Canada Extends Study Permit and Visitor Visa Processing Times for Nigerians

Canada has increased the estimated processing times for study permit and visitor visa applications submitted by Nigerians, signalling longer waiting periods for thousands of students, families and tourists planning to travel to the country. The revised estimates were published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in its latest weekly update of temporary residence processing times.

Under the latest update released on 16 September, the estimated processing time for study permits submitted from Nigeria increased from nine weeks to 10 weeks. Visitor visa applications also saw a slight increase, rising from 84 days to 87 days, according to figures compiled from IRCC’s latest processing-time bulletin.

The update also affects other temporary residence categories. Processing times for super visas, issued to eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, increased from 44 days to 46 days. However, the estimated processing time for work permits submitted from Nigeria remained unchanged at 10 weeks.

IRCC emphasizes that these figures are processing estimates rather than guaranteed deadlines. The department updates its temporary residence timelines every week, meaning the estimates fluctuate based on application volumes, staffing capacity and operational demands. Individual applications may therefore be completed more quickly or take longer depending on their complexity and supporting documentation.

The changes come as Canada continues to manage strong international demand for temporary entry, particularly from countries with growing interest in higher education and short-term travel. Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest sources of international students, with many applicants choosing Canadian universities and colleges for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Immigration advisers say the longer study permit timeline could affect admission planning for students whose academic sessions begin in the coming months. They encourage applicants to submit complete documentation early, respond promptly to requests for additional information and avoid making irreversible travel arrangements until visas have been approved.

Visitor visa applicants may also experience delays in planning tourism, family visits and business travel. While the increases are relatively modest, the revised estimates highlight the importance of applying well in advance, particularly during periods of high seasonal demand.

Canada has introduced several immigration and international student reforms in recent years, including measures aimed at managing enrolment growth, strengthening programme integrity and balancing demand with available housing and public services. Those broader policy adjustments have contributed to evolving application procedures and processing expectations across multiple visa categories.

For Nigerian travellers, the latest IRCC update is less about stricter immigration rules than changing administrative timelines. As demand for Canadian education and travel remains strong, early preparation and realistic planning are becoming increasingly important for applicants navigating the visa process.