Let the truth be told. It is becoming increasingly difficult for Nigerian visa applicants to be successful in their visa applications to Canada. The first big problem is his nationality! Nigerian visa applicants are generally seen as potential visa violators or intending migrants. Nigeria is very poorly rated in all indices necessary in determining the outcome of a visa application. Nigeria is ranked as politically and economically unstable. As the acclaimed poverty capital of the world, third most terrorized country in the world, with spiraling unemployment, poor living standards, exploding population and low life expectancy, etc Nigerian visa applicants are seen as high risk and Consular Officers now exercise utmost caution in visa decisions involving Nigeria applicants. This is a matter of policy.
To stand a good chance to succeed in a visa application, a Nigerian applicant must not take anything for granted. It is important to be well informed and to seek expert advice where necessary.
Although it is always better to advice clients on case to case basis, Nigerian visa applicant’s chances will generally depend on the following key factors:
PERSONAL FINANCIAL STATUS: We consider this the most important. A high income earner, either in paid or self-employment stands much higher chance. A low income or unemployed adult stands little or no chance and it does not matter if the applicant is being sponsored even by a wealthy person in Nigeria or the host in Canada. The way and manner of the presentation of the applicant’s financial profile is also very important.
– For a salaried worker, documents would naturally include but not limited to the following:
· Employment letter
· Promotion letters
· Employer’s introduction letter confirming year of employment, current status and income.
· Pay slips
· Salary bank statement confirming the income on the pay slips
– The funds in the bank statement should be consistent throughout the 6 months period. Bank statements that are low on funding until weeks or days to the application exposes the applicant as inflating the account for visa purpose. The balance in the account must be substantial. A bank statement that shows just enough funds to meet the costs of the visit is not good enough. If the cost of the visit would wipe out virtually the entire funds in the account, this would raise a flag that the applicant may not return.
– A self –employed person should provide:
· Certificate of Incorporation/ Registration
· Memorandum and Articles of Association
· Personal and company bank statements
· Provide documents in proof of the trading and financial situation of the company
· Provide reference letter from the bank to confirm applicant is the sole or major signatory to the company’s account.
· Applicant must provide evidence of origin or source of funds in the accounts otherwise the funds would be seen as illegitimate and not genuinely available for the use of the applicant.
Personal financial status should also include assets like landed properties, Property Valuation Reports, Insurance Policies, Pension Schemes, Fixed Deposit,Treasury Bills Certificate, Tax records.
FAMILY CIRCUMSTANCES: This is always an important consideration. A married applicant with children would generally stand a better chance than an unmarried/ single applicant, all things being equal. This is not to say that one must be married or have children to be able to succeed. The simple logic is that having a family will be a factor to ensuring that an applicant would return home after the period of visit. It is considered easier for a person without family to seek to settle down abroad. Very good personal financial standing can compensate for being unmarried or single
TRAVEL HISTORY: An applicant with robust travel history will naturally have a better chance than an applicant who has not travelled to any leading country before. Many applicants try to build up their travel profile by visiting countries in West Africa, Dubai, South Africa, even China and India. This kind of travel record is of little or no value. Visits to countries such as United States, United Kingdom, Schengen Countries, and Australia can boost an applicant’s chances all things being equal.
PUROPSE OF VISIT: This is very important. If the purpose is for business, it is expected that necessary documentation, including detailed invitation letter, previous correspondences, previous business dealings, etc would be provided. If the business could be transacted without the need for a visit, the application would fail on this score. If it is for tourism, an applicant is advised to choose the city carefully, a detailed itinerary stating the tourist sites to see and how to spend the visitation period. If the applicant is applying for visa for the first time and the purpose is tourism, the chances will be low indeed. If the visit is for a conference, it should relate to and be relevant to the career of the applicant and must not be on a topic and by conference organizers that seem unserious.
Generally, an applicant should always consider the purpose or reason for the travel to ensure that it would commend itself to a Consular Officer.
If the application is to visit a family member or relative an applicant must understand that this does not make it any easier to succeed and this is regardless that the host could be a Canadian citizen and may be financially sponsoring the applicant. In fact, an applicant with family ties in Canada may be in a position of disadvantage as the fear that the applicant may not return home to Nigeria is considered higher. Applicants should provided proof of relationship with the family member in Canada and proof of host’s income and funds if the host is financially sponsoring the visit.
LENGTH OF PROPOSED STAY IN CANADA: Though the maximum period a multiple entry visa will let you be in Canada is 6 months, the length of stay in the application should ideally be much less to conform with applicant’s employment and family circumstances in Nigeria.
AGE OF APPLICANT: Age is ofen a factor. Every visa applicant is viewed as a prospective immigrant. The younger an applicant, the more the fear is heightened that he may not return home if given a visa.
OTHER FACTORS
– Evidence of previous immigration violation or criminal record would diminish the chance to succeed and if an applicant has a subsisting visa ban, such period must elapse before the application.
– Applicant must ensure that all documents provided in support of the application are genuine and verifiable. Any document verified to be false or forged would not only result in a refusal but will occasion a visa ban.
– The Visa Application Form must provide answers to all questions and must be correct and accurate.
Any false information would be seen as an act of dishonesty and will result in a refusal and possible visa ban.
It must be emphasized that the information above is only a guide and not exhaustive. Consultation with an experienced professional would always be helpful.
Eddie Onyeka is the Founding Partner of Harvard Consults, a leading Immigration Attroney in Nigeria.