Seek Sufficient Information before Applying for Canadian Visa, Nigerians Urged

Raheem Akingbolu​

Nigerians willing to pursue carriers, invest or study in Canada have been advised to always acquaint themselves with sufficient information about eligibity, procedures and process of migration to Canada and other parts of North America before applying for visa.

The Managing Partner, Topmarké Attorneys LLP, a Toronto, Canada-based immigration and business law firm, Mr. Johnson Babalola, who gave the advice in Lagos, identified ignorance as one the challenges facing Nigerians proposing to travel to Canada.

Speaking during a press briefing organised to announce the 2017 edition of the firm’s annual Immigration and Business Seminar scheduled for September 30 and October 4 in Lagos and Abuja, respectively, Babalola expressed his concern over the way some Nigerians are being swindled or put in dangerous conditions by scrupulous people, who present themselves as immigration experts.

The legal practitioner stated that the annual seminar was informed by the need to provide information and educate skilled workers, investors, students and those who intend to visit Canada for tourism with accurate information that would ease their travelling process.

While disabusing the minds of those who think Nigeria is the only country that is being wrongly labelled globally, Babalola pointed out that the aims of the seminar is to address some misinformation about Canada immigration currently making the rounds in Nigeria.

He established with verifiable facts that Canada remains one of the best countries in the world and that United Nations, for many years, has adjudged the country as one of the best countries to live in.

Babalola however admitted that unlike the United States, Canada has no lottery programme but quickly added that there are a number of immigration programmes in place for those that qualify.

Speaking further on what participants should expect at the seminars, he stated that the firm and its Nigerian partner — Global Link net Limited — will focus on student visas, visiting visas, investor programmes, self-employed programmes and express entry (skilled programmes). Other areas he mentioned are; provincial nominee programmes, real estate investment and work permits.

He said: “One of the greatest impediments to a successful immigration bid is the absence of adequate and accurate information and professional representation for immigration purposes. Individuals that plan to migrate to or invest in Canada need adequate and reliable information that can only be provided by those who are trained to do so. By providing crucial information to skilled individuals, students and investors, we assist in ensuring proper planning which is the bedrock of a successful immigration process.”