Canada Increases Visa Processing Times for Nigerians

Nigerians planning to visit, study or work in Canada may now have to wait longer for their applications to be processed following a fresh update by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The latest processing-time update, published on August 19, 2026, shows increases in the estimated processing periods for several temporary resident applications submitted from Nigeria.

According to figures compiled from the IRCC processing-time tool, the estimated processing time for Canadian visitor visas from Nigeria has increased to 76 days, up from 68 days in the previous update.

This represents an additional eight days for Nigerians applying for visitor visas from outside Canada.

The estimated processing time for study permits has also increased to nine weeks, representing a two-week rise from the previous figure.

Similarly, Nigerians applying for work permits are now facing an estimated processing time of nine weeks, also an increase of two weeks.

Applicants seeking a Super Visa are also affected, with the estimated processing time rising to 53 days, up from 43 days previously.

Latest Processing Times

– Visitor visa: 76 days — up 8 days
– Study permit: 9 weeks — up 2 weeks
– Work permit: 9 weeks — up 2 weeks
– Super Visa: 53 days — up 10 days

The changes could affect Nigerians planning trips to Canada for tourism, education, employment or family visits, as applicants may need to make allowance for the longer processing periods when making travel or relocation plans.

IRCC regularly updates its processing-time estimates based on factors including application volumes and processing capacity.

However, the published timelines are only estimates and do not guarantee that an application will be finalised within the stated period.

Applicants are therefore advised to check the IRCC processing-time tool regularly for the latest estimates when planning their applications.