nigeria

What is different for applicants from Nigeria

  • The Nigeria Student Express ended at 2:00 p.m. ET on 8 November 2024, together with the Student Direct Stream; all Nigerian applicants now use the regular study permit stream.
  • Lagos visa office checklist (IMM 5832, February 2026): passport valid at least 6 months, previous passports, WAEC, SSCE or NECO results, all transcripts and the NYSC certificate if applicable.
  • Certified bank statements with 6 months of history up to your submission month; a MyBankStatement ticket (ticket ID and passcode) may be included.
  • Funds from someone other than you, a parent or spouse need proof of relationship and an explanation; business funds need registration and proof of ownership.
  • Proof of funds: IRCC's current living-cost figure for one student outside Quebec is CAN$23,448 a year plus tuition and travel (applications on or after 1 September 2026); any older dollar figure printed in a visa office checklist is superseded by the IRCC website.

Biometrics, medical and police

Biometrics, medical exam and police certificate

Biometrics

Give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a visa application centre in Lagos or Abuja after paying the biometrics fee; biometrics given for a visitor visa or study permit stay valid for 10 years, and IRCC cannot issue a visa or permit beyond their expiry date.

Visa application centres: Lagos, Abuja.

Official IRCC page
Medical exam

Nigeria is on IRCC's list of countries where an immigration medical exam is required for stays over 6 months, so most study permit applicants (and visitors staying more than 6 months, including super visa applicants) need an exam by an IRCC panel physician; your own doctor cannot do it. Find a panel physician.

Official IRCC page
Police certificate

IRCC says you will be asked for a police certificate for a study permit only if you declare a criminal record; the Lagos visit checklist does not list one upfront.

Nigeria's certificate: Police Character Certificate (Nigeria Police Force, Central Criminal Registry, Force CID Annex, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos).

Official IRCC page

Sources

Official sources

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