Canada continues to be one of the most preferred destinations for Nigerians seeking academic and travel opportunities. In 2025, several visa trends are emerging that could affect both visitors and international students planning their journeys.
🔍 1. Stricter Eligibility Checks
Canada has intensified its background verification process. Applicants are now being assessed for:
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Academic consistency (for students)
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Ties to home country
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Travel history
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Financial capability with enhanced scrutiny
🧑🎓 2. Greater Focus on “Genuine Student” Requirement
IRCC now requires stronger proof that student applicants are:
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Intending to study (not just to migrate)
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Enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
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Able to afford tuition and living expenses
💼 3. Visitor Visas Now Linked to Previous Travel Behavior
Applicants with a record of overstaying or violations in other countries face higher refusal rates. Travel history plays a bigger role than before.
💡 4. Biometric-First Processing
Biometric verification is now a core step and must be completed early in the process. Applicants who delay booking appointments risk long processing delays.
🌐 5. Rise of Online Application Denials
More applicants are being refused without interviews, purely based on the strength (or weakness) of their documentation and SOPs (Statements of Purpose).
✅ Tips for 2025 Applicants
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Apply early, ideally 3–5 months before travel
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Prepare a solid SOP for study permits
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Maintain clean documentation
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Avoid agents that promise shortcuts
