Travel/Tourist Visa/ Non-immigrant Visa

Travel or ‘’non-immigrant as being called in the US and Canada” visas allow the bearer to enter a foreign country for touristic and leisure purposes only and stay for a predetermined amount of time. These visas do not entitle the holder to work or engage in any business activities in the host country.

Documents needed to apply for this visa:

1. A photocopy of the information page of your passport.

2. One or two photographs of a specific size determined by the visa office.

3. Bank statement / Payslip for the last 6 months

4. Proof of Socio-Economic ties in Nigeria  (more info on how to prove your ties you will find in Student visa section as well in the TIPS on how to fill in your application)

5. Proof of purpose of travel

6. Flights reservation

7. Proof of accommodation in the country of final destination

8. Travel insurance – not applicable to Canada and USA applications

9. Visa application fees

Depending on your life situation you will also need additional documents:

1. For employees:

– Employment contract

– Leave permission from the employer

– Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary

2.For the self-employed:

– A copy of your business license

– Company bank statement for the latest 6 months

– Income Tax Return (ITR)

3. For students:

– Proof of enrollment

– No objection letter from School or University

4. For retirees:
– Pension statement of the latest 6 months

5. If unemployed and married to the citizen of the country you intend to visit:

– Confirmation of Employment letter, no older than three months, from their spouse’s employer stating the position held within the company as well as the starting date

– Spouse’s valid passport copy

– An official marriage certificates

6. For Visa for Minors:

The parents / legal guardians of minors applying for a visa must submit some extra documents for the underage applicant:

– The minor’s birth certificate

– Application form signed by both parents

– Family court order – in cases where only one parent has full custody over the child

– Certified copies of ID/passport of both parents

– A notarized parental authorization signed by both parents/guardians if the minor will be traveling alone

Immigrant Visa/Permanent Residence Permit 

Immigrant or Permanent Residence Documents and Conditions – this varies from country to country but they are almost likely asked for the same documentation with slightly different conditions. We would like to divide this into 3 sections namely 1, 2 and 3.

(1). All EU countries (2). Canada and, (3) USA

1. 1. ALL EU COUNTRIES

CONDITIONS TO RECEIVE IMIGRANT OR PERMANENT RESIDENCE VISA:

• • You must have lived five uninterrupted years of residence in the X country with a residence permit
• • Five years of secure livelihood, including health insurance and social insurance (pension) contributions
• • Adequate living space for you and your family (at least 13 sqm per person)

All EU Countries Permanent Residence Required Documents

1. A completed and signed copy of application form

2. A copy of your passport and/or your national ID card

3. An accurate passport-size photo

4. Documentation that you have met the conditions for one or more types of grounds for residence under EU rules:

 As a worker – you need to provide documentation that you have met the conditions as a worker kindly, demonstrate this by including with your application – Your tax returns for the past five years

If you have been a self-employed person running your own business, you can supplement your tax returns with financial statements from your business, if your business’ income not otherwise appears in your personal tax returns

– Copies of the notice of termination and documentation that you registered with the job center (if you had periods of unemployment)

 As a student – documentation that you have met the conditions as a student you can submit the following:

– Your tax returns for the past five years

– Your studies papers for the last 5 years, copies of residence permit maintained through-out your studies period

 As self-supporting person – documentation that you have met the conditions as a self-supporting person (sufficient means), you can submit the following:

– Your tax returns for the past five years

Family member – documentation that you have met the conditions as a family member you can submit the following:

– Documentation that your family member has met one or more of the types of grounds for residence for at least five consecutive years

If your family member has proof of the right to permanent residence, under the residence directive, you need only submit documentation for this

If you have had other grounds for residence than those mentioned above, you must submit documentation for them. If your grounds for residence changed during your period of residence in the X country, you are asked to submit documentation for all of your grounds for residence.

5. Police report and no criminal record – No matter what applies to your case, everyone needs to submit a police report, declaring that he or she is no a danger to the public and has no criminal records or incur any debts for the last 5 years prior to applying for permanent residence permit or card.

1. 2. CANADA

What is a Canadian Permanent Resident? A permanent resident is someone who has been given permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada, but is not a Canadian citizen. Permanent residents are citizens of other countries. A person in Canada temporarily, like a student or foreign worker, is not a permanent resident.

There are two categories of people who can apply for Canada Permanent Residence. First, foreigners’ who are already living in Canada or in Canada these set of people will need to meet all the requirements listed above under Section 1. 

 The second set of people are foreign nationals who are outside Canada but wish to be granted Canada Permanent Residence from their respective home countries in order for them to immigrate to Canada either alone or with their families and settle in Canada. These set of people can apply from their home countries through:

Express Entry

What Is Express Entry?

In January 2015, the Canadian government launched a new electronic immigration system that offers express entry to Canada for skilled and qualified immigrants. The new Express Entry program will manage applications for permanent residence for immigrants who can fill jobs where there is a lack of available skilled Canadian workers. (

The Express Entry program will also allow individual provinces and territories to use the system in order to recruit suitable candidates as part of the Provincial Nominee Programs so that labor market demands are met.

Employers plays a key part in selecting economic immigrants, and will be able to access suitable candidates via Canada’s recently improved Job Bank, as well as the relevant provinces and territories where applicable.

How Express Entry Works:

Step 1: Potential candidates fill out an online Express Entry form.

Candidates who are eligible for the Express Entry Canada program can complete an online profile which will include various details about themselves, including their skills, their language ability, education and previous work experience, among others. Candidates who successfully meet the criteria of one or more of the federal economic immigration programs under Express Entry will then be sorted into a pool of eligible individuals. These individuals will be ranked according to their chances of economic success, and the highest-ranking candidates, along with those who have qualifying offers of employment or provincial/territorial nominations (who will automatically receive high rankings), will receive a formal invitation to apply for permanent residency. This way of doing things will allow Canada to pick the best possible candidates who are likely to go on to achieve success, rather than simply picking whoever is next in line. Candidates who do not have a valid job offer or provincial/territorial nomination must sign up to the Government’s of Canada’s Job Bank, so that he or she can be connected to relevant Canadian employers. Eligible employers will need to obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment via Employment and Social Development Canada for permanent residence applications. There is no guarantee that candidates who fill out an Express Entry profile will be invited to apply for permanent residence, as this will mainly be determined by their ranking and the other factors mentioned above (offer of employment, provincial/territorial nomination).

Step 2: The Government will invite successful candidates and permanent residency will be processed within 6 months.

Those ranking highly in the pool (based on skills, experience, eligible job offers and relevant nominations where applicable) will then be invited to apply for permanent residency through an ITA (Invitation to Apply), and will have a total of 60 days to submit their electronic application. Electronic applications will be required to be submitted through one of the below programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) 

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) 

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Most applications will be pushed through swiftly by CIC, with many expected to be completed within six months. Candidates who have applied for the Express Entry Canada program but who are not invited to apply for permanent residency after a year may then resubmit their profile and re-enter the pool, provided they are still eligible for the program. This is to prevent backlogs and allow for quicker processing and turnaround times

Receiving an ITA (Invitation to Apply)

After you have successfully filling out an Express Entry Form to be eligible in an Express Entry pool, foreigners will wait to receive an ITA. Each draw whether it is through a PNP or Express Entry will have a minimum CRS score and those with a ranking CRS score higher than the published one, will receive an invitation. Once one has received an ITA, there is a 60-day period where you must apply and submit all the required supporting documents to become a permanent resident. There are documents and following steps after receiving an invitation to apply including a chance to deny the ITA.

Who is Eligible for Express Entry?

Determining whether you can apply under the Express Entry System can be confusing, but here are some of the basics.

According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Express Entry is a system put in place to “manage applications for permanent residence under these federal economic immigration programs.” These economic immigration programs include the Federal Skilled Workers Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canada Experience Class. Requirements for eligibility vary depending on the class you wish to apply under, though for all programs you must be legally admissible to Canada and be intending to live in a province or territory other than Quebec. Candidates also have to achieve a minimum score on the Comprehensive Ranking System. Points can be scored based on age, education, language ability, certifications, and Canadian and non-Canadian work experience.

