Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit: Timeline for Nigerians ₦430,996
Processing time for the Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit for Nigerian applicants is 8–12 weeks for study permit (Nigerian applications undergo enhanced verification at the Accra visa office). Below is what to expect at each stage, plus the verified fees you pay along the way.
Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦146,266 (~$106 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Refundable to you | ₦22,325,025 (~$16,186 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦284,731 (~$206 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦430,996 (~$312 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 14 July 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦430,996 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦146,266: Paid to the Canada immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Language test — ₦284,731: IELTS Academic or General, TOEFL, or country-equivalent test. Book your slot in Lagos or Abuja well in advance — popular centres fill 6–8 weeks ahead.
- Proof of funds — ₦22,325,025: Your own savings — not paid to anyone. Must sit in your bank account, unencumbered, for typically 28–90 days before your application date.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 8–12 weeks for study permit (Nigerian applications undergo enhanced verification at the Accra visa office)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates, language test result.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦430,996 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 8–12 weeks for study permit (Nigerian applications undergo enhanced verification at the Accra visa office).
Expert tip
Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit
The GIC requirement is CAD $22,895 (from September 2025), but here is the real cost most people miss: first-year tuition at Canadian colleges ranges from CAD $15,000–$22,000 while universities run CAD $25,000–$45,000. Target public colleges in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or Atlantic provinces where tuition is 40–60% cheaper than Ontario or BC. After a 2-year program, your PGWP gives you a 3-year open work permit, which is your bridge to PR through CEC.
Where Nigerians settle in Canada
Once your Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit is approved, most Nigerians head to Toronto or Vancouver. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- Toronto: 1-bedroom rent ₦2,301,247/month · Lagos–Toronto flights from ~$850 · Nigerian community: Large
- Vancouver: 1-bedroom rent ₦2,445,563/month · Lagos–Vancouver flights from ~$1,050 · Nigerian community: Medium
- Calgary: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,745,438/month · Lagos–Calgary flights from ~$1,000 · Nigerian community: Medium
Life in Toronto
Toronto has Canada's largest Nigerian community, concentrated in Brampton, Ajax, and North York. The tech job market is strong — Toronto ranks as North America's #3 tech hub. Skip downtown rent and look at Scarborough or Etobicoke for one-bedrooms under CAD $1,800. The TTC monthly pass is $156, and you will need it. Grocery costs are 15–20% higher than other Canadian cities, but the Nigerian grocery stores along Finch Avenue make it easy to find familiar staples.
34% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose Canada as their destination. Average Japa Score: 67/100. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦500K–₦1M.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit cost for Nigerians moving to Canada?
- Total government fees for the Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit are ₦430,996 (about $312). This covers the visa application fee, language test of ₦284,731, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit is 8–12 weeks for study permit (Nigerian applications undergo enhanced verification at the Accra visa office). Apply from the Canada High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- How much proof of funds do I need for the Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit?
- You need to show ₦22,325,025 ($16,186) in savings for the Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit. This money stays in your account — it is not paid to the government. Funds must be unencumbered: fixed deposits locked for a term or joint accounts with conditions may be queried by the officer.
- What documents do I need for the Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit application from Nigeria?
- Core documents include a valid Nigerian passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and proof of eligibility for this visa category. Language test result (IELTS/TEF) required — book early, Lagos and Abuja test slots go fast. Include 6 months of bank statements showing the ₦22,325,025 proof-of-funds requirement is consistently met.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into Canada.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 14 July 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02