Do I need to submit my passport with the application?

Upload a copy of the passport information page when you apply online. If you are approved, you send the original passport. The Lagos office wants it valid for at least six months.

Can my sponsor be an uncle or family friend?

Yes, but you must prove the relationship and explain why that person is paying, with their own financial documents. Unrelated sponsors get closer scrutiny.

Will I have an interview?

Possibly. The Lagos checklist says you may be asked to attend an interview after you submit all required documents.

What exchange rate should I plan with?

About NGN 956 per Canadian dollar on September 25, 2026. The naira moves, so hold a buffer above the minimum.

Canada study permit from Nigeria

Nigerian students now apply through the regular study permit stream. The Lagos visa office checklist adds local items, and the proof of funds standard rose on September 1, 2026.

Written by NextMovePath editorial teamLast updated: September 28, 2026

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At a glance

IRCC processing time from Nigeria	10 weeks (Study permit (applying from outside Canada))IRCC's current estimate, as of September 28, 2026. Source: IRCC processing times
Living costs you must show (1 person, outside Quebec)	CAN$23,448 per year plus tuition and travel, about NGN 22.4 million at September 2026 ratesSource: IRCC: Study permit proof of financial support
Bank statements (Lagos checklist)	Certified statements with 6 months of history; a MyBankStatement ticket ID and passcode can be includedSource: IRCC Lagos visa office: Additional document checklist, study permit (IMM 5832)
School results	WAEC, SSCE or NECO results plus all transcripts and certificates, and your NYSC certificate if applicableSource: IRCC Lagos visa office: Additional document checklist, study permit (IMM 5832)
Nigeria Student Express	Ended November 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ETSource: IRCC notice: End of the Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express

How much money do Nigerian students need for a Canada study permit?

For applications from September 1, 2026, a single student outside Quebec must show CAN$23,448 for one year of living costs, plus first-year tuition and travel. At about NGN 956 per Canadian dollar, living costs alone come to roughly NGN 22.4 million. Each accompanying family member adds more.

For programs longer than a year, IRCC also wants to know how you will pay for the full program, for example a multi-year scholarship or a parent’s ongoing income.

What bank statements does the Lagos office want?

Certified bank statements or investments showing the past six months, including the month you apply or ending one month before. You can include a MyBankStatement ticket from your bank with its ticket ID and passcode. You must also show a reliable source of funds for the whole program.

Sponsor documents: employment confirmation, pay slips, salary account statements, pension, rent, stocks or bonds
Business money: official business registration and proof of ownership
Money from anyone other than parents or spouse: proof of relationship and a written explanation

Which Nigerian academic documents are required?

The Lagos checklist asks for up-to-date transcripts, WAEC, SSCE or NECO results, all post-secondary transcripts, certificates and diplomas, and your NYSC certificate if you have one. You must list the street address of every school you attended. WAEC Nigeria offers online result verification, which schools and officers can use.

Is there still a Nigeria Student Express?

No. IRCC ended the Nigeria Student Express and the Student Direct Stream at 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024. Applications received after that are processed as regular study permit applications, so your file must meet the full financial and study plan standard on its own.

Should I pay tuition before the permit is approved?

That is your decision and your risk. The Lagos office states that paying administration or tuition fees before approval is done entirely at your own risk. Paying first-year tuition can support your proof of funds, but check the school’s refund policy for refused study permits before you send money.

Why applications from Nigeria get refused

These are the grounds IRCC officers most often write in refusal letters for this kind of application. They are typical grounds, not statistics. Fix them before you apply, not after.

The officer was not satisfied you have enough funds, or the source of funds was unclear.
The study plan did not explain why this program makes sense given your education and career.
The officer was not satisfied you will leave Canada at the end of your studies.
Academic history could not be verified or had unexplained gaps.

Study plan not reasonable Insufficient funds Not satisfied you will leave Canada Family ties in Canada and at home

Already refused? Read what your refusal letter means

Study permit from Nigeria: FAQ

: Upload a copy of the passport information page when you apply online. If you are approved, you send the original passport. The Lagos office wants it valid for at least six months.
: Yes, but you must prove the relationship and explain why that person is paying, with their own financial documents. Unrelated sponsors get closer scrutiny.
: Possibly. The Lagos checklist says you may be asked to attend an interview after you submit all required documents.
: About NGN 956 per Canadian dollar on September 25, 2026. The naira moves, so hold a buffer above the minimum.

Official sources

Get your study permit 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.

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.