Here are some of the major requirements for each of the three economic programs:

Federal Skilled Workers Program

As CIC explains, if you’re hoping to become a permanent resident through the Federal Skilled Workers Program, you must first meet the minimum requirements for work experience, language ability, and education.

Work Experience – must be a year of full-time or equivalent part-time paid work in the same job within the last 10 years, and the job must be of skill type 0 or skill levels A or B of the 2011 National Occupational Classification.

The Language Requirements – include proof of Canadian Language Benchmark 7 in the form of CIC-approved language test results from within the last two years.

For Education – applicants need either a Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree, or a completed foreign credential and an assessment of that credential from a CIC-approved agency that shows that the completed education is equivalent to a comparable Canadian credential.

Applications are also assessed based on federal skilled worker points. CIC will assign points based on the following factors:

Skills in English and/or French

Education

Work experience

Age

presence/absence of a valid job offer, and the applicant’s perceived adaptability to live in Canada. Furthermore, applicants need to be able to prove that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family, unless they can already legally work in or have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada.

2. Federal Skilled Trades Program

According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, skilled workers for the Federal Skilled Trades Program must fulfill minimum work experience and language ability requirements.

Work experience must include at least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time work experience) within the last five years in a skilled trade. Applicants must also show that they have experience performing the duties for an eligible skilled trade outlined by the National Occupation Classification (NOC) in Major Group 72, 72, 82, or 92, or Minor Group 632 or 633.

Language ability scores can be lower than those for the skilled workers program: Canadian Language Benchmark 5 for speaking and listening, and Canadian Language Benchmark 4 for reading and writing. Satisfactory results from a CIC-approved language test are also required.

Applicants must also have either an offer of full-time employment for a full year minimum or be certified in their skilled trade by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority. Individual provinces /territories have specific requirements regarding trades qualifications and the process for assessment, so finding out how the program works in the province/territory where you wish to live is important.

3. Canada Experience Class

To be eligible under the Canada Experience Class, CEC specifies that you must meet the minimum work experience and language ability requirements.

Minimum work experience is 12 months of skilled work experience (or equivalent part-time) in Canada, with the proper authorization, within the three years prior to applying for CEC. This work must fit the requirements of the National Occupation Classification for one of the following: managerial jobs (NOC skill level 0), professional jobs (NOC skill type A), or technical jobs and skilled trades (NOC skill type B). The applicant must also be able to demonstrate that their work experience includes having fulfilled the duties detailed by the NOC. Minimum language levels are Canadian Language Benchmark 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs or Canadian Language Benchmark 5 for NOC B jobs, with results proven by a CIC-approved language test.

How are Express Entry Points Calculated to Determine a CRS Score?

The Comprehensive Ranking System ranks eligible candidates for immigration to Canada through Express Entry. Points are given within the following categories:

1. Age

The maximum an individual can be awarded when it comes to age is 100 points (with a spouse or common-law partner), or 110 points (without a spouse or common-law partner. In order to achieve the maximum number of points in each category, you have to be in the age bracket of 20 – 29 years old. The minimum number of points that can be awarded for age apply to those who are under 17 years of age, or over 45 (both 0 points). For those between the ages of 17 and 45, the number of points awarded varies across the age spectrum, peaking at ages 20 – 29. In order to see where you fall, take a look at the full table here.

2. Level of Education

The maximum you can be awarded for your education level is 150 points, which applies to a university-level credential at the Doctoral level, and without a spouse or common-law partner (with, you’d be awarded 140). Let’s look at how the points vary for those without a spouse or common-law partner (for those with spouses, points awarded are slightly less)

– Less than secondary or high school equivalent: 0 point

–Secondary school or high school equivalent: 30 points
-One-year post-secondary program credential: 90 points
-Two-year post-secondary program credential: 98 points
-Post-secondary program credential of 3+ years: 120 points
-Two or more post-secondary program credentials, at least one of which lasting 3+ years: 128 points
-Master’s level university credential, or an entry-to-practice professional degree for an occupation a) listed at NOC Level A, and b) requires licensing by a provincial regulatory body: 135 points
– University-level credential at the Doctoral level: 150 points

3. Official Language Proficiency

Language ability is split into four subcategories: reading, writing, talking and listening. The maximum number of points awarded for each of these subcategories is 32 (with a spouse or common-law partner) or 34 (without a spouse or common-law partner).

So, when each of these sub-categories are added up, the maximum number of points an individual can be awarded is 128 (with a spouse or common-law partner) and 136 (without a spouse or common-law partner).

Points are awarded based on CLB level, with CLB 4 or less being awarded 0 points. Those who have achieved CLB 10 or higher are awarded the maximum number of 32/34 points (depending on whether you have a spouse or common-law partner).

Second Official Language

For second official language proficiency, the sub-categories are the same as above, with the maximum number of points being 22/24. You will be awarded 6 points for each sub-category, with the total number of points being capped at 22 if you have a spouse or common-law partner (you will be awarded the maximum 24 points if you do not).

4. Canadian Work Experience

The maximum points you can be awarded for Canadian work experience is 70 (with a spouse/common-law partner) and 80 (without a spouse/common-law partner) for five years or more. Let’s take a look at how the points system works for those without a spouse or common-law partner:

Less than a year: 0 points

1 year: 40 points

2 years: 53 points

3 years: 64 points

4 years: 72 points

5 years or more: 80 points

That brings us to the end of this subsection. The maximum number of points you can score for this section are: 460 points (with a spouse/common-law partner) and 500 points (without a spouse/common-law partner)

Spouse or common-law factors (if applicable)

Now, we’re aware not everyone has a spouse or common-law partner, so if this doesn’t apply to you, feel free to skip the following subsections entirely. If it does, then read on:

5. Spouse/Common-Law Partner’s Level of Education

Points awarded for this category range from 0 -10. The maximum-level categories are Master’s Degree university level, and university-credential at Doctoral level, both 10 points. To see how your spouse/common-law partner would rank, check the CIC table.

Spouse/Common-Law Partner’s Official Languages Proficiency

Again, the official languages proficiency section is split into four different categories: reading, writing, talking and listening. For each sub-category, your spouse/common-law partner can be awarded up to five points, with a maximum score of 20 points.

Spouse/Common-Law Partner’s Canadian Work Experience

The maximum number of points your spouse/common-law partner can be awarded for this section is 10 points, which applies to five years or more Canadian work experience. Points awarded are as follows:

Less than a year: 0 points

1 year: 5 points

2 years: 7 points

3 years: 8 points

4 years: 9 points

5+ years: 10 points

The maximum number of points your spouse/common-law partner can score for this section is 40 points, taking your maximum total up to 500 points (core/human capital factors + spouse/common-law partner factors).

How Much Money Do I Need for Express Entry?

If you are invited to apply for Express Entry then you must have written proof that you have the money required for you and any family members you intend on bringing to Canada.

Number of family members

Funds required (in Canadian dollars)

Family Member of 1 = $12,960

Family Member of 2 = $16,135

Family Member of 3 = $19,836

Family Member of 4 = $24,083

Family Member of 5 = $27,315

Family Member of 6 = $30,806

Family Member of 7 = $34,299

For Each Additional Family Members

$3,492

Express Entry Fees

New fee effective April 30, 2020 ($CAN)

Your Application: Processing fee and Right of Permanent Resident Fee

$1,325

Your Application (without Right of Permanent Resident Fee

$825

Include your spouse or partner: Processing fee and Right of Permanent Residence fee

$1,325

Include your spouse or partner (without Right of Permanent Residence fee

$825

Include a dependent child

$225 per child

Right of Permanent Residence fee (may be paid at a later date)

$500

8 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR CRS SCORE

1. Language: Did you know that language ability is worth up to 260 CRS points in total for a single candidate? French and English are Canada’s official languages so take a French class and learn both to gain more points. Extra points are accumulated for each improvement in test results across the four language abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing), but the magic threshold is when a candidate achieves a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 9 in each ability.  If you ever studied French at school, or otherwise have a decent knowledge of the language, it may be wise to consider preparing to take the Test d’évaluation du français (TEF).

