There is no single online form for every type of Canadian “visa.” The account, forms, documents and fees depend on whether you are applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or permanent residence. This guide focuses on the online submission process and points you to the correct IRCC route.
Most Canadian immigration applications are now handled online, but the process differs by application type. Before creating an account or uploading documents, identify exactly what you need and use the corresponding Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) instructions.
For an overview of Canadian immigration categories, first read AfricanBase’s Canada visa application guide. If your goal is permanent residence, see how to immigrate to Canada from Nigeria.
Step 1: Identify the Correct Canadian Application
- Visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa): for eligible travellers who need a visa to visit Canada temporarily.
- Study permit: for eligible foreign nationals studying at a Canadian designated learning institution.
- Work permit: for eligible foreign nationals authorized to work in Canada.
- Permanent residence: includes separate processes such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs and family sponsorship.
These are different immigration documents and processes. Do not use visitor-visa instructions for a study, work or permanent-residence application.
Step 2: Use the Correct IRCC Online Account or Portal
For visitor visas, IRCC currently directs applicants to the IRCC Portal. A newer version of the portal may be available to certain applicants who are at least 18, applying alone, have never applied to IRCC before and are not using a representative.
Official visitor-visa instructions: IRCC — How to apply for a visitor visa.
Work permits, study permits and permanent-residence programmes can use different IRCC account/application workflows. Start from the official page for your application type rather than following an old third-party login link.
Step 3: Complete the Online Forms Accurately
Answer every question truthfully and consistently with your supporting documents. Pay particular attention to names, passport details, travel and immigration history, previous refusals, family information, employment and finances.
Do not hide a previous refusal or other material fact because you think it will weaken the application. False or misleading information can create much more serious immigration problems.
Step 4: Upload the Documents in Your Personalized Checklist
IRCC generates document requirements based on the application and the answers you provide. Depending on the route, documents can include:
- passport or travel-document pages;
- digital photograph where requested;
- proof of financial support;
- purpose-of-travel evidence for a visitor visa;
- letter of acceptance and other study-permit documents;
- employment or work-permit documentation;
- police certificates or medical examination information where required;
- civil-status documents; and
- certified translations where required.
Follow the file format and size requirements shown in your IRCC account. A generic online checklist should never replace the personalized checklist generated for your application.
Step 5: Pay the Correct IRCC Fees
Fees depend on the application type. As of 20 September 2026, IRCC lists the following common temporary-residence fees:
- Visitor visa: CAD $100 per person.
- Biometrics: CAD $85 per individual where required, or up to CAD $170 for an eligible family applying together.
- Study permit: CAD $150 per person.
- Work permit: CAD $155 per person; an additional CAD $100 open-work-permit-holder fee applies where relevant.
Fees can change. Permanent-residence fees also changed on 30 April 2026, so always use IRCC’s live fee list immediately before payment instead of relying on a saved amount.
Official source: IRCC fee list.
Step 6: Review and Submit the Application
Before submitting, check that required fields are complete, uploaded files are readable, information is consistent and the required fees have been paid. Save your confirmation and payment receipt for your records.
Submitting an application does not mean it has been approved. IRCC may still request biometrics, additional documents, a medical examination, an interview or other information.
Step 7: Give Biometrics if IRCC Requires Them
If biometrics are required, IRCC says applicants should normally pay the biometrics fee when applying. After a complete application and payment, IRCC issues a biometric instruction letter telling you how and where to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
Use an official biometric collection location and follow the deadline in your instruction letter. Do not attend simply because a third-party website tells you to; wait for and follow IRCC’s instructions for your application.
Official source: IRCC biometrics instructions.
Step 8: Track Your Application and Respond to IRCC
IRCC provides online tools to check application status and current processing times. Depending on the application, you may also receive messages directly in your IRCC account.
Check messages carefully and respond within the deadline given. Processing-time estimates are not guarantees and can vary according to application volume, completeness, verification requirements and other factors.
Official application-management page: Manage and track an IRCC application.
Can You Submit a Canadian Visitor Visa Application on Paper?
IRCC currently says visitor-visa applications must generally be submitted online. Paper applications are accepted only in specific situations, including where an applicant cannot apply online because of a disability or is travelling with certain refugee, stateless-person or non-citizen travel documents.
This is why older instructions telling every applicant to choose freely between online and paper visitor-visa applications should no longer be followed.
Common Online Application Mistakes
- Using the wrong application route: visitor visa, study permit, work permit and permanent residence have different processes.
- Uploading unreadable documents: check scans before submission.
- Ignoring the personalized checklist: generic lists cannot capture every applicant’s requirements.
- Using outdated fees: verify amounts on IRCC immediately before paying.
- Missing IRCC messages: monitor your account and email after submission.
- Assuming biometrics equal approval: biometrics are only one part of processing.
- Submitting inconsistent or false information: ensure your application matches your supporting evidence.
For Nigerian Applicants
The online IRCC process is the same official Canadian process, but Nigerian applicants should follow any country-specific document or biometric instructions generated for their application. If you are applying to work in Canada, see AfricanBase’s Canada work permit from Nigeria guide. Students can use the student visa guide for Nigerians.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Canadian visitor visa application?
IRCC currently lists CAD $100 per person for a visitor visa. Biometrics cost CAD $85 per individual where required. Check the live IRCC fee list because fees can change.
Can I apply for a Canadian visitor visa online?
Yes. IRCC currently directs visitor-visa applicants to apply online through the IRCC Portal, subject to the instructions for their circumstances.
Can I track my Canadian application online?
Yes. IRCC provides application-status tools and account-based updates. The correct tracking method can depend on the application type.
Does giving biometrics mean my visa is approved?
No. Biometrics are part of identity and security processing where required. IRCC still assesses the rest of the application before making a decision.
Related AfricanBase Canada Guides
- Canada Visa Application: Types and Requirements
- How to Immigrate to Canada from Nigeria
- Canada Work Permit From Nigeria
- Student Visa Guide for Nigerians
- Pre-Departure Guide for Nigerian Students
Final Note
The safest way to submit a Canadian application online is to begin with the official IRCC page for your exact application type. Use AfricanBase to understand the process, but use your IRCC account and personalized checklist to determine the forms, documents, fees and next steps that apply to you.
