Nigerians applying for Canadian temporary residence documents are facing longer estimated processing times for several application categories, following the latest update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
on September 16, 2026, the update shows increase in the estimated processing times for study permits, visitor visas and super visas for applicants in Nigeria, while the estimate for work permits remained unchanged.
For Nigerian applicants, the study permit processing estimate increased from nine weeks to 10 weeks, while visitor visa processing rose from 84 days to 87 days. The super visa estimates also increased from 44 days to 46 days.
Study Permit Processing Time Rises to 10 Weeks
The estimated processing time for a Canadian study permit submitted from Nigeria has increased by one week. Nigerian applicants now face an estimated processing time of 10 weeks, compared with nine weeks in the previous update.
Other countries recorded different estimates:
- Applicants applying from India remained at five weeks;
- Pakistan remained at seven weeks;
- The United States remained at six weeks; and
- The Philippines remained at five weeks.
Applicants already in Canada also saw their estimated processing time increase from seven to eight weeks.
The change is particularly relevant to prospective international students planning their travel around academic start dates, as delays in obtaining a study permit can affect travel and enrolment arrangements.
Visitor Visa Processing Also Increases
The estimated processing time for Canadian visitor visas submitted from Nigeria increased from 84 days to 87 days.
Pakistan also recorded an increase, moving from 73 to 75 days, while processing estimates for applicants in India and the United States declined slightly.
The latest figures mean Nigerian applicants seeking to visit Canada should factor the updated estimate into their travel planning rather than relying on the previous processing timeframe.
Super Visa Processing Rises for Nigerians
Nigerian applicants for Canada’s super visa also saw a rise in the estimated processing period. The processing estimate increased from 44 days to 46 days.
The United States recorded a much larger increase, with its estimate rising from 66 days to 116 days, while Pakistan recorded a significant decline from 132 days to 95 days.
The changes show that processing estimates can move differently across countries and application categories from one update to another.
Work Permit Processing Remains Unchanged
Unlike study permits, visitor visas and super visas, the estimated processing time for work permits submitted from Nigeria remained unchanged at 10 weeks.
Processing estimates for applicants from India, Pakistan and the Philippines also remained unchanged. The United States, however, recorded an increase from two weeks to three weeks.
IRCC Says Processing Times Are Estimates
IRCC cautions that its published processing times should not be interpreted as fixed deadlines or guarantees.
The estimates are intended to provide applicants with an indication of how long it may take to process an application.
According to IRCC, processing times can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The type and completeness of an application;
- The number of applications in the processing inventory;
- How quickly applications already received can be processed;
- How easily the applicant’s information can be verified;
- Requests for additional information or documents; and
- Other checks that may be required.
IRCC’s processing-time system also incorporates biometrics where applicable.
Canada Continues to Manage International Student Numbers
The latest increase comes as Canada continues to adjust its temporary resident and international student programmes.
Canada has been reducing the number of new international students it expects to receive, while introducing measures designed to manage the overall temporary resident population.
The country also increased the amount of money prospective international students must demonstrate for living expenses. From September 1, 2026, a single student applying for a study permit is required to demonstrate C$23,448 for living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation costs.
The financial requirement is separate from the processing-time estimate and must be considered when preparing a study permit application.
Study Permit Allocation Remains a Consideration
Canada has also reduced its study permit allocation and introduced provincial and territorial allocations as part of its approach to managing international student arrivals.
This means prospective Nigerian students must consider more than processing times when planning to study in Canada.
Applicants should account for:
- Study permit processing time;
- Proof-of-funds requirements;
- Tuition and accommodation costs;
- Travel arrangements; and
- The start date of their academic programme.
IRCC advises prospective students to apply for their study permits as soon as they are accepted by a designated learning institution so there is sufficient time for processing before their studies begin.
Canada Continues to Target Skilled Workers
While Canada is tightening controls in some temporary-residence categories, the country continues to maintain immigration pathways aimed at attracting workers with skills that align with labour-market needs.
This creates a distinction between Canada’s approach to temporary residents, including international students, and its continued focus on attracting certain categories of skilled workers.
What This Means for Nigerian Applicants
For Nigerians planning to study, visit or reunite with family members in Canada, the latest processing-time changes reinforce the importance of allowing sufficient time for applications. Applicants should avoid treating the published processing estimate as a guaranteed decision date.
Those with fixed travel or academic start dates should also consider possible changes to processing times after submitting their applications.
IRCC’s current system is updated regularly, meaning applicants should check the official processing-time tool when preparing their applications and monitor their application status after submission.
Key Takeaway
Canada’s latest processing-time update means Nigerian applicants for several temporary residence categories are now facing longer estimated waiting periods.
Study permit processing has increased to 10 weeks, visitor visa processing to 87 days, and super visa processing to 46 days, while work permit processing remains at 10 weeks.
The figures are estimates rather than guarantees and can change as IRCC receives and processes applications.
For Nigerians planning to study, visit or travel to Canada, the practical approach is to apply early, allow additional time beyond the published estimate and regularly check IRCC’s processing-time information for the latest figures.