2. Work: Although Canadian work experience is more valued than non-Canadian work experience, if you have less than three years of full-time experience, keep working! The goal of remaining in employment is even more acute for candidates currently working in Canada on a work permit because more points are available for this work and it is rewarded for each annual threshold up to five years. Just make sure that if you are working in Canada, you maintain legal work status the entire time.

3. Study: Come study in Canada before applying for Express Entry! Having Canadian study experience can significantly increase your score.

4. Education: If you have two or more certificates, diplomas, or degrees you may be able to claim extra points under the education section. Furthermore, completing an additional level of education can also be beneficial. Some candidates are only a few courses or months away from completing a degree, diploma or certificate that, when assessed, would help to improve their ranking under the CRS.

5. Spouse: Candidates with a spouse, however, may have additional potential for improving their CRS score because the spouse’s level of education, language ability, and Canadian work experience may all be rewarded. You can add up to 20 points to your CRS through your partner’s first language scores. You can add up to 10 points to your CRS score by getting ECA done for your partner’s education.

6. Provincial Nominee Programs: If you want a 600-point boost to your CRS score, plus the knowledge that you are being welcomed with open arms into your chosen destination province, it’s time to learn about the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). A nomination from one of the provinces under Express Entry Provincial Nominee Programs adds 600 additional points to your overall CRS and in most cases will secure you an ITA in the next draw. It’s important to display your full education and work record, stay up to date on Canadian immigration news, and have all your documents ready and reviewed in preparation to make an application promptly. PNP categories often open and close quickly, sometimes within days or even hours.

7. Job Offer: While the relative value of a qualifying job offer is not as great as it once was – in most cases, down to 50 CRS points from a previous value of 600 points – obtaining a job offer remains an important factor. If you are not currently in Canada, obtaining a job offer can be difficult, but there are plenty of online resources where you may find employment opportunities.

8. Getting Help: Do you need assistance in preparing an application for Canadian permanent residence? If so, let us know and we will schedule an appointment for you with one of our Immigration Expert Teams in helping you in this regard.

NOTE: At VISA HOUSE TRAVELS AGENTS we will help you figure out your CRS score, which is used to rank your profile in the Express Entry pool. The Comprehensive Ranking System Score is used in every Express Entry draw. You will want to calculate your CRS score before applying for Express Entry to determine your eligibility. A thorough-read-through and, brilliant digest of our materials should give you an Insight on if you are eligible for an Express Entry at a particular time or not. If afterwards, you still seemed confused then you can contact us through our email and, please, write in details what you seem confused on? Our Immigration Professionals, Lawyers and Expert Teams will go through your case and, advise you on how to improve your score or find out which programs you qualify for. If you want to improve your CRS score to get picked for an Express Entry draw there are several ways you can!

Proof of Funds

You must be able to have the required amount above readily available for you. This means that you can not use equity on real estate or borrow money from another person.

If your spouse is coming with you, you can count money you have together in a joint account.

For proof, you must get official letters from any banks or financial institutions where you’re keeping money.

1. Letter(s) must

2. Be printed on the financial institution’s letterhead

3. Include their contact information (address, telephone number and email address)

4. Include your name

5. List outstanding debts such as credit card debts and loans

include, for each current bank and investment account, the account numbers

date each account was opened

6. Current balance of each account

7. Average balance for the past 6 months

FAQ

Who Administrates the Express Entry?

The government of Canada conducts the Express Entry draws. The branch of government that handles Express Entry is the IRCC. The IRCC stands for Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada.

What’s the Difference Between CIC and IRCC?

The IRCC (Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada) replaced the CIC in 2015. There is no difference between the two except the name. The CIC is now called the IRCC.

Can I Bring My Family with Me Under Express Entry?

Express Entry applicants can bring their spouse or common-law partners and dependent children with them to Canada. You must claim the family members you want to bring with you to Canada on your Express Entry application.

Can My Spouse Work Under My Express Entry?

If you claimed your spouse as a dependent on your application for Express Entry then they are also Permanent Residents of Canada! They do not need a work visa to work in Canada as a permanent resident.

How We Can Help You Get into Express Entry

The most important aspect of the Express Entry Program is to provide complete and accurate information/documentation and get an ITA. Without an invitation, you are unable to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry Program. In order to receive an invitation, you have to be selected from a pool of applicants who are competing for an invitation.

Our job at Visa House Travels is to make your profile ”STAND OUT” from the crowd. We will assess your case, highlight the best aspects of your application, and make sure that you have obtained the highest eligible score! This way, your chances of getting an invitation are maximized.

In addition, if you are selected, we are there to assist you with the complicated application process, including submitting your application in a timely manner for you to obtain your Canadian Permanent Residence.

1. 3. USA Green Card or Permanent Resident 

The term GREEN CARD is also known as ”Permanent Resident Card” under the U.S Immigration rules and laws terminology.

What is a Green Card/Permanent Resident Card? 

This allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. The steps you must take to apply for a Green Card will vary depending on your individual situation.

To apply for A Green Card/ Permanent Resident Card this can be done in a few ways listed below with each way explained as a sub-heading.

• – Green Card through Family
• – Green Card through Employment
• – Green Card as a Special Immigrant
• A. U.S.A Green Card/ Permanent Residence Card through Family

You may be eligible to apply If you are:

• a) An immediate relative of a U.S. citizen
• – You are a spouse of a U.S. citizen
• – You are an unmarried child under the age of 21 of a U.S. citizen
• – You are a parent of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old

NOTE: 

As a Spouse, you need to provide a marriage certificate and every other relevant document to justify your claims.

As an Unmarried Child of a U.S citizen, you need to provide a birth certificate and other documents to prove your biological relation to the U.S citizen

As a Parent of a U.S citizen, you need to provide proofs and, in some cases, DNA might be required.

• b) Other relatives of a U.S. citizen or relative of a lawful permanent resident under the family-based preference categories

• • A family member of a U.S. citizen, meaning: 
• – You are unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen and you are 21 years old or older
• – You are a married son or daughter of a U.S. citizen
• – You are a brother or sister of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old 
• Documentation: 
• – As an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S citizen, you need to provide family relations documents, the same thing applies to both if you are a married son or daughter of a U.S citizen or brother or sister of a U.s citizen. Please, provide the following documents:
• – Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status;
• – Copy of the Form I-797, Approval or Receipt Notice, for the Form I-130 petition filed on your behalf. This is unless you are filing Form I-485 together with the Form I-130);
• – Two passport-style photographs;
• – Copy of your government-issued identity document with photograph;
• – Copy of your birth certificate;
• – Copy of your passport page with non-immigrant visa (if applicable);
• – Copy of your passport page with your admission or parole stamp (if applicable);
• – Copy of Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record or copy of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) admission or parole stamp on the travel document (if applicable)
• c)  A family member of a lawful permanent resident, meaning:

• – You are a Spouse of a lawful permanent resident
• – You are an unmarried child under the age of 21 of a lawful permanent resident
• – You are an unmarried son or daughter of a lawful permanent resident 21 years old or older

Documentation:

Family relations documents with convincing proofs, and paper works. The same documents as listed above. Slightly different for Spouse’s application.

• d) Spouse of a U.S citizen should provide the following:

• – If your wife or husband holds permanent resident status in the U.S, you should please provide— a copy of  his/her permanent residency card
• – If  your wife or husband is an American citizen through naturalization— please, provide a copy of this certification
• – If your wife or husband is an American citizen by birth— please, provide a certified copy of full birth certificate OR all pages of U.S. passport.

