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Nigerian documents for Canadian immigration

IRCC and the Lagos visa office ask Nigerians for a specific set of local documents. Getting them early, and getting them right, saves months.

Written by NextMovePath editorial teamLast updated:


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At a glance

Police certificate namePolice Character Certificate (Central Criminal Registry, Force C.I.D.)Source: IRCC: How to get a police certificate, Nigeria
School leaving resultsWAEC, SSCE or NECO resultsSource: IRCC Lagos visa office: Additional document checklist, study permit (IMM 5832)
Bank evidence accepted by LagosCertified statements; a MyBankStatement ticket ID and passcode can be includedSource: IRCC Lagos visa office: Additional document checklist, study permit (IMM 5832)
Language of documentsEnglish or French; anything else needs a certified translationSource: IRCC Lagos visa office: Additional document checklist, visitor visa (IMM 5873)

How do I get a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria?

Apply in person at the Central Criminal Registry, Force C.I.D. Annex, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos, with your passport, two passport photos and the fee. If you live abroad, apply by mail with certified fingerprints, a copy of your passport photo page, an international money order and a prepaid return courier envelope.

Which academic documents should I gather?

Your WAEC, SSCE or NECO results, all post-secondary transcripts, certificates and diplomas, and your NYSC certificate if you have one. The Lagos office also asks for the street address of every school you attended. WAEC Nigeria runs online results verification and issues digital certificates.

What bank documents does IRCC accept from Nigeria?

Certified statements covering six months, with the source of the money explained. The Lagos office accepts a MyBankStatement ticket with its ID and passcode. For Express Entry, each bank must issue a letter on letterhead with account numbers, opening dates, current balances, six-month average balances and outstanding debts.

Do I need civil documents for my whole family?

Often, yes. Lagos checklists ask for a marriage certificate and birth certificates for each family member, whether or not they travel. For a minor travelling alone or with one parent, you need a notarized consent letter from the other parent, their passport copy and the child’s birth certificate.

Police certificate and documents from Nigeria: FAQ

Follow the checklist for your application. Lagos work permit checklists ask health workers, truck drivers, construction workers and some others for a certificate issued within the past 12 months.
Not for Express Entry. IRCC wants colour scans of the original certificate, and certified or unauthorized copies can lead to your application being rejected.
Only where a checklist says so, for example the consent letter for a travelling minor. Translations must be certified.

Get your police certificate and documents file checked before you apply

Tell us where you are in the process. A member of our team will tell you what is missing or weak in your Nigeria application, before IRCC does.

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This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, fees and document lists change often. Confirm current requirements on canada.ca or with a licensed Canadian immigration representative (RCIC or lawyer) before you apply.