How to Apply for Canada Working Visa in Nigeria » Voice of Nigeria
- Canadians welcome thousands of workers every year, including Nigerians, who seek job opportunities in the country. To work in Canada you need a work permit.
- The application process involves several stages, including checking your eligibility, gathering required documents, and paying relevant fees.
- Missteps, like providing incomplete information or omitting required documents, can lead to application rejection. Therefore, it’s crucial to follow the process meticulously.
Check if You Can Work in Canada
Understanding Eligibility
Before starting your application first check if you’re eligible to work in Canada. This is the first step. It saves you time and money, and prevents you from a fruitless application process.
Nigerians must meet some conditions to work in Canada:
- Proof of Return: Show that you will return to Nigeria once your work permit ends. You can show a reason like family ties, property, or a business in Nigeria.
- Good Citizen: Prove that you are a law-abiding citizen without a criminal record in Nigeria or any other country. You might have to give a police clearance certificate.
- Employer Compliance: Show that you do not plan to work for an employer who doesn’t follow Canadian work rules.
- Good Health: Show that you are healthy. People with HIV/AIDS are often not given visas. A medical checkup might be required.
- Required Documents: You must have all the documents needed and meet all the rules.
- Enough Money: You must have enough money to support your stay in Canada. A bank statement that shows your account history for the last three months can be proof.
Your eligibility could be at risk if:
- You behave in a way that looks risky to security.
- You have broken human rights.
- You have a criminal record.
- You have heavy debts, are bankrupt, or in a bad financial state.
- You are traveling with someone who can’t enter Canada.
- You lie on your application or during the interview.
2. Gather Documents for Your Work Permit Application
Types of Work Permits
Once you have confirmed your eligibility, proceed to collect the required documents for your application.
The documents you need depend on the type of work permit you are applying for.
Canada offers two types of work permits:
Open Work Permit. grants you the freedom to work for any eligible employer in Canada.
Employer-specific Work Permit: This allows you to work only for the employer listed on your permit.
For an employer-specific work permit, you’ll need a copy of your employer’s Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and job contract. If your employer doesn’t need an LMIA, you’ll need an offer of employment number and job contract.
For an open work permit, you don’t need documents from an employer. However, you might need a Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization, a valid international passport, two copies of your photos, and proof of Canadian employment.
You might need more documents depending on your situation. For example, if you’ll work in Quebec, you’ll need a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ). If you’re not a Nigerian but you’re applying from Nigeria, you might also need to get a re-entry permit before sending your work permit application to Canada.
Download and Complete Required Application Forms
Completing Application Forms
For Nigerians applying for a visa to work in Canada, you should know that the application process is usually done on paper.
So, you must download and complete the necessary application forms electronically, and then print them out for submission.
These forms are essential for any Nigerian applicant:
Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada Form
- Family Information Form: The applicant and any accompanying family member who is 18 years or older must fill out this mandatory form.
- A Representative Form (if applicable)
- Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union Form (if applicable)
- Document Checklist
- Authority to Release Personal Information to Designated Individual Form
It’s highly recommended that you download and read the instruction guide provided carefully to fill out these forms correctly. This guide provides essential information to help you avoid errors and successfully complete your application.
After you have filled out the forms correctly, it’s important to print them on white, bond-quality, non-glossy paper using a laser printer. This includes all forms and barcoded sheets.
If you are traveling with family members, they must also download, fill out, and sign their forms as needed. Applicants under 18: Parent or guardian signature required.
Reminder:
Fill out forms accurately and click the validate button at the top or bottom. This will make a barcode page with a signature line which you should print and sign as needed.
Always put the barcode page at the top of your entire application package when submitting.
If you have multiple packages to submit, print separate barcode pages for each package and put them at the top of each.
Pay the Application Fees
Understanding the Fees
Next step: Pay the required fees after filling out and organizing the forms.
These fees are needed for Nigerian applicants for a Canadian Work Permit:
- Work Permit Application Processing Fee: The current cost is CAN$155 per person, which includes extensions.
- Group Work Permit Fees: If you are traveling as a group, like a performing arts group, the fee is CAN$465 for a group of three or more.
- Open Work Permit Holder Fee: Right now, this fee is CAN$100 per person. For open work permit applicants: Include the fee along with your work permit fee.
- Biometric Fees: Nigerians aged 14 to 79 must give biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) when applying for a Canadian Work Permit. So, you’ll need to pay the biometric fee, which is currently CAN$85 (about N24,642.35) per person. Biometric fees for families are CAN$170, while for groups of three or more people, the cost is CAN$255. This includes the service charge.
Please note that these visa application fees are not returned. Application rejection results in non-refundable fees.
Submit Your Application Documents
How to Submit
After you have paid the necessary fees, it’s time to submit your application documents along with proof of all fees paid, including visa fees, service charges, and biometric fees.
Don’t forget that biometrics are required at the visa application center, so be sure to complete this step at the CVAC. Also, ensure that your Document Checklist Form is well-filled and included in your application package for submission.
Visa application centers in Canada accept submissions from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, excluding holidays. If you face any problems with your application submission, you can call the helpline desk at +2348150199900 or email [email protected].
What Happens After You Submit
Once you submit your documents, an immigration officer will review your application. The officer may ask for an interview if needed. Upon approval, you will receive a letter of introduction confirming your work permit application’s approval. Upon application rejection, you will receive the reasons for the rejection.
When reapplying, consider the reasons for the rejection and ensure that you include all required documents and information. Be sure that your application package is complete with your barcode page at the top of each application package and your current contact information, including email address, phone numbers, mailing address, and fax. Also, be sure not to leave out signatures on your forms.
To help your work visa application get processed faster, follow these tips:
- Send all required documents and information.
- Put your barcode page at the top of each application package.
- Include your current contact information.
- Don’t leave out signatures on your forms.
Conclusion
That’s it! You now know how to apply for a work visa for Canada if you’re in Nigeria. Remember, it’s crucial to understand the process, gather all necessary documents, and be prepared for any potential hurdles. This will increase of success and get closer to starting your new job in Canada.
Good luck, and remember: the journey to a new life and career in Canada begins with the first step—applying for your visa!
