Canada Dependent Visa Process from Nigeria: Step-by-Step Guide with useful links

[valentine]

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A dependent visa allows family members of someone with a valid Canadian visa (such as a student, work, or permanent residency visa) to join them in Canada. This guide will help you navigate the process for applying for a dependent visa from Nigeria.

Step 1: Understand Visa Eligibility

Eligible Dependents:
– Spouse or common-law partner
– Dependent children (under 22 years, not married or in a common-law relationship)
– In some cases, parents or grandparents (though this may fall under a Super Visa or other categories).

**Note**: Dependent visas are typically processed for spouses and children, while other family members may have to apply for different visa types.

Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Dependent Visa

The type of visa you will apply for depends on the visa your family member in Canada holds:

– For International Students: The dependent may apply for an Open Work Permit, a Visitor Visa, or a Study Permit for dependent children.
– For Work Permit Holders: Spouses can apply for an Open Work Permit, Visitor Visa, or Study Permit for children.
– For Permanent Residents: Dependents may be sponsored under family sponsorship programs.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

For Spouses and Common-law Partners:
– Passport
– Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate)
– Proof of your partner’s legal status in Canada (e.g., visa, study/work permit)
– Financial proof showing you can support the dependents
– Photographs meeting visa photo requirements
– Immigration Medical Examination (IME) (if applicable)
– Police Clearance Certificate (Nigeria)

For Dependent Children:
– Birth certificate
– Proof of parents’ legal status in Canada
– Passport
– Photos
– Immigration Medical Examination
– Letter of acceptance from a Canadian school (if applying for a study permit)

Step 4: Create an Account on IRCC

Go to [Canada Immigration and Citizenship (IRCC) website](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html) and create an account to apply for the dependent visa online.

Step 5: Fill Out the Application

For Spouses or Common-law Partners:
– Open Work Permit: Fill out [IMM 5710E](https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm5710e.pdf) (Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada as a Worker)
– Visitor Visa: Fill out [IMM 5257E](https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm5257e.pdf) (Application for a Temporary Resident Visa)

For Dependent Children:
– Study Permit: Fill out [IMM 1294E](https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm1294e.pdf)

Step 6: Pay the Application Fees

The fees will depend on the type of visa:
– Open Work Permit: CAD 255
– Visitor Visa: CAD 100
– Study Permit: CAD 150

You can pay online through your IRCC account.

Step 7: Biometrics Appointment

After submitting the application, you will receive a request to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Schedule an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nigeria:
– Abuja: [Canada Visa Application Centre](https://www.vfsglobal.ca/Canada/Nigeria/)
– Lagos: [Canada Visa Application Centre](https://www.vfsglobal.ca/Canada/Nigeria/)

Documents to Bring:
– Biometrics Instruction Letter
– Passport

Step 8: Attend a Visa Interview (if required)

Not all applicants are required to attend an interview, but if you’re called, prepare your documents and be ready to answer questions about your relationship and intent to stay in Canada.

Step 9: Wait for Visa Decision

Processing times can vary depending on the type of visa and the country of application. You can check current processing times on the [IRCC website](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html).

Step 10: Travel to Canada

Once your visa is approved, you will receive a Letter of Introduction (LOI) that you must present at the Canadian port of entry.

Useful Links:
1. IRCC – Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada: [Click here](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html)
2. Visa Forms (IMM 5257E, IMM 5710E, etc.) (Click here](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides.html)
3. Check Processing Times: Click here](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html)
4. Find a Visa Application Centre: Click here](https://www.vfsglobal.ca/Canada/Nigeria/)

Good luck with your application!

©️ Diseph Benson

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