Nigerian Visa Expert Warns People Against Common Application Issues

Nigerian Visa Expert Warns People Against Common Application Issues

  • A Nigerian travel expert warned student visa applicants against common mistakes that could raise red flags for immigration officials
  • He advised applicants not to cite selling property as proof of funds, saying it increased the risk of visa rejection
  • The expert stressed strong ties to Nigeria, urging clear SOPs and strategic asset disclosures in applications

A Nigerian man has sparked reactions on social media following his dos and don'ts when it comes to visa applications to travel abroad.

The man, who is a travel expert, shared some insightful advice with prospective student visa applicants on common mistakes they should avoid in their application process.

A Nigerian man speaks about the common mistakes in visa applications
A Nigerian man advises student visa applicants on the risk of visa rejection. Photo credit: flymats, tamer soliman (TikTok, Getty Images)
Source: TikTok

According to him, Nigerian applicants should be careful, as immigration officials in countries like Canada are highly experienced and can easily detect red flags in their applications.

He specifically targeted the popular but risky strategy of applicants using the sale of their land or house as proof of funds.

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Dos and don'ts in visa application

Proof of funds is documentation done to show that applicants have enough money to pay for their education, housing, meals, and other costs while studying in another country.

According to him, prospects should avoid telling visa officers that they have sold their properties to fund their education abroad.

"Don't tell Canadian immigration or a visa officer that you sold your property to travel," he warns.

He explained that such a move could lead immigration officials to doubt the applicants’ intentions to return home after their studies, increasing the risk of visa rejection.

the dos and don'ts in visa application as a prospective visa applicant in Nigeria
NIgerian travel expert shares a warning against common visa application mistakes. Photo credit: @nigimmigration
Source: Getty Images

He advised that if an applicant must use property sales, they need to be strategic. He emphasised that if one must go through the path of selling their property, his or her remaining assets must outweigh what was sold.

He said:

"If you tell them you sold two plots of land, ensure you have seven plots of land... or at least a minimum of five."

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The man also stressed the importance of a well-written Statement of Purpose (SOP), which should clearly detail the applicant's post-graduation plans and how their new skills will be utilised back in Nigeria.

The video has been widely praised for its practical and candid advice.

Watch the TikTok video below:

List of countries with simpler visa process

In a similar report, the options for Nigerians to travel for study, for business, and for tourism have increased with the decision to relax visa rules by many countries.

Many African and Middle Eastern countries have made it easier for Nigerians to obtain visas to visit, study, or conduct business within their borders.

Below is the list of countries that have recently made the visa process simpler for Nigerians.

1. South Africa

South Africa has made the process of applying for visas more seamless and secure.

2. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The United Arab Emirates reopened its doors to Nigerians in 2024 by resuming visa issuance after nearly two years of diplomatic tension.

3. Kenya

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Kenya abolished the electronic travel authorization requirement for Nigerians and most African nationals, including Nigerians.

4. Rwanda

Nigerians can now travel to Rwanda visa-free for up to 30 days, which is a month.

5. Ghana

Ghana has introduced an online visa portal that simplifies applications for Nigerians.

6. Barbados

Barbados is extending visa-free stays for Nigerians to up to six months in the Caribbean.

7 countries Nigerians can visit without visa

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigerians have the opportunity to explore stunning destinations outside Africa without the burden of visa applications.

Several countries across the Caribbean, Pacific, and Latin America welcome Nigerian passport holders, making travel more convenient.

This report highlights visa-free countries that offer unique experiences, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Oluwadara Adebisi avatar

Oluwadara Adebisi (Human Interest Editor) Adebisi Oluwadara is a Human Interest Editor who joined Legit.ng in January 2026. He has over seven years of experience in press release writing and journalism. He graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in Food Science and Technology. However, he was mentored in journalism and became a certified journalist after completing the Google News Initiative courses in Advanced Digital Reporting and Fighting Misinformation. He can be reached at oluwadara.adebisi@corp.legit.ng