For yourself please provide: 

• • Copy of your birth certificate
• • Copy of all your passport pages
• • Copy of I-94

Additional documents: 

• • Check made out to the Department for Homeland Security for the application fee
• • Certified copy of marriage certificate
• • 6 original passport-style photos of the beneficiary. Photos must be taken within 30 days of the filing date, with the name printed on the back of each photo
• • 2 original passport-style photos of your U.S citizen wife/husband
• • Copies of 3 most recent tax returns with W-2s / paystubs OR official IRS transcripts from your U.S citizen wife/husband.
• • Employment letter copy from your U.S citizen wife/husband employer
• • Your U.S citizen wife/husband driver’s licenses with matching addresses
• • Your U.S citizen wife/ husband most recent bank statement with both spouses’ names
• • Copy of property registered in your U.S citizen wife’s / husband’s names
• • Lease or mortgage with both you and your U.S citizen wife/husband signatures on it if you both have a lease agreement together (rent an apartment together in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world)
• • Utility bills with both you and your U.S citizen wife/husband names and matching address
• • Insurance policies with both you and your U.S citizen wife/ husband names
• • Receipts for expensive items you both purchased together
• • Affidavits from friends, family, and colleagues that can confirm that you are truly married, but just a bogus wedding
• • Envelopes and letters from family regarding knowledge of marriage

NOTE: If your U.S citizen wife/husband was previously married, you also need to provide with other documents listed above —

• • A certified copy of divorce documents or spouse’s death certificate should case your U.S citizen previous partner is deceased

Medical examination for yourself

Before you can submit your application, you need to visit a doctor to verify that you are healthy. The exam results are usually valid for 12 months. You will want to schedule the exam as close as possible to the date you plan to file the application.

e). Fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen or the fiancé(e)’s child

• – You are a person admitted to the U.S. as a fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen (K-1 nonimmigrant)
• – You are a person admitted to the U.S. as the child of a fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen (K-2 nonimmigrant)

Documentation: 

• – Paper works on your fiancé current status in the U.S
• – A police report with no criminal records
• – Refer to ”Additional Documents” listed above and provide relevant ones pertaining your application.

f) Widow(er) of a U.S. citizen

If you are a widow or widower of a U.S. citizen and you were married to your U.S. citizen spouse at the time your spouse died

Documentation:

• • A marriage certificate
• • Death certificate
• • Other relevant certificates to justify your claims
• • Evidence that you were not divorced or legally separated from your spouse at the time he or she died
• • Evidence to prove that you were in a bona fide marital relationship until the  time of your spouse’s death
  Are admissible to the United States

g) VAWA self-petitioner– victim of battery or extreme cruelty

• – You are an abused spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• – You are an abused child (unmarried and under 21 years old) of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• – You are an abused parent of a U.S. citizen

Documentation:

• – Documents proving your relationship to the U.S citizen
• – Evidence of the abuse – such as police report, media prints and,
• – Every other convincing document available at your disposal to support your claims that you have been abused

• B. U.S.A Green Card/ Permanent Residence Card through Employment

• a) Immigrant worker

Under the U.S Immigration laws, this is classified into preferences order, namely: the first preference immigrant worker,  the second preference immigrant worker and the third preference immigrant worker – please, check under the category that best suits your profile

• i. If you are a first preference immigrant worker, meaning:

• – You have an extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics
• – You are an outstanding professor or a researcher
• – You are a multinational manager or executive who meets certain criteria

Documentation: 

• – Educational Documentation
• – Awards Recognition
• – CV with references from an Internationally recognized organization
• – Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status;
• – Copy of the Form I-797, Approval or Receipt Notice, for the Form I-140 filed on your behalf. This is unless you are filing your Form I-485 together with the Form I-140;
• – Form I-485 Supplement J, to confirm that the job offered to you in Form I-140 remains a bona fide job offer that you intend to accept once your Form I-485 is approved.
• – Copy of your passport page with nonimmigrant visa (if applicable);
• – Copy of your birth certificate;
• – Copy of your government-issued identity document with photograph;
• – Two passport-style photographs;

• ii. If you are a second preference immigrant worker, meaning:

• – You are a member of a profession that requires an advanced degree or
• – You have an exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business, or
• – You are seeking a national interest waiver

Documentation:

Same documents as listed above under Immigrant Worker

• iii. If you are a third preference immigrant worker, meaning:

• – You are a skilled worker (meaning your job requires a minimum of 2 years training or work experience), or
• – you are a professional (meaning your job requires at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree or a foreign equivalent and you are a member of the profession), or
• – you are an unskilled worker (meaning you will perform unskilled labor requiring less than 2 years of training or experience)

Documentation:

Same documents as listed above under Immigrant Worker

• b) Physician National Interest Waiver

If you are a physician who agrees to work full-time in clinical practice in a designated underserved area for a set period of time and also meets other eligibility requirements

Documentation:

• – You must provide evidence that you have agreed to work full-time in a clinical practice. For most physician NIW cases, the required period of service is 5 years
• – You must work in a primary care (such as a general practitioner, family practice petitioner, general internist, pediatrician, obstetrician/gynecologist, or psychiatrist) or be a specialty physician
• – You must serve either in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), Mental Health Professional Area (MHPSA – for psychiatrists only), a Medically Underserved Area (MUA), or a Veterans Affairs facility, or for specialists in a Physician Scarcity Area (PSA)
• – You must obtain a statement from a federal agency or a state department of health that has knowledge of your qualifications as a physician and that states your work is in the public interest (This statement is known as an attestation)

• c) Immigrant investor

If you have invested or you are actively in the process of investing at least $1. 8 million (or $900,000 in a targeted employment area -rural area) of your money without borrowing, in a new commercial enterprise in the U.S. which will create full-time positions for at least 10 qualifying employees  within two years but not including investor’s spouse, children or relative.Immigrant investor visa categories are:

• • Employment creation outside a targeted area – C5
• • Employment creation in a targeted rural/high unemployment area – T5
• • Investor Pilot Program not in a targeted area – R5
• • Investor Pilot Program in a targeted area – I5

Documentation: 

• • Passport(s) valid for six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States, unless longer validity is specifically requested by the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your country. Please review the instructions for guidance.
• • Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application.
• • Two (2) 2×2 photographs.
• • Civil Documents for the applicant. See Documents the Applicant Must Submit for more specific information about documentation requirements, including information on which documents may need to be translated. The consular officer may ask for more information during your visa interview. Bring your original civil documents (or certified copies) such as birth and marriage certificates, as well as legible photocopies of the original civil documents, and any required translations to your immigrant visa interview. Original documents and translations can then be returned to you.
• • Financial Support – At your immigrant visa interview, you must demonstrate to the consular officer that you will not become a public charge in the United States.
• • Completed Medical Examination Forms – These are provided by the panel physician after you have completed your medical examination and vaccinations

C U.S.A Green Card/ Permanent Residence Card through Special Immigrant

• a) Religious Worker

If you are a member of a religious denomination coming to the U.S. to work for a nonprofit religious organization

Documentation:

• – A valid determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) establishing the church in the U.S and must be a tax-exempt
• – Documentation that establishes the religious nature and purpose of the organization, such as a copy of the organizing instrument that specifies the purposes of the organization.
• – Organizational literature, such as books, articles, brochures, calendars, flyers, and other literature describing the religious purpose and nature of the activities of the organization.
• – A Prospective Employer Attestation form and certification completed, signed, and dated by an authorized official of the prospective employer of the beneficiary seeking religious worker status.
• – Verifiable evidence of how the prospective employer (church) intends to compensate you (the beneficiary), including salaried or non-salaried compensation
• – Evidence to establish that you are qualified as a religious worker to perform the duties of the offered position
• – You must provide proof to show that you are a member of a religious denomination that has a bona fide non-profit religious organization in the United States for at least two years before filing Form I-360
• – Please, provide evidence to proof that you have been working continuously for the past two years immediately prior to filing the immigrant petition: as a religious minister; in a religious vocation in either a professional or non-professional capacity; or in a religious occupation in either a professional or nonprofessional capacity; and
• – Evidence to proof that you are seeking to enter the United States solely to work as a minister or in the religious vocation or occupation of your employer’s denomination.

Visitor visa

This type of visa allows you to visit a foreign country for the period of time subject to having to have invitation letter and other documents from inviting host.

Required documents:

1. 1. Letter of invitation

The way of providing invitation letter differs from country to country it can be required in the letter form, as a digital questionnaire or a paper questionnaire.

