Canada has increased the processing times for study permits and visitor visas for Nigerian applicants, according to the latest update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The updated figures show that study permit applications from Nigeria will now take about nine weeks to process, up from the previous seven weeks, while visitor visa applications will take approximately 86 days, representing an increase from the earlier estimate of 78 days.
The revised timelines are part of IRCC’s periodic updates to its processing estimates, which are adjusted based on application volumes and operational demands.
The development is expected to affect Nigerian students planning to begin academic programmes in Canada, as well as travellers seeking temporary entry into the country for tourism, family visits and other short-term purposes.
Canada remains one of the leading destinations for Nigerian students pursuing higher education abroad. However, longer processing times could require applicants to submit their visa applications earlier to avoid disruptions to travel and study plans.
Immigration authorities noted that processing times are estimates and may vary depending on the completeness of applications, verification requirements and overall demand.
The latest update comes amid broader adjustments to visa processing timelines in several countries as immigration agencies respond to fluctuating application numbers and evolving policy priorities.
Reports on recent IRCC updates indicate that processing times for temporary resident applications, including study permits and visitor visas, have experienced changes in response to application volumes.
Prospective applicants have been advised to monitor official IRCC updates regularly and ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly to minimise potential delays.
