How to Get Canada Visa from Africa

If you’re from Africa and want to visit Canada, the first thing you have to do is obtain a Canadian visa before applying for your travel documents.

Applying and receiving your Canadian visa can be pretty straightforward if you follow these steps and ask the right questions at each stage of the process; your Canadian visa application may even be approved in as little as 24 hours if you apply online or over the phone.

How much does it cost to get a Canada Visa?

If you’re an African citizen, there are more costs involved in obtaining a visa for Canada than if you were applying from another region. For example, according to CIC’s website, in addition to submitting your application fee ($150) and confirmation of funds ($300), you must also submit proof of funds (for example, bank statements).

Also note that family members who wish to immigrate with you will require their own visas—and must pay their own application fees.

Here’s how to get a Canada visa from Africa.

You can get a Canadian visa by:

Applying as an International Student (Canada Student Visa Application)
Step 1. Consider Where You Want to Study

The first step in applying for Canadian Study Permit is deciding where you want to study. There are hundreds of Canadian universities and educational institutions, spread across six provinces and three territories in Canada.

The size of these schools varies; some have very small student populations while others, such as University of Toronto or Ryerson University, are home to thousands.

Step 2. Check Out Your Vetting Options

Before you can obtain a Canadian visa, you’ll need to go through several steps of vetting that include gathering documentation, completing forms and even attending an interview.

Some people are eligible for some types of streamlined processing. Which one applies to you depends on your country of citizenship, where you live and whether you have any ties to Canada.

Before applying for an immigration program, make sure you understand what type of application is available in your case.

Step 3. Getting an English Proficiency Test

With any luck, you’ll be applying for your visa in your home country. If not, it’s time to consider your English proficiency.

To live and work in Canada, you must meet certain English-language standards. You can do so by taking an approved test and/or by having a skills assessment completed on your behalf.

The most common tests are IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Both are administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), which is based in Princeton, New Jersey.

These tests measure your ability to understand and communicate in written and spoken English at various levels of proficiency.

A passing score allows you to apply for permanent residency under Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class programs, depending on whether you have at least two years of full-time work experience or one year of part-time experience within five years before applying.

Step 4. Gather the Necessary Paperwork

In order to apply for a visa, you’ll need some paperwork. Specifically, you will need an application form; proof of your identity and nationality; proof of your ability to support yourself financially during your stay in Canada; and two passport-sized photos.

Step 5. Apply Online Through CanVisa

You can start your Canadian visa application by filling out and submitting an online form on CanVisa.

At present, you will be asked for your passport information as well as personal information, such as health conditions, occupation, residential address and proof of financial capacity.

You will also need to provide two passport photographs taken within six months of applying. If you qualify for a visa, you may also be asked to appear in person at your local Canadian consulate or embassy where they will process your application.

For more information about how to get a visa to Canada through CanVisa, check out their official website.

Applying for Canadian visa as a refugee

When it comes to Canadian visa application, most individuals have questions about how they can get Canadian visas or if they should apply for Canadian visa or not. These are some important things that you need to know before deciding whether you want to apply for a Canada visa or not:

What is Canada’s refugee claim process?

How do I enter as a refugee in Canada?

If you believe that your life is in danger, your best bet would be entering as a refugee.

As mentioned earlier, different countries and territories define refugees differently; however, people who seek refuge in other countries share common traits including: facing political oppression and discrimination based on gender, race or religion being at risk of death due to war, violence or persecution and cannot safely return home.

To apply as a refugee:
1. Find out which Canadian visa you are eligible for:

All immigrants coming to Canada must have a visa (also called an authorization) before they arrive. If you come as a refugee and want to stay in Canada permanently, you will need either a visa or another document called protected person status. To apply for refugee status in Canada, you must first get approval through either of these two processes. Start by learning about your options .

2. Prepare documents needed for Canadian visa application:

You will also need to prepare documents that prove who you are, where you came from and why you should be allowed into Canada. The Canadian visa office processing your application will ask you to provide documents such as birth certificates, police certificates and proof of financial support.

3. Apply at a Canadian embassy or consulate abroad:

Once you’ve gathered all necessary documents , go to a Canadian embassy or consulate outside Canada and submit them along with your application form .

4. Attend an interview at a Canadian embassy or consulate abroad:

After receiving your application, officials at a Canadian embassy or consulate may call you in for an interview with them if there is something unusual about it.

Applying for a Canadian visa as an immigrant (Skilled worker)

If you’re interested in moving to Canada, you can apply for your visa at your local Canadian embassy or consulate. Immigrant visas are divided into two categories: economic (skilled workers and investors) and family-based.

If you fall under either of these categories, fill out an application form, get your supporting documents together, and start working on your cover letter!

If you don’t meet any of these criteria, it might be worth looking into if there is any other way that you could immigrate to Canada.

Summary

The process of applying for a Canada visa is pretty standard for all applicants.

As there are many different types of visas available, it is not possible to say exactly how long it will take, but on average applications will be processed within one month from start date if all requirements are provided in good time.