The draft letter of invitation should have information containing the following:

The date that the letter was written

The Embassy name

Embassy contact information (phone number and address)

Opening salutations and statements

Inviting person’s name

Inviting person’s status in the destination country (citizen or permanent resident)

Inviting person’s contact information (phone number, address, and email)

Applicant’s name

Applicant’s passport number

Purpose of travel

Relationship between the applicant with the inviting person

Dates of travel must include arrival date and departure date

Closing salutations

Inviting person’s signature

1. 2. Copy of inviting person’s Passport.
2. 3. Copy of inviting person’s other ID.
3. 4. Proof of relationship – birth certificate and other documents to justify

the relationship between you and the inviting person in the country of your final destination

Work Visa

WORK VISA gives one the ability to take up a job in a country other than the one in which one is a citizen. There are different types of work visas. One kind might require the holder to have a local employer in a foreign country as a sponsor and to return home if he/she loses the job. Another visa may be more general and may allow the holder to work at any job for a certain period of time. Work visas are generally temporary, though most may be renewed.

Other ways you can secure a ”Work Visa”  is to apply either as:

– Job Seeker

– Freelance Worker

WORK VISA CATEGORIES

There are three sub-groups within work visa categories namely:

1.Persons with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Applicants in this category must have extensive documentation showing sustained national or international acclaim and recognition in their fields of expertise. Such applicants do not have to have specific job offers, so long as they are entering the X country to continue work in the fields in which they have extraordinary ability. Such applicants can file their own work visa applications.

2. Outstanding Professors and Researchers with at least three years’ experience in teaching or research, who are recognized internationally. Applicants in this category must be coming to the X country to pursue tenure, tenure track teaching, or a comparable research position at a university or other institution of higher education. The prospective employer must provide a job offer and file an application for the applicant.

3. Multinational Managers or Executives who have been employed for at least one of the three preceding years by the overseas affiliate, parent, subsidiary, or branch of the X country employer. The applicant’s employment outside of the X country must have been in a managerial or executive capacity, and the applicant must be coming to work in a managerial or executive capacity. The prospective employer must provide a job offer and file an application on behalf of the applicant.

4.Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees and Persons of Exceptional Ability. Applicants in this category must generally have a labor certification approved by the Department of Labor in the X country. A job offer is required and the X country employer must file an Immigrant petition or work visa application on behalf of the applicant. Applicants may apply for an exemption from the job offer and labor certification if the exemption would be in the national interest. In this case, the applicant may self-petition by filing a work visa application along with evidence of the national interest.

There are two subgroups within this category:

• – Professionals holding an advanced degree (beyond a baccalaureate degree), or a baccalaureate degree and at least five years of progressive experience in the profession.
• – Persons with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. Exceptional ability means having a degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in the sciences, arts, or business.

5.Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Unskilled Workers (Other Workers)

Applicants in this category generally, require labor certification approved by the Department of Labor in the X country.

• – Skilled workers are persons whose jobs require a minimum of 2 years of training or work experience that are not temporary or seasonal.
• – Professionals are members of the professions whose jobs require at least a baccalaureate degree from a university or college or its foreign equivalent degree.
• – Unskilled workers (Other workers) are persons capable of filling positions that require less than two years of training or experience that are not temporary or seasonal. There are no requirements for this or special documentation than having experience and ability to perform the job.

Documents Required For All Categories Above

• Proof of your Identity – A copy of your International passport

• Original official bank statements, transaction records from banks, fixed / time/term deposits certificates for the last six months

• Certified proof of property ownership and its valuation, purchase or sale agreements, mortgage loan agreement, etc.

• Certified transactions of stocks and securities accounts including the history of transactions and dates of opening the accounts (optional, not compulsory and don’t worry if you don’t have stocks and securities account)

• Certified copies of your post-secondary education documents: vocational or technical certificates or diplomas.

• Certified copies of your college or university documents: the graduation degree, diploma, or certificate issued by the college or university.

• Certified copies of your trade/apprenticeship documents: certificate and evidence of apprenticeship.

• Original transcripts of your post-secondary courses taken.

• Certified copies of your professional qualifications certificates: any proof of further training or certification relative to your current occupation/profession must be written on company letterhead, signed by the responsible officer/supervisor

Additional conditions allowing you to apply for work visa:

1. You must be employed or be in employment prior to filing for your application

2. You must show your company’s full address, telephone and fax numbers, e-mail and website addresses,

3. letters from your company must be stamped with the company’s official seal (if applicable) Letters must include all of the following information:

– the specific period of your employment with the company

– the positions you have held during the period of employment and the time spent in each position

– your main responsibilities and duties in each position

– your total annual salary plus benefits

– the number of hours worked per week

4. Certified copies of work contracts

5. Certified copies of pay stubs

6. Certified copies of T4s Self-employed individuals must provide documentation from 3rd party individual(s) indicating the service provided along with payment details. NOTE: Self-declared main duties or affidavits are not acceptable evidence of work experience.

Jobseeker Visa (Work Visa)

Nigerians can apply to a lot of countries as job seekers. There are countries that are seeking highly qualified employees to work in well-paid positions and encourage all young and skilled people to come to visit and look for places to work. So, if you have decided that you would like to work there, the first thing you need to do is get the X country job seeker visa.

What is a job seeker visa?

The job seeker visa is a Long-Term Residency Permit, which allows you to stay in the country for six months and look for a job. NOTE: Job seeker visa is issued under work visa.  If at the end of the six months you have found a place of employment, you will be given the X country work visa or a work permit and you will be allowed to work and live there. Please note that having a job seeker visa does not allow you to start working immediately in the country. It only means that you can visit the country and look for a job during your stay.

Documents to submit:

1. 1. Bachelor/Master Degree from the X country university or an equivalent foreign degree
2. 2. Proof of minimum of 5 years of experience in your related field of study
3. 3. Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay during the time you are in the X country
4. 4. Travel or medical insurance for your entire stay in X country or until you get your Work Permit

If you checked all of the criteria, then you’re one step closer to getting your visa.

1. 5. A cover letter where you explain the objective of your visit, how you plan to find employment, and your alternative career plans if you cannot find a job
2. 6. Diploma of your degree (or any other proof of academic qualification from the X country or university) as well as any certificates of previous work experience
3. 7. Your detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
4. 8. Proof of accommodation in X country (where you will be staying during your visit)
5. 9. Proof of financial means to cover the costs for the time of your stay in the X country by showing one of the following documents:
   
   • – A letter from the sponsor living in X country
   • – The bank account statement, or
   • – Blocked bank account
6. 10. Proof of personal status in your home country, such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, and others
7. 11. Proof of your health insurance

The X country embassy/consulate reserves the right to ask for additional documents. This applies –among others- for certain professions (e.g. Nurses, Medical Doctors, Pharmacists, Teachers).

Freelance  (Work Visa)

Freelance has become an ever-growing self-employment type, as it gives greater independence and less bureaucracy compared to the conventional type.

Working as a freelancer, you are your own boss. There is great flexibility as of the days and hours of working. Moreover, you’re free to choose the clients and projects you want to work for. You have almost none working protocols to follow. You may not need an office to make your work happen.

Potentials needed to freelance:

1. 12. High sense of technical individuality.
2. 13. Innovative thinking.
3. 14. Particular education.
4. 15. Personal qualities.
5. 16. Responsiveness.
6. 17. Sense of self-motivation.
7. 18. Sense of self-responsibility

As a freelancer, you will be excused from the business registration procedure and from getting the trade permit.

Instead of the trade office, your freelance activity must be registered with the tax office. The tax office will be the authority to issue the tax number and to collect taxes from you, based on your freelance activity.

For some liberal professions, you must get membership into the respective chambers and for some others the recognition of the foreign qualification beforehand launching your freelance activity.

Can I work as a freelancer if I am a Nigerian already in X country?

If you are already residing in X country, you are entitled to freelance with exceptions.

Your situation must be any of the following for working as a freelancer while already in X country:

• • – You’re a graduate foreigner from a recognized education institution in X country. This includes state, state-recognized, or equally recognized training institution in X country. Your profession must directly match the qualification you have received there.
  • – You’re a foreigner working as a researcher or scientist in X country. You must expect freelancing as a researcher or scientist.
  • – You’re a foreigner having entered with an X country artist visa. You must expect freelancing as an artist.
  • – You are a foreigner having entered with an X country temporary visa for other purposes. You must meet the criteria to freelance as a foreigner.

A freelance visa is typically granted for three months. It can be converted into a residence permit while your visa is valid. The address where you apply for a residence permit is the Local Foreigner’s Authority 

• • – The residence permit for freelancing can be extended for up to three complete years. To receive such an extension, you must have previously succeeded in your freelance business. This means that you should have evidence of generating sufficient profits to cover living costs for yourself and each of your dependent family members.

