Nigerian Man's Independent Canadian Visa Application After Agent's High Quote
A Nigerian man has shared his experience of applying for a Canadian visa on his own, after an immigration agent quoted his father a staggering N2.5 million for assistance. The story, which went viral on TikTok, highlights the potential for self-application in the visa process and has sparked widespread conversation online.
From Agent's High Fee to Self-Reliance
The man, identified as @uncle_khayy on TikTok, explained that his father sought an agent's help after he gained admission to study in Canada. However, upon learning the agent's fee was N2.5 million, he convinced his father to give him N800,000 instead, allowing him to explore doing it himself. During a visit to the agent's office, he observed the process and noticed the website canada.ca being used, which became a key insight for his independent application.
He recounted: "I filled the form, the woman now turned her screen to show me if my name is spelt correctly. I now saw this website canada.ca. I no saw that everything she was doing was on this website." This discovery prompted him to leave the premises and complete the application at home using the official Canadian government portal.
Timeline and Cost Savings
The man applied for the visa in July 2020 and received his passport request by October 2020, demonstrating a relatively swift process. In terms of expenses, he hinted that the total cost did not exceed N200,000, a significant reduction compared to the agent's initial quote. He captioned his video: "How I applied for my Canada visa. What a time," emphasizing the personal achievement and financial prudence.
Online Reactions and Broader Implications
The video garnered numerous comments from viewers, many sharing their own experiences or seeking advice. For instance, @Pwetty jenty??Aries asked about the better option between studying or working in Canada with a BSc degree, while @Francis Nwagbo offered tips on using family accounts for proof of funds. Others, like @The Black Senator, affirmed the feasibility of self-application, stating: "I did my PR myself. As long as you can read and understand, you can get it sorted."
This story resonates with many Nigerians navigating international education and immigration, often facing high agent fees. It underscores the importance of leveraging official resources and personal initiative. In related news, other Nigerians have shared their return experiences from abroad, such as a lady who came back from the UK after two years, highlighting diverse migration narratives.
The man's account serves as an inspiration for prospective applicants, encouraging them to consider DIY approaches to visa processes, potentially saving substantial amounts and gaining valuable skills in the journey.
