Nairametrics reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has lengthened the estimated processing window for Nigerian visitor visa applicants. The new estimate stands at 103 days, marking a significant rise from the previous maximum of 87 days. This adjustment is part of a broader update affecting multiple nationalities, including those from India, Pakistan and the Philippines, although some specific categories saw reduced wait times.
For Nigerian citizens, the duration for work and study permits has not changed, remaining at 10 weeks each. The publication noted that work permit processing times increased for applicants in Pakistan and the Philippines, as well as those applying from within Canada. Specifically, the wait for Canadian-based applicants rose to 15 weeks, while Pakistan’s increased to nine weeks and the Philippines’ to eight weeks. India’s work permit timeline stayed at 11 weeks, and the United States remained at six weeks.
Study permit timelines also shifted for several regions. Nairametrics indicated that India’s estimated time rose to seven weeks, and Pakistan’s to eight weeks. The Philippines saw its study permit wait extend to six weeks. Conversely, applicants in Canada and the United States experienced shorter waits, dropping to seven and five weeks respectively. These changes reflect varying administrative volumes and requirements across different jurisdictions.
The update also impacted super visa processing, which facilitates extended visits by parents and grandparents of Canadian residents. The Philippines faced the most substantial delay, with its wait extending by 13 days to reach 103 days. Pakistan’s timeline grew to 105 days, while India and the United States recorded waits of 77 and 68 days. Nigeria was the sole highlighted country to see a reduction, with its super visa wait decreasing from 37 to 35 days.
Canadian officials clarify that these figures are estimates rather than fixed deadlines. Nairametrics explains that actual durations depend on factors such as document completeness and case complexity. Applicants are advised to ensure their submissions are thorough and to track progress via official channels. The October figures confirm the 103-day wait for Nigerian visitor visas, a 16-day jump from mid-September.