• • – After 3 years spent with a residence permit for freelancing, you may get a settlement permit. This can happen only if you decide setting-up a retail or manual trade business, since then.

• • – The residence permit for freelancing can be also converted into a residence permit for self-employment (Residence Act, Section 21/6). This may happen only if you can get the permit to pursue the intended self-employment activity.

Requirements to Apply for a Freelance Visa?

You must typically submit the application for a freelance visa at the Embassy or Consulate in the country where you currently live. The procedure is the same as applying for any X country visa. You are advised to complete the application 3 months in advance of your planned travel date. Send the application documents as originals with a photocopy of each

• • – Completed national visa application form.
  • – Valid national passport.
  • – Two recently made biometric photographs.
  • – Payment of the visa application fee.
  • – Travel Insurance
  • – Recommendation letters from previous employers.
  • – Curriculum vitae.
  • – Cover letter.
  • – Portfolio of your previous work. Several printed samples of the previous freelance work, or regular work in the same profession.
  • – Professional authorization. You need to show a license or other authorization to show evidence of your expertise and relevance to pursue the intended profession. This is needed if you’re planning to exercise a profession that requires prior expertise in the field, i.e. Medicine, law, and similar.
  • – Certificates of earlier education.
  • – Means of subsistence. Evidence showing you have enough money to cover your living and freelancing costs. This can be one of the following:
  • – Latest bank statements. From a home-country bank, showing enough available funds.
  • – Profit/loss statement. It has to show your forecasts about monthly profits and losses from the intended freelance activity.
  • – Proof of adequate pension plan. Only if you are older than 45.
  • – Evidence of a freelance Plan.
  • – Letters of commitments from future customers/employers. Send at least two of them. These letters must clearly show their intent to employ you when you come here.

After arriving in X country, you must legalize yourself as a freelancer.

Follow these key steps before freelancing as a foreigner in X country:

• • o Register your living address. You must register in X country, as soon as you find your permanent accommodation. Once this process is completed, you will be receiving the confirmation on the living address registration
  • o Open a bank account in a bank in X country.
  • o Register with the Tax Registration Office This is done by submitting the completed Tax Number Registration Form. Once this process is finished, you will be receiving the Tax ID. This unique number will be used by you to charge your clients and by the tax, office to collect taxes from your freelance operations.
  • o Get yourself covered by a proper health insurance
  • o Apply for a Residence permit for freelancing. In the three first months of your arrival, you must make a valid application for a residence permit. The application is done at the Foreigner’s Registration Office
  • o To apply, you need to provide a completed Application Form for a Residence Permit and required evidence supporting such application. Amongst supporting documents, you need to provide the letter of residence confirmation issued by the landlord of the place you’re living here. This needs to be supplemented by the rental contract.
  • o Start implementing your freelance plan. You may want to start by contacting the awaiting clients, to inform them about your availability to work.

EUROPEAN WORK VISA/EMPLOYMENT VISA 

The term ”Work Visa” is regarded as the Employment Visa under the European Schemes

European Employment Visa  is an opportunity for qualified foreigners to settle in and work in their field. It gives its holder the chance to enter and work in an X country for up to two years, with the possibility of extending the visa, and later applying for an EU Blue Card or Residence Permit Card, or other types of residence permits.

Long-Stay Visa Types for Working in an X country

You may apply for an X country Long-Stay Visa under the purpose of working in the following categories:

Employment – if you already have a job offer in an X country, you can apply for Employment Visa

Self-Employment – if you wish to establish a business in an X country or to work as a freelancer.
– Working as a Freelancer
– Jobseeker – if you wish to look for a job while in X country
– Working as an AU Pair (Daycare nanny is called AU Pair in some countries)

All foreign nationals including Nigerians can apply for Employment Visa if they fulfill the conditions to work in some European countries. According to the “Act on the Residence” that regulates the residence issue for foreigners, the categories eligible to apply for an employment Visa are as follows:
A. Highly qualified foreigners, in particular:
– Researchers with special technical knowledge
– Teaching personnel in prominent positions or scientific personnel in prominent positions
B. Intra-corporate transferees, in particular:
– Managers
– Specialists
C. Nationals with a university degree or a non-academic vocational qualification that fulfill the conditions listed below:

– You have a concrete job offer.
– Your education must be recognized as equivalent to a country degree or to that desired country degree.

How to Apply for an European Emploment Visa?

1.Get a job offer in an X country.

2. Check if you need a visa to the country for long-stays.

3. Find out where you need to submit your visa application.

4. Collect all of the required documents to be mentioned below according to instructions.

5. Make an appointment for a visa interview.

6. Pay the Employment Work visa fee.

7. Attend the interview.

8. Wait for a response on your visa application.

Required Documents for European Employment Visa

1. Two fully completed application forms. Printed and signed at the end.

2. Two passport photographs

3. Valid national passport

4. Proof of residence. Your driver’s license and/or utility bill in your name as proof of residence in the territory of the consulate where you plan to apply.

5. Health insurance. Compulsory certificate from X country employer, valid from date of employment. If not already included in the compulsory health insurance separate travel insurance has to be presented for the time frame from arrival in an X country until the beginning of employment.

6. An employment contract / binding job offer with details of gross annual salary and a detailed description of the employment in an X country

7. Approval by the Federal Employment Agency (If applicable).

8. Curriculum Vitae. Your updated CV, which indicates your academic qualifications and your job experience.

9. Proof of Qualification. Diplomas, Certificates, Mark-sheets, etc., or anything similar that proves your qualifications.

10.Personal covering letter explaining the exact purpose and duration of stay.

11. Proof of a clean criminal record.

12. Proof of paid visa fee.

13. Declaration of Accuracy of Information.

Business Visa

A business visa allows the bearer to enter the host country and engage in business activities without joining that country’s labor market. For example, an individual may require a business visa if they are traveling to a country to do business with another company or if they are attending a business conference. The visitor typically must show that they are not receiving income from the country.

Documentations required:

• • 1. Proof of paid visa fee – evidence of payment made by the applicant to the respective X country consulate or embassy e.g. visa fee receipts
  • 2. A Cover Letter – This letter should explain the purpose of the business visit to the X country.
  • 3. A short profile of the applicant’s working place – The applicant has to write a precise CV, explaining his job title, descriptions, roles, or position on the current job and why the forthcoming Business trip would be of advantage to his or her CV.
  • 4. A letter from applicant’s employer – meticulously describing the purpose of the travel, as well as the itinerary (both flights and hotel accommodation details) number of days to be spent within the X country.
  • 5. An Invitation Letter – This letter should come from a partner company in the X country, faxed, or emailed also to the corresponding consulate or to the embassy if possible. This letter has to appear as an invitation to attend meetings or other relevant events matching trade, industry, or work.
  • 6. Proof of financial means – It must be stated either in the employer’s letter or the partner company’s invitation that one of both parties will be covering the applicant’s travel expenses during his/her stay in the x country.
  • 7. And, if there were previous trade relations between the two companies’ proof of such an event.

For the employee, please provide:

• • 1. Employment Contract.
  • 2. A leave permission letter from the employer stating how long the employee will be gone for, from what date till what date and, when the employee is expected back at work
  • 3. Employee Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary

For the self-employed applicants, please provide:

• • 1. A copy of your business license
  • 2. Company bank statement & personal for the latest 6 months
  • 3. Income Tax Return (ITR)

Student Visa

A student visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows the bearer to enroll at a postsecondary educational institution in the host country. High school foreign exchange students must typically obtain a visa for temporary residence.

Documents required:

1. Proof of Identity

2. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (Admissions Letter or Proof of Acceptance) from the college/ university – stating the name of the study program, with a start date and end date – month and year.  

3. Proof of Financial Support

Read more below for financial proof explanations

• • A. Self-Funded Students or Self Acquisition Loaned:

You must show that you have held the correct amount of money for at least 28 consecutive days before the date you complete your student visa application online. Your funds must not have dropped below the required amount during this time.

