Canada processing times rise for Nigerians applying for study, visitor visas - Vanguard News

Nigerians applying to travel to Canada are facing longer processing times for several temporary residence applications, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s latest update.

As of September 16, 2026, the estimated processing time for a Canadian study permit from Nigeria increased to 10 weeks, up from nine weeks the previous week.

The estimated wait for a visitor visa from Nigeria also increased, rising from 84 days on September 9 to 87 days on September 16.

Meanwhile, the processing time for Nigerian work permit applications remained unchanged at 10 weeks.

Canada’s processing-time estimates are not guarantees or maximum timelines.

IRCC says actual processing can vary depending on factors including application completeness, the volume of applications, verification requirements and whether additional checks are necessary.

The latest figures will be particularly relevant to Nigerians planning to begin studies in Canada.

IRCC’s September 16 estimate put the processing time for applications made from Nigeria at 10 weeks, compared with nine weeks on September 9.

For comparison, the estimates for applicants from India, Pakistan, the United States and the Philippines remained unchanged at five, seven, six and five weeks respectively.

IRCC advises prospective international students to apply as soon as they receive their letter of acceptance because processing times can vary by application and location.

Canada also requires most international students to obtain a study permit before coming to the country.

Applicants generally need documents including a letter of acceptance from their designated learning institution and, where applicable, a provincial or territorial attestation letter.

The processing estimate for Canadian visitor visa applications submitted from Nigeria increased by three days in the latest update.

The estimate moved from 84 days to 87 days between September 9 and September 16.

That compares with 29 days for applicants in India, 75 days in Pakistan, 16 days in the United States and 21 days in the Philippines.

IRCC notes that visitor visa processing times depend on factors including whether an application is complete, how quickly biometrics and other required documents are provided, and whether additional security checks are required.

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