Sometime in 2020, the Canadian Government created a special fast track application process for Nigerian nationals, particularly those wanting to apply to study in Canada. The program is known as the Nigeria Student Express Program.
The Nigeria Student Express Program is targeted specifically at Nigerian nationals who are outside of Canada and are wanting to study in Canada. Outside this program, Nigerian nationals are also able to apply for Canadian study permits under the general study permit application process available to other foreign nationals globally.
The Nigeria Student Express Program v The Regular Study Permit Program
The Nigeria Student Express Program is a fast track program that makes the study permit application considerably faster than the usual application process. Hence, it is a second option for Nigerian nationals who wish to have their applications processed more quickly than they would otherwise be processed under the regular program. Notably, there are a number of similarities and differences between the Nigeria Student Express Program and the regular study permit program.
Processing Time
Under the regular study permit program, the Government’s processing time is about 4 weeks. Essentially, if you are a Nigerian national outside of Canada and you applied for a Canadian study permit under the regular program, the application is likely going to take about three and a half months to four months for a decision to be made on your application.
Unlike the regular study permit program, if you applied under the Nigeria Student Express Program, the Government standard turnaround time is approximately 20 calendar days. Therefore, the processing time is significantly shorter.
However, it is worth noting that the two programs are similar in the sense that the application processes are the same. The application is made online using the same immigration system that the general applications are submitted.
Language Requirement
The Nigeria Student Express Program has some specific additional requirements that must be met. The most significant requirement that is the most different from the regular study permit program is the requirement that you must write an English language test, that is, the IELTS. Upon writing the IELTS test, you must score above a certain threshold and include it in your application.
The English language test is not a requirement if you are applying under the general study permit program to immigrate to Canada for studies. Hence, this is a significant difference to take note of when making your application under the Nigeria Student Express Program.
Bank Statements
Another key distinction is the fact that ordinarily under the regular study permit program, you would include copies of your bank statements in the application or have your lawyer upload them for you once you obtain them from your bank.
Under the Nigeria Student Express Program, there is a specific format that must be followed. The program uses a system known as the MyBank system. The MyBank System enables you to access your banking details directly since the service platform is affiliated with most of the established banks.
When making the study permit application, one of the requirements is that you provide evidence that you have sufficient funding to cater for your tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses while in Canada for at least one year. The evidence of funds is provided using the bank statements.
Providing the MyBank statement evidence that you have funds in your bank account to sustain you for at least a year. Therefore the MyBank statements are an additional specific requirement when applying for a study permit under the Nigeria Student Express Program.
Medical Reports
Additionally, under the Nigeria Student Express Program, you are required to undertake an upfront medical examination and include the results in your application, unlike the regular program where the same is not required. Those are generally the key distinctions between the Nigeria Student Express Program and the regular study permit program.
The Application
If you are a Nigerial national and you choose to apply under the regular study permit program, after making your application, you may receive communication from the Canadian immigration authorities advising you about your eligibility to have your application processed under the Nigeria Student Express Program. The advice usually lists the additional documents that you would need to include in your application in order for it to be processed under the Nigeria Student Express Program.
If you are unable to provide the additional information required, the Canadian immigration authorities simply revert to processing your application under the regular study permit application process for students applying from Nigeria. In conclusion, it is worth considering making your application under the Nigeria Student Express Program especially if you need the study permit urgently.
Let Us Help
If you are a Nigerial National wanting to explore study opportunities in Canada and immigrate on a study permit, we are here to provide you with the necessary assistance you may require to make your applications.
We are happy and available to also advise you on how you can take advantage of the Nigeria Student Express Program should you be interested.
Book a call with us today!