For the loan acceptable documents must include a letter confirming your Education Loan. The loan must be from either a government; or a government-sponsored student loans company, or an educational loans scheme regulated by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The financial institution or bank must use electronic record keeping; and be regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); and the host country must be able to make verification checks with the bank and may check that they are regulated as above on the bank’s website

The funds held must be in your name; or in your partner’s name (only if they are applying at the same time as you or if they have already been granted a visa); or in your parent or legal guardian’s name; and held in a personal bank or building society account; and can be accessed immediately.

As long as the funds can be withdrawn and accessed immediately, you can use the following types of funds:

current accounts

deposits

savings accounts

pensions

investment accounts

The document itself must be:

• • – a current bank statement dated no more than 31 days old
  • – a bank letter dated no more than 31 days old confirming your funds have been held for 28 days
  • – a deposit certificate issued at least 28 days after the date of deposit and dated no more than 31 days old
  • – you can now use electronic statements from online banking, and there is no longer any need to get these stamped by the bank.

• • B. Students Using Parent’s Bank Account:

When you are using your parent’s bank account, you must provide all of the following documents:

1. a) letter from your parent/guardian confirming their relationship to you and their permission for you to use their funds
2. b) legal document confirming your relationship with your parent/guardian (birth certificate, government-issued household register, adoption certificate, or court document naming legal guardian)
3. c) A financial document from your parent/guardian (which meets the above requirements)
4. C. If being sponsored by an individual private person or family member:
5. a) You must provide a Financial Sponsor Letter stating the relationship between you and the sponsor, what the sponsor’s financial responsibilities or, for how long the sponsorship will last (coverage), and what benefits would the sponsor get from financing your education.
6. b)  Financial Evidence or Bank Statement with the sponsor’s full name and address.

• • D. If sponsored by a government or an organization:

When you are partly or fully sponsored by an official financial sponsor you must submit a letter confirming the details of the funding. Any dependents must also be named on the letter for the funds to be counted towards their maintenance.

Sponsor letters are only accepted from:

• • – your home government
  • – an international organization or company (with an office in more than one country)
  • – an university

Where you were previously financially sponsored for both tuition and living expenses by a government or international scholarship agency 12 months prior to your new application, you must provide a letter from your past financial sponsor giving unconditional consent for you.

• • E. UNDER 18 – parental consent and academic qualifications

When you are under 18 you must provide:

1. a) A letter from your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) giving their consent to your application
2. b)  A letter from your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) giving their consent to your care arrangements and you living and traveling independently in the hose country NOTE: The letter must be signed by both parents, or just one parent if that parent has sole responsibility for you.
3. c) Evidence of the relationship between you and your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) (e.g. birth certificate, adoption certificate, court letter)
4. d) You must also provide evidence of the academic qualification listed on your intended study program.

Acceptable evidence of academic qualification includes:

• • – Certificate or certificates of qualification
  • – Transcript of results
  • – Print out qualification or transcript results from the awarding body’s online checking serviced.
  • – Evidence of English language proficiency – WAEC, NECO or Certified English Test Certificate
  • – Letter of explanation

This letter helps the visa officer to understand you and your goals. It should explain:

• • – Why you want to study in a particular host country and
  • – That you understand your responsibilities as a foreign student

You should include this letter if you decide to apply for a study permit, even if you don’t have to get a study permit for your program, just include the letter with your student visa application.

5. Demonstrate strong Home Ties to Nigeria

• • A. Employment Ties

If you will be employed full-time upon your return, this indicates strong employment ties to your country.  Your employment ties are viewed as stronger based on the prestige, importance, and salary of your job.

Documents to Submit

i. A letter from your current employer stating that you will resume your work with them after your time in the host country, or

ii. A letter from a prospective employer stating that a position will be offered to you upon your return

Note: The best letter is one that guarantees a job upon your return and states how important your overseas activities will be for the type of work the employer wants would be ideal

Example:

Company’s name

Company’s address

June 11, 20xx

Director To Whom It May Concern:

We have authorized our employee, XXXX, three year’s leave in order to pursue a master’s degree in business administration in the Z country. XXXX is a marketing assistant at our office and a valued employee, whom we are convinced will become a high-level marketing expert with further training. We have hired a temporary substitute in his absence. However, we eagerly await Mr. XXXX return in July of 20xx.

Very truly yours,

WWWWW WWWWW

• • B. Family Ties

If all members of your immediate family live in your country, the visa officer or consular officer may understand that you have strong family ties to that country.  If you are the oldest child or only child in your family, the Consular officer may believe that you are more likely to return home because of that fact.  If one or both of your parents are not in good health, this is another reason you might be expected to return home. Always state that in your application.

• • C. Other documents to prove ties:

• • – A copy of your home title or rental agreement, either of which shows that you have a stable place to live.

• • – A sworn affidavit from your parents listing all the family members who live in your home country, and including details to show that they are all firmly settled there. Even better, include a statement of why you, too, are likely to return (especially if there is a family business or property).

• • – Evidence that you are leaving a spouse and children behind, such as copies of marriage and birth certificates. Leaving your family behind is certainly not a requirement of the visa; in fact, you can probably bring them along; but if you do plan to leave them, make the most of this information.

• • – Documentation of an existing business or employment that you will return to, such as a business license or a letter from your employer (see sample above) and copies of recent pay stubs.

• • – Copies of bank statements showing that you maintain accounts in your home country. Keeping an open bank account at home can prove a financial tie to your home country, especially if you are young and don’t have a job or a history of employment.

• • – Documentation of your career potential in your home country, including statistics from a reputable source, such as your government, showing that people with your skills are in high demand; or a letter from a potential employer.

• • – Documentation of any monetary bonds that you paid to government scholarship funders in order to guarantee your return (copies of your receipts and correspondence will be best)

• • – A prepaid, round-trip plane ticket to and from the United States. Some consulates routinely ask for this, despite the fact that the regulations do not require it.

• • – Police Registration Certificate. This can be obtained from Nigeria’s Police Force or be in form of an affidavit from the Federal or State High Court stating you have no criminal records

• • – If you have dependents who are applying for their visa with you at the same time, they will also need to provide their documents. Some examples include a marriage certificate, birth certificate, and/or evidence you are living at the same address

Refugee/Asylum Visa

Refugee or Asylum Visas are granted to people who are able to demonstrate that their lives are at risk of returning back to their home country or even live in their own country.  In order to be granted this type of visa, there are certain documents and proofs you need to provide and demonstrate. 

Documents you must provide:

• • 1. A Declaration:

Your written statement (declaration) should explain in detail why you left your home country and why you are afraid to return there. This letter will help the Asylum Officer or Immigration Officer better understand why you are applying for asylum.

Such declarations may go on for several pages. You will want to include the following information:

• • A. Personal information:

• • – Your name
  • – Birthdate and birthplace
  • – Citizenship
  • – Ethnicity; tribal or clan affiliation
  • – Your parents’ full names and address;
  • – The number of siblings you have and their location.
  • – Your spouse’s name and location if married
  • – Date and place of marriage if married
  • – The number of children you have If you have kids
  • – Your background, schooling, and employment history.
  • – Any political or religious involvement that you had

• • B. A detailed explanation of everything that has happened that makes you afraid to

return home to your country. Make sure to include specific dates, places, names, and witnesses. Explain how exactly you were harmed or threatened, and reasons for why you were harmed or threatened.

• • C. A detailed explanation of harm or threats that your family or friends suffered in your home country. Again, include dates, places, names, witnesses, and how and why they were harmed or threatened.

• • D. What you think will happen to you if you have to go back to your home country, and why.

• • E. Why you cannot move to a different part of your home country to be safe.

At the end of your declaration, write: “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the foregoing is true and correct.” Then sign the declaration and date it.

• • 2. Provide documents for yourself and your dependents such as your partner and children under 18 if you have a family.

The documents you provide must include your:

• • • Passports and travel documents
  • • Police registration certificates
  • • Identification documents, for example, identity cards, birth and marriage certificates, or school records and, anything you think will help your asylum application

• • 3. If you and your dependents are already in the X country on a tourist visa or any

other type of visas, and you intend to seek asylum to remain in the X country then, you and your dependents must bring documents that prove your X country address.

