visitors visa for my nigerian friend

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I have a Nigerian friend (we've been chatting on the net, webcam, phone, etc) since 5 yrs. We would like to meet. He is much younger then me, and we have no  intention to marry etc...we just want to take our friendship one step further. He is financially stable, and has a job, as well as his own business, therefore  it will be easier for him to come to Canada, rather then me fly to Nigeria. However due to divorce and not finding employing because of my age, I am receiving welfare. Is it still somehow possible to send him a letter of invitation so he can get a visitors visa? He is stable over there and can show money in the bank too. He would only stay a few weeks , I have no fear that he will not return. It is all very legit. We would like to have some time together, but have been told that I can stop wishing for this , as nothing will ever be approved as long as I am on welfare. Is there no hope , no way ? Please, any input, advise etc will be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Pippin]

You may find your best approach is for your friend to apply for a visitor visa as if he is coming for a trip to see part of the country and not to see a friend.  A huge part of the problem is that VO's do not believe that people will return to their home country.  Having a kindly invitation may make them think that they have more ties in Canada than in their own country.  You are caught between a rock and a hard place.  We tried to help a friend get a visa to visit and it was turned down for the above reason.  There was never any question of staying and it really made me angry.  We had to provide copies of birth cert/passport/bank statement (all notarized), it was very invasive, to prove who we were and that we could afford this guest.  In turn he had to provide his bank statements and was still refused.  In hind sight, I would say be completely honest in all dealings but don't give more information than necessary.  Good luck.