Here’s How to Get a Canadian Work Visa from Nigeria
Getting a Canadian work visa is a big breakthrough for most Nigerians. Like many, you are probably tired of the economic situation, unemployment, endless job hunts, rejections, peanut salaries and brutal cost of living. Not only is this frustrating, but it seems that the dream of working abroad is so far away and each time you hear of another person that has escaped to Canada you wonder when it will be your turn.
One of the biggest obstacles a Nigerian faces in achieving their dream to work in Canada is getting a visa. Apart from the financial implications, the process seems daunting. There are different visa categories, endless documents, horrible delays and stories of people getting denied. But here’s the truth: if you follow the right steps and avoid common mistakes, you can secure a Canadian work visa. This guide will break everything down for you step by step, showing all you need to get a Canadian work visa from Nigeria.
What is a Canadian Work Visa?
A Canada work visa is an official document that gives foreigners the right to work in Canada. It is also called a work permit. As a Nigerian, you need this permit to be able to work in Canada. Without a work visa, even the best paying job offer will be of no use to you.
Work visas are normally given after getting a job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer may also need to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before granting the job to a foreigner. An LMIA proves that there is a need for foreign employees and no Canadian citizen or permanent resident can fill the position. However, LMIAs are not always necessary. You can start the application process when the employment contract and LMIA (if needed) are available.
Types of Canadian Work Visas
There are different types of Canadian
work visas available to those looking to work in Canada. It is important to know the one that suits you before applying because that can affect your stay time if you apply for the wrong one. The visas include:
1.International Mobility Programme (IMP)
The International Mobility Programme allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers on a Canada work permit without an LMIA.
2. Temporary Foreign Worker Programme (TFWP)
The TFWP allows Canadian organisations to hire temporary foreign employees for specific job opportunities. The TFWP sometimes needs an LMIA.
3. Open Work Permits
These are non-job-specific permits which help workers to seek employment with any organisation in Canada.
4 .Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs)
Each province and territory in Canada has its recruitment programme which can be used to choose foreign employees for permanent residency due to their skills, expertise and job opportunities within the province.
5. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
These are for foreign students who have finished an academic programme of study at a Canadian University or tertiary institution.
Eligibility Criteria for a Canadian Work Visa
To be eligible for a Canadian Work Visa, you must meet certain criteria. This can vary depending on the type of visa but here are some general requirements you have to meet.
- A valid travel passport.
- A job offer from a Canadian organisation.
- Proof of funds to show you can support yourself during the first year in Canada.
- A clean criminal record.
- Language proficiency in English or French.
How to Apply for a Canadian Work Visa From Nigeria
Applying for a work permit can be a complicated process filled with anxiety and setbacks. However, it doesn’t have to be a stressful process. Once you have secured a job offer and confirmed your eligibility you can start the application by taking the following steps carefully:
1. Ensure that your job role meets the requirements. For example, whether it needs an LMIA or not. If not, you might not be able to go further even with everything else in check.
2. Confirm you have all the correct documents ready before applying. Failing to submit the correct documents could lead to a denial.
3. Get a medical exam and a criminal background check. As a Nigerian who plans to work in Canada, you need to undergo a medical checkup. You might also be needed to present police clearance documents to show you have no criminal records.
4. Apply for your Canada work visa online at the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or in person at the Canadian Visa Application Centre in Lagos or Abuja.
5. Pay the required application fee. The cost of applying for a work visa in Canada depends on the type of work visa you are applying for. But for the most, the standard application fee is CAD 155.
Required Documents for a Canadian Work Visa
- Valid passport: A valid passport or travel certificate.
- Job offer letter: A formal job offer from the Canadian organisation stating the job title, description, role, remuneration and length of work.
- Professional information: For example letters of recommendation from former employers.
- Academic records: Diplomas, degrees, certifications or transcripts.
- Proof of Language Proficiency: Test scores like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) to verify your fluency in English or French.
- Proof of Funds: Proof that you have enough money to take care of yourself and any dependants who are staying with you while in Canada. This can be a financial record.
- Medical report: Provide a medical report to show that you are in good health.
- Criminal clearance certificate: Proof of police clearance to show that you do not have a criminal record.
- Passport photographs: Current passport-sized photos.
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if needed: In some situations, your employer may need an LMIA to show that there is an actual need for a foreign employee.
How Long Does It Take To Process a Canadian Work Visa?
The processing time for a Canada work visa can vary depending on several factors. However, the estimated time taken for a Canada work visa to be approved from Nigeria is 20 weeks.
During the processing period, immigration officials will carefully review your documents to ensure that you are eligible and your application meets the requirements.
It is important to submit your application in advance to make room for potential processing delays. Unforeseen circumstances can affect the processing time and cost you your job if you aren’t able to start your job when due.
Common Mistakes That Get Visa Applications Rejected In Nigeria
Most Nigerians are familiar with heartbreaking stories of constant visa rejections that people begin to pray, fast or blame their village people for the issue. Not all rejections are spiritual but rather based on mistakes one should avoid:
1. Applying for the Wrong Visa Category
If you apply for a work permit without a job offer, you’ll get rejected. Always confirm the specific visa you need before applying.
2. Submitting Fake Documents
It can be tempting to try and cut corners by faking some documents. Have it in mind that all documents will be verified and once a fake document is fished out, you will be rejected.
3. Not Showing Enough Proof of Funds
Even if you have a job, you must prove you can support yourself for at least a year of staying in Canada. If you don’t have a job or a job that pays well enough to sustain you, you won’t be allowed to leave.
4. Weak Ties to Nigeria (For Temporary Visas)
The japa syndrome in Nigeria leaves many with the intent to use a temporary work permit as a chance to exit permanently. Unfortunately if you can’t convince them that you will return home if required, they might reject you.
Are You Ready To Turn Your Dream into A Dream a Reality?
Getting a Canadian work visa isn’t impossible. Do not be scared of what you have heard from others around you. It just requires the right information and steps. At TIMSE Consulting Agency, we’ve helped Nigerians secure overseas jobs and successfully move abroad. We are here to help you with job applications, visa processes or whatever you need.
If you’re serious about working in Canada, contact us today and let’s get you started on the right path.