You will need different documents depending on whether you are living in your own accommodation or staying with someone else.

• • a) A recent letter (less than 3 months old) from the person you are staying with to confirm you have their permission to stay at their address

• • b) Documents showing the full name and address of the person you are staying with, like a council tax notice, tenancy agreement, or household bill

You may be granted a residence permit if you meet one of the following conditions:

1. – That, in your country of origin or home country, you have real reasons to fear persecution because of your race, religion, nationality, political convictions, or because you belong to a particular social group.

1. – That, you have real reasons to fear the death penalty or execution, torture, or other inhuman or humiliating treatment in your country of origin.

1. – That, you have real reasons to fear that you will be a victim of random violence due to an armed conflict in your country of origin and lastly,

1. – That, your husband/wife, partner, father, mother, or minor child has recently received an asylum residence permit in the X country.

Working Holiday Visa

Working Holiday Visas are not relevant to Nigeria’s passport holders. Therefore, there is no point in submitting a visa application at any embassy post for a working holiday visa if you apply for this type of visa with a Nigeria’s passport at any embassy post, your application will be rejected or denied within days.

Spousal Visa

Spousal visas allow partners to visit each other when the couple does not hail from the same country.

In order to apply, you will need to satisfy the following requirements:

• • • Both you and your partner must be 18 years old or over
  • • Your spouse must be a citizen of the X country, settled in the X country, or have refugee status or humanitarian protection in the X country
  • • You must both be in a civil partnership or marriage recognized in the X country
  • • You must have been living together in a relationship for at least two years prior to applying
  • • Meet the financial requirements. See below message for explanations

1. Documents will need to be submitted with your Spouse Visa application, including:

• • • Your current passport or other valid travel ID
  • • Copies of the photo page and any visa or entry stamps in your previous passports
  • • Your biometric residence permit (if relevant)
  • • Letters showing previous immigration applications you have made
  • • You will need to have a blank page in your passport on which to put the visa if you’re applying outside an X country
  • • Criminal convictions (if any)
  • • Tuberculosis test results (if you’re from a country where you have to take the test)
  • • Certified translations of any document that is not in English
  • • You will also need to give proof of your finances (details below)

2.Documents and details concerning your partner:

• • • Name
  • • Date of birth
  • • Nationality
  • • Passport
  • • Right to be in the X country
  • • Any people your partner was previously married to, in a civil partnership with or had children with.
  • • Evidence of marriages ending, for example a divorce certificate
  • • Anyone your partner supports with money, for example their parents
  • • Proof of relationship
  • • Whether you are your partner’s provider
  • • Things you pay for together
  • • Often you see each other
  • • How long you have lived together – you will need to provide proof like council tax bills

3.You will need to give details of your children (and your partner’s children if you have one). You will be asked about all children, even if they are not applying:

• • • Their name
  • • Their passport details
  • • Their date of birth
  • • Their nationality
  • • Any other people with parental responsibility for your child, for example your step children’s other parents
  • • Arrangements you have to see the child – for example the courts have granted you access
  • • How you’re involved in their day-to-day life
  • • Who the child normally lives with?
  • • The child’s extended family
  • • You will need to give details of:
  • • Family and friends in the countries where you were born or have nationality
  • • Any countries your child has visited or lived in previously
  • • Countries outside an X country you have lived in and visited
  • • Your life outside an X country
  • • Proof of your income

• • 4. In addition to the above evidence, you will need to satisfy an X

country home office that you meet the financial equirement (i.e.minimum income). To do so, you will need to submit documents:

• • – demonstrating that you and your partner have a combined annual (yearly) income of 10.000.000 (10 Million Naira) or more.
  • – If you have children, you will need to show proof of an additional 1.9 Million Naira per year for your first child and 1.3 Million Naira for each child after your first child. The documents you will need to send to an X country home office will depend on the source of income.

Documents to submit:

• • A. If you are relying on income from employment:

• • • Bank statements showing you or your partner’s income
  • • 6 months of pay slips
  • • A letter from an employer, dated and on headed paper

        The letter from your employer must confirm that:

     You or your partner are employed by the employer

• •  Job title or position
  •  Duration of employment
  •  Type of employment contract (e.g., permanent, fixed-term)
  •  Earning before tax and National Insurance
  •  How long you or your partner have been paid your current salary
  •  The pay slips provided are genuine

• • B. If you are relying on cash savings:

Cash savings of over 8 Million Naira can be counted towards your annual income. In order to do so, you will need to submit:

• • – bank statements showing the cash savings in an account held by you or your spouse for at least six months prior to the application being made.

• • C. If you are relying on income from self-employment

It will be necessary to submit:

• • – documents which show income for the last full financial year, or an average of the last two financial years.
  • – Income from self-employment can be combined with income from salaried and non-salaried employment, pension income, and non-employment income as appropriate. The documents required as evidence will vary depending on the type of self-employment. For sole-traders, partnerships, and franchises, evidence of tax payable, annual self-assessment, in addition to other information. Directors of a limited company will need to submit a Company Tax Return, evidence of company registration, and annual financial accounts, in addition to other evidence.

 Transit Visa

Travelers may sometimes require transit visas in order to pass through a country that is not their destination country. Transit visas are typically required if you have a layover in a country of more than a few hours.

To explain this better, we would use X and Y as countries to illustrate better our explanations.

You may need a visa to pass through some countries in transit – i.e. traveling through an X country (transit country) on the way to another Y country (your final destination).

To be eligible for a transit visa you must be:

• In transit to another country with enough funds and the intention to travel on

• Able to prove you can enter that final destination country by proving that you have a valid visa for that final destination country.

• Able to show that the only purpose of your visit to the X country is a transit

You should first check if you need a transit visa to go through a X country.

If you intend not to leave the airport please, do apply for –A Direct Airside Transit visa.

You cannot apply for this visa if you need to go through the X country border controls, for example to check in your luggage on to a connecting flight or to change airports – In this case, please apply for A Visitor in Transit visa instead.

Documents needed for Direct Airside Transit Visa 

• a current passport or other valid travel identification

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Transit without a visa

If you do require a visa to transit via a X country – either to pass airside through the X country or to pass through the X country border – you may be eligible for transit without a visa if you hold one of a specified range of transit visa exemption documents. Check with the respective country to know if you are eligible to do so.

Long-term visit visa

You can also apply for a long-term visit visa if you can prove you need to pass through the X country in transit regularly over a longer period. You can stay for a maximum of 48 hours on each visit and your visa can last for 2, 5, or 10 years.

You must prove that:

• you have an ongoing need to pass through the X country in transit

• the reason for your need to pass through the X country is unlikely to change significantly while the visa is valid

• you plan to leave the X country at the end of each transit within the 48 hours period allowed

You should apply for another type of visitor visa if you are traveling to or from Y country.

 eVisa

E-visa is short for electronic visas. It is simply a visa that you can apply on your own through a country’s visa website. They are no different than other types of travel visas. The only difference is that you can complete the application online and get your E-visas within minutes or hours.

What you need to prove and document for an e-visa application before it can be approved are:

1). Your Passport

• • • the country that issued the passport,
  • • the nationality indicated on the passport,
  • • the passport number,
  • • the surname and forenames as they appear in your passport,
  • • the birth date,
  • • the country,
  • • the city of birth,
  • • Dates of issue and expiry of the passport.

2). Your Credit Cards

3). A veritable e-mail accounts

4). That you are traveling for the purposes of tourism or business.

5). That you have a round-trip ticket from the specified Airlines, check this with the respective country of your travel interest to find out which Airlines they are asking for

6). That you are able to prove that you hold a return ticket, hotel reservation, and at least be able to demonstrate that you have some money per each day of your stay in the country.

7). Sometimes, you are able to demonstrate that you have a valid Supporting Document (Valid visa OR valid residence permit from one of the Schengen Countries, USA, Canada, UK, or Ireland). If you have E-visas from other countries already while applying to another country for an E-visa. PLEASE NOTE:  E-visas are not accepted as supporting documents. AN ONLY valid visa, residence permit accepted as supporting documents.

8). That you hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date you intend to enter the X country.

Once you provide all the listed above requirements, most E-visas applications are approved within minutes.