4 October 2026
At 10:02 a.m. EDT on September 29th, Chibuike’s 22nd birthday, we submitted his fourth application for a Canadian study permit to attend the University of Victoria in January. Each time, we have worked diligently to answer the concerns raised by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). We hope this birthday submission will soon become an even greater cause for celebration!
This round was especially challenging. After the theft we described in our last post, Chibuike had only a replacement phone, with no laptop or tablet, which made completing the application very difficult. He and I communicated extensively so that I could assist as much and as accurately as possible with the three major forms and the questionnaire, 12 pages in all.
Next came Chibuike’s Letter of Explanation, addressing IRCC’s concerns about his intent to return to Nigeria after his studies and how his finances support that plan. Alongside the 3-page letter, he included 21 pages of supporting material, several of them newly researched and gathered.
My part was a revised Proof of Funds, reaffirming our commitment to paying for his education and, this time, ensuring the money is clearly accessible to Chibuike. Along the way, we learned about a Canadian program we had not known of before: the Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC). A GIC holds funds in Chibuike’s name, but he can access them only after he is approved and presents his study permit and passport at a Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) branch in Victoria. We also transfered one year of tuition directly into his student account. Like the GIC, that payment is protected and refundable if he is unable to attend UVic. Both involved international transfers, considerable paperwork, and waiting for confirming documentation.
The finished funding packet includes a 4-page letter and 44 pages of required and requested support material. As with the previous application, we included an affidavit committing to the funding, along with a plan for years 2-4 of his studies, separate proof of funds for his travel from Nigeria to Canada and back, and a variety of bank and retirement fund documentation materials. For both packets, we included several letters of support. Assembling all 84 pages—submitted online—took 19 days, untold texts and calls on WhatsApp, many calls to CIBC and UVic, a couple trips to S&T Bank, and lots of coffee!
Pretty involved, right? Now we wait. The estimated processing time is 8 to 10 weeks, which takes us into the first week of December. If approved, Chibuike will begin classes on January 4. If denied again? Not in our thinking. Our eyes are on January 2027.
Please join us in thinking positive thoughts, as you have throughout this entire process. Your support so far, including the generosity shown after our last couple of posts, will carry him through December and, we hope, on his way to fulfilling his educational goals.
Hank Knerr,Fund Manager
